Cover Letters -- Dos and Don'ts

By Robin Ryan, career expert and author of 'Winning Cover Letter'

The biggest mistake many job hunters make is skipping writing a cover letter when sending off a resume, says Jim, an AT&T human resource manager. He shares his insight, saying, "Cover letters are very influential, and a well written letter can grab an interview just on its own merit. It's too bad most job hunters are so lazy they don't write one. That's an error no savvy job hunter wants to make.

"Writing cover letters is hard for most people so they talk themselves into not doing it. That's number one on our "don't" list. We published a survey of over 600 hiring managers including the exact formula employers want you to use in "Winning Cover Letters."

Here are some key ones to keep in mind: