mistake in my cover letter

11 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

When it comes to the job application process, cover letters are as relevant as ever.

They complement your resume and can effectively set you apart from a sea of other candidates…

And yet, most job-seekers tend to make the same common cover letter mistakes (which can even cost them the job).

To prevent you from making the same mistakes, we compiled this list of job-seekers' 11 most common cover letter mistakes.

Avoid these mistakes, and you’re well on your way to landing your next job!

Ready? Let’s dive in!

11 Cover Letter Mistakes (That You Should Avoid)

Mistake #1. making it all about yourself.

“How can I not make it about myself,” you might think. “After all, this is my cover letter.”

Well, yes, but here’s the thing.

You should use your cover letter to better explain why you’re the perfect fit for the company, not as free space to talk about yourself. Think about what the recruiter wants to read, not only what you want to say.

Specifically, do talk about a few relevant strengths and noteworthy achievements that will highlight your skills for the position (that you couldn’t elaborate on your resume).

Don’t overuse “I,” don’t start sharing your life story as if your cover letter is your autobiography, and don’t come up with irrelevant competencies you just assume will make you look good. Huge cover letter mistakes.

Mistake #2. Repeating your resume

There’s a quote by Zig Ziglar that says: “ repetition is the mother of learning. ” Great quote, but it still doesn’t justify using your cover letter to repeat your resume.

Recruiters want you to prove that you’re worth the job. But if they open your cover letter and re-read your resume (which they’ve surely already read), you’d have made a big cover letter mistake.

If you have nothing new to say, you can explain in more detail how one of your achievements prepared you for the job you’re applying for, or how you can contribute to the company’s mission. Anything that will add value instead of just listing out your job history and responsibilities will do.

Want to promote your personal brand and make a lasting impression as a candidate? Match your cover letter with your resume! All of the Novorésumé resume templates come with a matching cover letter design. So, just pick a style you like and get started now!

Mistake #3. Exceeding one page

Your cover letter shouldn’t be an autobiography.

You might be tempted to go on and on and describe your entire career history, but that’s simply not what the cover letter is for.

A good cover letter has 3 main objectives:

To (briefly) introduce you and your career goals
To summarize your (relevant) professional background
To explain anything that you didn’t have space for in your resume, but that the recruiter should know

As such, the ideal cover letter length is 250-400 words long or between three to six paragraphs .

Mistake #4. Mass sending a cover letter

Ideally, your cover letters should be tailored to each job that you apply for.

A generic cover letter that you just copy and paste from an internet sample shows you submitted one just because you have to, not out of genuine interest for the position.

Your cover letter should show that you put in the effort—that’s what makes all the difference.

If, however, you’re applying to many jobs and don’t really have the time to write, say, 20 cover letters, make sure to at least customize the company’s and the hiring manager’s name in each.

Wondering how to start off your cover letter? Our guides on how to start a cover letter can help you with that!

Mistake #5. Using cliches without backing them up

As you’re writing your cover letter, you might be tempted to use phrases like “I’m an excellent team player,” “dedicated problem-solver,” or “great communicator.”

Which is fair - these are very important skills but any job out there.

Here’s the thing, though: these buzzwords are used so often in resumes & cover letters today that they’ve become cliches.

Sure, you can claim to be a “great communicator,” but so do all the other applicants.

The only case we do recommend mentioning such cliches is when you can actually back them up with your past experiences.

So instead of saying “I’m a great communicator,” you say “I’m a great communicator, as proven by Experience A, B, and C.”

Developed teamwork skills by coordinating with 10 other people on my project team to develop and deliver software solutions for the client both behind budget and ahead of schedule.

Mistake #6. Being too formal...or too informal

Look, extremes are rarely your friend.

So, just like your instinct probably tells you that addressing the hiring manager like you would a friend isn’t the brightest idea, you should also refrain from being overly formal.

Dear Sarah,

I’d like to apply for the role of junior project manager at Company X.

Hey Sarah, what’s up?

Name’s John and I’m here for that project manager gig!

Our guide on how to address a cover letter shows you the best ways to address a cover letter without being overly formal, or informal.

Mistake #7. Typos and grammar mistakes

Out of all cover letter mistakes to avoid, typos and grammar mistakes should be the easiest.

Microsoft Word will underline your typos red and your grammar mistakes green, but you have the option of easily proofreading your cover letter no matter where you’re writing it.

