How to name drop in a cover letter

To name drop in a cover letter, it is important to remember a few things:

• Don't rely exclusively on name-dropping. A cover letter is meant to be an introduction to you as a candidate, as well as a strong representation of your qualifications, skills, talents, and fitness for the desired position.

  While name-dropping may be an asset of value to an employer if they think they can leverage anything from your good connection, remember your cover letter should still focus primarily on yourself.

• When you were referred. This is definitely a case where you should name-drop. Listing the person who referred you will immediately bring specific context to your cover letter.

  It also might be seen as strange if you don't mention this person since they have spoken about you to the hiring manager.

• Keep it concise. Again, remember your cover letter is about you, so you should not go on and on about another relevant person in this context.

  This is also recommended because most cover letters shouldn't be very long, and they need to be digestible. Keep most of the cover letter's contents to your specific value to the prospective employer.

• Always get permission to name drop. When mentioning someone in your cover letter, you should ask for their permission to do so.

  This way, it is not unexpected for the person, and they can be prepared to back you up or sing your praises if they are asked about you.

• Don't be arrogant. It's important not to have name-dropping come off as bragging in your cover letter.

  You don't want the hiring manager to think you are entitled to the position because of your personal connection in any way.

• Stay honest. It might be tempting to embellish your relationship with the connection in your cover letter, but do not do this.

  This can have a negative effect on the hiring manager's thoughts about you if they ask the person about you and they contradict one of your statements.