Your cover letter should be only one page long. Don’t go over the top with the design of your cover letter. Pay attention to the design and choose a style that works well for you. Use plain fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana, Tahoma, Century Schoolbook and Garamond. Keep font sizes between 10 and 12 point (depending on the font). Steer clear of using graphics and fancy borders on your cover letter, unless of course you’re interested in design jobs that require more of a creative flair. Left-align your cover letter as well - this style suits current fashion and looks a lot neater.

Spacing
No-one likes reading mountains and mountains of straight text. Not only is this hard on the eyes, it’s also a little overwhelming to the reader. Use plenty of white space to give your cover letter a lift, and remember to use blank lines between paragraphs.

Style count
Your cover letter needs to be inviting to the reader. If you’re sending your cover letter and resume by post, print it out on white or light-coloured paper. Use a laser printer for extra sharpness.

Right language
Be mindful of the language you use in your cover letter. Here are eight don’ts to bear in mind when it comes to language usage in your cover letter:

Being too aggressive and overpowering in your cover letter is an instant turn-off. Apply for jobs you’re genuinely interested in.

Don’t use negative statements. *Don’t waffle. One of the big bugbears of recruiters is cover letters full of waffle. Write just one page of short, snappy statements. If you have the gift of the gab and can talk the hind legs off a donkey, then edit your cover letter ruthlessly after you’ve written it.

Don’t overuse the word ‘I’. Avoid pouring out your heart to the recruiter, particularly if you’ve experienced bad luck in the past. Keep the sob stories off paper.

Don’t use too many big words. Don’t go overboard trying to impress the recruiter with your extensive vocabulary. Use simple, straightforward language that every man and his dog will understand. Also, avoid using slang, colloquialisms or company acronyms.

Never ever lie, embellish the truth or pretend to be someone you’re not in your cover letter. Remember, the writing’s on the wall when the referee checks are completed.

Focusing on the employer
Too many people mention in a cover letter what they want from the employer, instead of focusing on the employer’s needs. A well-written cover letter convinces the recruiter you have what it takes to do the job. It outlines why the company is special and talks about how you can add value to the company’s business.

Keeping your salary a secret
Don’t mention salary requirements in your cover letter. It may work against you. The interview is the best time to bring up money matters.