I have spent a considerable amount of time writing about how to structure an effective cover letter and the things you want to include therein. What I haven’t told you though is the things that you should absolutely leave out of a cover letter. There is some information that simply does not belong in this document. Here is a Top 5 list of the things that do not bear referencing:

Terminations: Do not reference terminations in your cover letter. The objective of the letter is to market yourself – not give a potential hiring manager a reason to pass you over for the interview. You should always reference positive things within the cover letter. Showcasing your skills and abilities in the cover will help to demonstrate how past contributions will drive future performance.

Medical Situations: Medical issues that affected your ability to work for a short- or long-term time should not be included in your cover letter. Perhaps you were able to volunteer your time during your leave or undertake some other efforts to keep you active. If that is the situation, you can and should discuss what you were involved with; always maintain a proactive and productive approach.

Personal Matters: Your cover letter is a professional document; this is no place to discuss personal issues. A professional approach should ALWAYS be employed. If you are not sure, ask someone for his or her opinion. If you do have a personal situation that can be linked in a positive way to the role, then by all means reveal it. Otherwise, when in doubt, leave it out.

Family Issues: Perhaps you have been caring for an ailing family member for an extended period of time, which has left you with a gap in employment – this is no place to reference that information. Situations like this arise for a lot of people. Regardless of the issue, discuss only your professional experiences and the relationship to the position for which you are applying.

Generic Data: It is important that your cover letter not contain generic information. The purpose of the letter is to provide compelling information about you and your knowledge of the company. A generic letter is uninspiring and boring – something you definitely don’t want to be! Highlight your unique qualities and achievements.

The most important thing to remember is that the cover letter should complement your resume, not detract from it. Re-read from the “outside” and make sure it shows all positive components, no excuses, no explanations just goodness.

Don’t miss out!  A five part teleseminar begins on February 18th! For more information and to sign up go to: jobadvicementor.com. You cannot afford to miss this for exceptional career advice!

Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.

Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of CareersDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.

Debra can be reached at –
[email protected]
ResumesDoneWrite.Blogspot.com
WWW.CareersDoneWrite.com
Connect to me on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter