Abbreviations are an important aspect of a cover letter, but they should be used wisely and with great care.  Refrain from using technical jargon which the reader may not understand or abbreviations which may replace full words in the main body of the letter.

For example; if you are intending to type ‘By the way’ do not abbreviate it to ‘BTW’.  This may be an acceptable practise on FaceBook, Twitter and when texting, however they should be reserved only for these purposes and for use with people you know well, but certainly never in a professional capacity.

Here are some ideas about which abbreviations are acceptable:

CC – Carbon Copy
When you send a letter to more than one person, you use this abbreviation to let the receiver know who else is receiving a copy

BC – Blind Copy
Used when a copy of the letter is sent to someone without the receiver knowing – in this case the BC would only be included on that additional persons letter – not the principal recipient

PP – Per Procurationem
A Latin phrase meaning that you are signing the letter on somebody else's behalf

ASAP – As Soon As Possible
Used to indicate the urgency of the action required

PTO – Please Turn Over
To make sure that the other person knows the letter continues on another page side

RSVP – Please Respond
French expression "répondez s'il vous plaît" meaning “please respond”

ENC. – Enclosure
When you include other papers or documents with your letter

PS – Postscript
Used when you want to add something (usually in handwriting) after you have completed, printed and signed your letter

Stay tuned for more tips on cover letters!!