Write a cover letter

A letter read in thirty seconds has to fit in three paragraphs. Here is what they contain, and the phrases that get it discarded.

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Before writing

Before writing
Done	To do
	Pick out the two requirements repeated or detailed in the ad key Those are the real criteria; the rest is a wish list.
	Find the name of the person you are writing to "Dear Sir or Madam" signals a letter sent to thirty companies.
	Choose the one experience that best matches the role key One example developed beats four skimmed over.

Structure
Done	To do
	Open on the company or the role, never on yourself key "I am writing to apply" adds nothing: the reader can already see that.
	Devote the second paragraph to one piece of evidence with figures key What you did, in what context, with what result.
	Devote the third to what you would do for them key Almost nobody writes this paragraph, and it is the one that makes the difference.
	Close on availability, not on pleading "I would be glad to discuss this further" is enough.

Proofreading
Done	To do
	Check the letter fits on one page, margins included key
	Delete every sentence that could appear in any other letter key If it works for another role, it does nothing here.
	Check the company name and job title key Copy-paste errors are the most common and the most damaging.
	Have it read by someone outside your field If they cannot tell what you do, neither can a recruiter.