Cover Letters Cover Letter Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When you don't know the hiring manager's name, what is the best salutation to use?
- To Whom It May Concern
- Dear Hiring Manager (Correct answer)
- Hey there
- Dear Sir or Madam
Correct answer: Dear Hiring Manager
"Dear Hiring Manager" is professional, gender-neutral, and warmer than dated phrases like "To Whom It May Concern."
Question 2: What should the opening paragraph of a cover letter accomplish?
- List every job you have ever held
- State the position and grab the reader's interest (Correct answer)
- Negotiate salary expectations
- Apologize for any gaps in your resume
Correct answer: State the position and grab the reader's interest
The opening should name the role you're applying for and hook the reader with enthusiasm or a strong qualification.
Question 3: Which file format best preserves a cover letter's formatting when emailed to employers?
- PDF (Correct answer)
- An editable text message
- A scanned photo
- A spreadsheet
Correct answer: PDF
PDF keeps fonts and layout intact across devices, unlike formats that can shift or be altered.
Question 4: How should you address a gap in employment within a cover letter?
- Ignore it completely and hope they don't notice
- Briefly and positively, focusing on skills gained or relevance (Correct answer)
- Write a full paragraph of detailed excuses
- Blame your previous employer
Correct answer: Briefly and positively, focusing on skills gained or relevance
A brief, positive framing reassures the employer without dwelling on the gap.
Question 5: What is the purpose of tailoring a cover letter to a specific job posting?
- To make it longer than competitors' letters
- To show you understand the role and meet its requirements (Correct answer)
- To avoid having to write a resume
- To impress with industry jargon
Correct answer: To show you understand the role and meet its requirements
Tailoring demonstrates genuine interest and aligns your qualifications with the posting's needs.
Question 6: Which closing line is most appropriate for a professional cover letter?
- "Sincerely," (Correct answer)
- "Later,"
- "XOXO,"
- "Peace out,"
Correct answer: "Sincerely,"
"Sincerely" is a standard, professional closing that suits business correspondence.
Question 7: What should you do before submitting a cover letter?
- Send it immediately without review
- Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors (Correct answer)
- Add as many adjectives as possible
- Copy a friend's letter word for word
Correct answer: Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors
Proofreading catches errors that can make you appear careless to employers.
Cover Letters Cover Letter Knowledge 2
When you don't know the hiring manager's name, what is the best salutation to use?