5 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

When you are applying for a particular job, one of the first things that a prospective employer will see is your cover letter. It’s basically an introduction for your resume so that individuals will want to take a closer look into you and what you have to potentially offer their company.

Since first impressions are extremely important, you want to make sure that you put your best foot (or rather, keystrokes) forward when you’re putting your cover letter together. Therefore, we wanted to provide you with a list of five common cover letter mistakes that many people make in hopes that you will be able to create one that will make employers want to call you in for an interview.

Being too informal

Sometimes people think that if they come with a witty approach that it will work in their favor. Remember that your cover letter and resume are to get individuals to see your skills. Your personality is something that you should reserve more for the interview and so, you need to remain as formal (“Dear Mr.” or “Dear Ms.”, etc.) as possible.

Not paying attention to the length

One of the biggest mistakes that people tend to make is crafting a letter that is either too short or way too long. Customarily, a cover letter should be two (five-sentence) paragraphs if you’re going to send it via email and 4-5 paragraphs (max) if it’s going to be delivered by fax or snail mail.

Rewording the resume 

If your cover letter is only going to repeat what is already listed in your resume, then there’s not too much of a point in writing one. Remember that the cover letter is what you’re using to make employers want to look at your resume, so work to make it addresses the particular job that you’re applying for and/or to address anything within the resume that may seem unclear.

Failing to remove typos

No matter what kind of position that you’re applying for, if you’re going to send an online resume or deliver it by mail, your employer is going to want to feel that you are a good communicator, both in verbal and written form. It’s going to be pretty hard for them to believe that if your cover letter is full of grammatical errors and typos. That’s why it’s imperative that you read your cover letter several times to check for any editing that it needs before you send it out.

Leaving out contact information

Although cover letters and resumes may be sent together, that doesn’t always mean that they won’t end up separated under a pile of other people’s employment history. This is why it’s a good idea to make sure that you have your name, email and phone number even on your cover letter. For safe measure, it’s also a good idea to close out your letter with letting the company know that you’ll follow up with a phone call or email in about a week just to make sure that your information was received. The more thorough you are in the applying process, the better chance you’ll have of landing an interview.

A cover letter is often the first impression a hiring manager has of you, so it’s crucial to make it count. A well-crafted cover letter can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview, while a poorly written one could cost you the job. Here are 5 common cover letter mistakes to avoid:

1. Generic or Vague Content

• Mistake: Writing a cover letter that could apply to any job, without tailoring it to the specific position or company.

• Why It’s a Problem: Hiring managers can easily spot a generic cover letter, and it shows a lack of effort or interest in the specific role. Employers want to know why you’re excited about this job with this company, not just any position.

• How to Avoid It: Tailor your cover letter to the job description and company. Mention specific details about the role, such as responsibilities or values, and align your skills and experience with them. Show that you’ve researched the company and explain why you’re a good fit.

2. Using a “One-Size-Fits-All” Template

• Mistake: Using the same template for every cover letter, without customizing the details for each job application.

• Why It’s a Problem: Templates are often too formulaic and can come off as impersonal. This can give the impression that you’re not taking the time to craft a thoughtful letter for each opportunity.

• How to Avoid It: While it’s okay to have a basic structure, always personalize each cover letter by adjusting the introduction, body, and closing to reflect the specifics of the job and company.

3. Focusing Too Much on What You Want, Not What You Can Offer

• Mistake: Emphasizing what the company can do for you (e.g., “I want a job that challenges me” or “I’m looking for career growth”) instead of what you can contribute to the company.

• Why It’s a Problem: Employers are hiring you to solve problems or fulfill a role in their organization. Focusing too much on your own desires can make it seem like you’re more interested in what the company can give you rather than what you can offer them.

• How to Avoid It: Focus on the value you can bring to the company. Highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments that directly align with the job requirements. Show how you can contribute to the company’s success.

4. Overloading with Too Much Information

• Mistake: Writing a cover letter that is too long, cramming in excessive details about your background or irrelevant information.

• Why It’s a Problem: Hiring managers are often busy, and long cover letters can be overwhelming. If the letter is too lengthy or filled with irrelevant information, it could be ignored or dismissed.

• How to Avoid It: Keep your cover letter concise and focused. Aim for 3-4 short paragraphs (about half a page to a full page) that emphasize your qualifications, why you’re interested in the role, and why you’re a good fit for the company.

5. Poor Grammar and Spelling Errors

• Mistake: Submitting a cover letter with spelling or grammatical mistakes, which can give a bad impression.

• Why It’s a Problem: Errors in your cover letter make it look like you haven’t paid attention to detail or that you didn’t take the time to proofread. It can also reflect poorly on your professionalism.

• How to Avoid It: Always proofread your cover letter multiple times before submitting. Use spelling and grammar check tools, but don’t rely solely on them—reading the letter out loud or having someone else review it can also help catch errors.

Bonus Tip: Not Following the Instructions

• Mistake: Ignoring the instructions provided in the job posting (e.g., not including a specific subject line or requested documents).

• Why It’s a Problem: Not following instructions can suggest that you can’t pay attention to details or are not serious about the job.

• How to Avoid It: Read the job posting carefully and make sure you follow all the application instructions precisely.

Conclusion:

Your cover letter should serve as a personalized introduction to the employer, showcasing your qualifications and passion for the role. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression and moving forward in the hiring process. Make sure to tailor your letter to each opportunity, keep it concise, proofread carefully, and focus on what you can contribute to the company.

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5 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid