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Cover letters are typically one page documents. The cover letter is a business letter directed to a prospective employer that indicates your interest in employment with an organization. Usually it accompanies your resume, aiming to introduce it. Since resumes arriving without a cover letter are rarely read, think of the resume and the cover letter as a team.
1. Keep it short and on topic.
2. Emphasize your strengths.
3. State your skills and degree upfront.
4. Personalize it to a specific individual if possible
5. Tailor it to the position you are applying for.
6. Write about your salary expectations.
7. Clearly state that you are available for an interview.
8. State why you are interested to work for them.
9. Include contact information, phone or email and time you can be contacted for an interview.
10. Thank them for their time and express confidence that you will meet.
The thing that bothers me is that the article recommends writing about my salary expectations. If I write too little they will consider me not worthy, if I write too much, same thing. This could be a deal breaker. Is it really important to discuss my salary in such an early phase? How do I know if my expectations are realistic?
Yes, I don't include a salary range unless the job posting specifically mentions it. In fact I will wait for the interviewer to bring up salary expectations. Being too focussed on money gives a negative impression. That said it is a part of due dilligence to know the current market. I think its wise to ask for the higher end of the range. Lowballing yourself doesn't make you more attractive.
I agree with you. I've never included my salary expectations in my Cover letter or Resume. I am always afraid that if I do a lot of job opportunities may slip through my fingers.
One more thing - After sending your Cover letter and Resume ALWAYS follow up!