A simple spell-checker and software like Grammarly should be enough to save you from this dreary, but easily avoidable, mistake.

Mistake #8. Unnecessary flattery

You don’t need to write a love letter to the company for the hiring manager to like you.

Sure, if you hold the company’s values, mission, or culture at a high standard, feel free to mention how it inspires you professionally.

But if you just use your cover letter to throw random compliments at the company with the hopes the recruiter will like you, you’re in for an unpleasant surprise.

Remember: you want to (smartly) flatter your achievements, not the company.

Mistake #9. Going off-topic

Going off-topic is a big no-no when it comes to cover letters.

You might think it’s OK, as long as you’re talking about work, but explaining the backstories of your professional decisions will get you nothing but a yawn from the recruiter.

For example, opening up to the hiring manager about how you decided to leave your job because you broke up with your girlfriend is (as you might imagine) totally going off-topic and definitely too much information (even if that’s the reason you did quit your job).

Generally, in your cover letter, refrain from discussing:

Your weaknesses (unless they’re asking about them at an interview)
Uncomfortable life/professional experiences
Details of every job you ever had
Reasons, excuses, or details on why you were fired from a past job (again, unless asked at an interview)

Mistake #10. Not following specific instructions

Did your teacher ever tell you to carefully read the test questions before starting to answer?

Rightfully so! Sometimes, we hurry so much to get something done that we completely miss what we are being asked in the first place.

You don’t want that cover letter mistake to happen to you, so read the job description carefully before you start writing your resume and cover letter.

If the hiring manager has any specific requirements about the cover letter’s content or format, you’ll find them in the job description. It might even happen that the position doesn’t require a cover letter at all, so give this part its due attention.

If the job description doesn’t provide any specifications, your best bet is to submit your cover letter in PDF format.

Want to go the extra mile and impress the recruiter with your attention to detail? Use the same design as in your resume.

Mistake #11. Forgetting to sign your cover letter

Signing your cover letter goes a long way to showing business etiquette and attention to detail, so make sure to do that!

If you’re sending your cover letter and job application as part of an email, though, then you don’t have to sign your cover letter.

In any case, pay extra attention to how you end your cover letter. People are bound to remember the ending of things, so you want to conclude your cover letter as politely and memorably as possible.

Not sure what that means? Our article on how to end a cover letter will show you all you need to know!

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap! We hope you know what cover letter mistakes to look out for when you start writing. Here are a few of the main points we covered:

Don’t overuse “I” in your cover letter. Instead, focus on describing a few of your most noteworthy achievements, relevant to the position.
Using your cover letter to repeat your resume is a cover letter mistake you must avoid.
Avoid using cliches such as “team player,” “great communicator” and the sorts when you’re describing yourself. Instead, prove your skills by backing them up with your professional experiences.
Make sure you proofread your cover letter before submitting it; typos and grammar mistakes are intolerable cover letter mistakes.

15 Cover Letter Mistakes You Might Not Realize You’re Making

How To Write A Cover Letter
When Is A Cover Letter Necessary
Free Cover Letter Templates
Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
Cover Letter Tips
How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter

Find a Job You Really Want In

Writing a cover letter can be difficult, but how good yours is can determine whether or not you get the job. To make matters worse, you could be making a bunch of mistakes that are getting you screened out of the hiring process — and you might not even realize you’re making them.

So now you’ve got to write a cover letter that’s good enough to make an employer want to call you in for an interview. Lucky for you, you’ll find it’s easy to make sure that your cover letter is convincing and mistake-free. Here are 15 common cover letter mistakes to avoid so you can land an interview and get the job.

Key Takeaways:

Cover letter mistakes are fast way to have your job application ignored.

Common cover letter mistakes include forgetting to proofread, adding irrelevant information, and not addressing the company’s needs.

The best way to avoid cover letter mistakes is to spend time editing your letter.

If possible have someone you trust read your cover letter before you submit it.

15 cover letter mistakes

Frequently asked questions about cover letter mistakes, final thoughts on cover letters.

Forgetting to Proofread. Sending a cover letter that’s full of typos and errors is a quick and easy way to get yourself screened out of a possible interview.

We all know that writing a cover letter can be a painful process, but do yourself a favor and just proofread. Use free editing software like Grammarly or spell-check in Microsoft Word to catch the obvious mistakes.

