What NOT to include in your cover letter

Don’t Indicate Why You Left Your Last Job – Never discuss why you left your last employer, or why you can’t wait to leave your current employer, in a cover letter. And never say that you hated your boss. This is one of the best ways to exclude yourself from consideration.

Don’t Discuss Your Health – Never discuss your health in a cover letter. You may discuss your health during an interview if you have a condition that requires special equipment or facilities. Recruiters do not expect you to include your health information in a cover letter or resume.

Don’t Complain – Never complain in your cover letter, your resume or during an interview. Don’t criticize your current employer, your manager or complain about any jobs you’ve held in the past. It’s not professional and will be frowned upon by the corporate recruiter.

Don’t Write your cover letter on Corporate Letterhead – Never write your cover letter on the letterhead of your current employer. Your cover letter is about you and is not related your employer so don’t use corporate letterhead. Plain white, or off-white, paper is best.

Don’t Send a Generic Cover Letter – Don’t send a generic cover letter. If you take time to research your prospective employer it will be appreciated. A generic cover letter will fast track your resume into the wastebasket.

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