1. The Cover Letter is Not an Autobiography

A strong cover letter is brief and to the point. The purpose of the cover letter (and resume) is to demonstrate that you meet or exceed the requirements listed in the job description.

It should also express your interest in the position and that you’re available to accept the position if offered. Additional information beyond this can be counterproductive as it dilutes the message of the cover letter.

2. Avoid Negative Topics

A cover letter is not the place to explain why you are leaving an employer, why there are gaps in your employment history, etc. These negative topics are best discussed in person during an interview so that you can address them and hopefully your personality can counter them.

3. Don’t Mention What the Job Could Do for You

Employers are concerned with what skills and experience you bring to their organizations. They want to know how your addition will be beneficial to their operation. Statements about how this opportunity would help you take the next step toward running an agency don’t interest them. While ambitions can be a good thing, the cover letter isn’t the place to detail them.

4. Do Not Mention Salary History or Expectations

If the job requirements specifically state that without a salary history, the resume will not be considered, give a historical salary range and state that your salary requirements are flexible based on the opportunity the position will provide.

5. Personalize Your Cover Letter

Your letter should be addressed to a specific person. Form cover letters not addressed to a specific recipient indicate you are broadcasting your resume to every employer in the area and weren’t interested enough in the position to modify the letter. Even if you don’t know the recipient’s name, you can usually find a contact name on the companies’ web site. Personally addressing your letter is a great way to make it stand out from the hundreds or thousands of letters an employer may receive.