How to critique your own Cover Letter?

Your cover letter is a vital part of the application process and can be what helps you (or prevents you) from getting that interview. Is your cover letter ready to be seen by employers? Use this checklist to make sure that your cover letter is the best it can be before sending it out.

• Do you understand the importance and role of a cover letter?
• Do you know the basics of writing a cover letter?
• Are you sending any cover letters via email or another electronic format? If so, brush up on this area.
• Is the letter an original document specifically for this employer rather than a mass-produced form letter?
• Is the letter written in proper business format?
• Is your contact information clear and concise?
• Is the letter neat in appearance?
• Is the letter reader-friendly, including bulleted points if needed?
• Is the letter no longer than a page?
• Have you signed your name?
• Is everything spelled correctly and there are no typos?
• Does the letter state a purpose?
• Are there action words in the letter?
• Is it concise?
• There should be an absence of cliches and other funny-sounding phrases.
• The letter should be sharply focused.
• Does the letter sound confident but not arrogant?
• Is the letter interesting to read?
• Does the letter make the reader think of someone they want to interview?
• Read the letter from the employer's point of view.
• Is it addressed to a real person, not a general title?
• In response to a blind ad, is the title gender-neutral?
• Is the letter free of negatives?
• Are you specific about the kind of job you are seeking?
• Do you highlight the requirements the ad listed?
• Have you mentioned specific skills?
• Have you told the employer what you have to offer them?
• Have you requested action from the employer?
• Have you avoided phrases such as 'willing to learn'?
• Do you sound desperate?
• If you recently graduated, are you relying too heavily on academics?
• Have you avoided rewriting your resume in your cover letter?
• Have you avoided describing your objectives vaguely?
• Have you avoided listing hobbies and other personal information that is irrelevant?
• Have you taken advantage of networking contacts if possible?
• Have you listed accomplishments?
• Have you demonstrated what you know about the company?
• Have you made sure that your cover letter is not too brief, and that you have elaborated fully on skills?