leave a strong impression with the closing.

The line, “I look forward to hearing from you”, could not be more ineffective and unimpressive. The way you close your covering letter is a final opportunity to show how you are different, and how you would fit better than the other applicants. Use this part of your letter to add small but important details — such as your willingness to work from different locations, your curiosity to know more and take on

stretch responsibilities.

But know the difference between being confident and proactive, and being overbearing or over- selling yourself. Be professional and do not use hyperbolic language.

go through it again — and again.

Proof-read for spelling, grammar and typo errors. Do not use abbreviations or acronyms. Also, edit the cover letter for the message it conveys, the tone in which it talks to the reader, and the

reaction it evokes. Does it show your integrity and enthusiasm? Does it project you (without overselling you) as a better person for the job?

It is important to send the cover letter according to the instructions given in the job posting.

If it asks for the cover letter and resume to be sent as an email attachment, do so as a Word or PDF file with your email message. If the requirement is to submit the documents through an online

application system, look at the type of document that the system asks for.

Writing a cover letter takes purposeful effort. But one thing for sure — it’s absolutely important to invest time and effort to create a professional application. That’s how you can make the right impression.

All the best!

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