For more nuanced changes, try reading your cover letter backwards — it’ll minimize the risk of reading over the same mistake over and over without noticing it.

If you can, ask a friend to look over your cover letter and point out any mistakes before you send it in. A second pair of eyes is great for finding errors you might not realize you’ve made.

Sending a Generic Cover Letter to Every Job You Apply For. This mistake is so common that employers will be able to tell right away if you’re using a one-size-fits-all cover letter when applying for jobs.

Make sure you mention the specific position you’re applying for in your first paragraph, address the company’s specific concerns and desired qualifications, and explain how your skills and experiences make you the best fit for the job.

A good way to optimize your cover letter is to start by reading the job description closely . Highlight all the action verbs in one color, all the hard skills in another, and the adjectives in a third color. Then, look for ways to incorporate some of those words into your cover letter, paying special attention to keywords that get used multiple times in the job description.

Not Getting Basic Company Facts Right. Getting basic information incorrect, like referencing the wrong company or addressing your cover letter to the wrong person, basically tells employers “I literally could not care less about this job opportunity and I’m using this same letter to apply for 20 other jobs right this second.”

Double check your cover letter greeting and make sure that you list the right company and the right contact, and mention the company name a few times throughout your letter.

Also, have a basic sense of what the company does , who their target audience is, what competition they face, and the challenges they are currently up against. When you can communicate like an insider, the hiring manager or recruiter will have a much easier time envisioning you as a member of the company.

Using an Outdated Greeting. Save the “ Dear Sir or Madam ” cover letter greetings for the grave. Instead, just use gender neutral terms like “Dear Hiring Manager,” when you’re unsure of who’s going to be reading your cover letter.

If you know exactly who’s going to be reading your letter, mention their name specifically, and always address women with the title “Ms.” rather than “Mrs.”

You should always do your best to find the name of the hiring manager . Check the job posting, the company’s career page on their website, or LinkedIn to find a name. If all else fails, simply call the company and ask who the hiring manager is for the given position.

If you can’t find a name and don’t want to use “ Dear Hiring Manager ,” try another greeting that’s a bit more specific like:

Dear [Department] Manager

Dear Hiring Committee

Dear [Title of Person You’d Report To]

Dear [Department] Hiring Team

Making Your Cover Letter Too Short. Submitting a cover letter that’s less than half a page will send the wrong message to employers about your work ethic or your interest in the job at hand. Plus, you’re completely blowing off the opportunity to highlight your skills and experience and show off why you’re the best person for the job.

Making Your Cover Letter Too Long. A good cover letter shouldn’t be any longer than one page . Unless you’re applying for a managerial or executive position, there’s really no reason why your cover letter should be any longer. Plus, you risk burdening the employer and losing their interest.

Hiring managers read about a million cover letters and resumes everyday, and you’ll want to make sure yours is concise to avoid wasting their time. Keep your cover letter brief, and only include the most important information need to make an employer want to invite you in for an interview.

Including Too Much Information or Over-Explaining. Don’t include more information than the employer needs to know. Address their concerns and let them know that you have all of the necessary qualifications.

Some people feel the need to explain career changes or why they’re applying for a job from somewhere far away. Keep your explanations short to make sure that the employer is able to focus on your skills and experiences.

Not Giving Concrete Examples. The skills and qualifications you claim to have in your cover letter are meaningless if you can’t back them up. Support your statements by giving examples of jobs or roles where you used these strengths.

For example, instead of just saying “I have great organizational skills and I’m a hard worker,” say something like, “I personally organized our annual fundraiser and increased employee participation by 30%.” Much more convincing.

Notice how the above example also quantifies the writer’s accomplishments. Whenever you can, include numbers to make a bigger impact with your statements. Recruiters and hiring managers love to see verifiable proof of your deeds, so make it easy to see how you’ve added value in the past.

Starting Your Introductory Paragraph With Your Name. Nothing says “rookie mistake” like opening your cover letter with “My name is Joe Schmo.” Your name should be listed in the sign off of your cover letter, in your resume, and elsewhere in your application materials.

Making Your Cover Letter a Written-Out Version of Your Resume. Your cover letter shouldn’t be your resume in paragraph form. Your resume is the first thing most employers look at, so you’re just wasting everyone’s time if you use your cover letter to write out everything that’s already on your resume.

Use your cover letter to focus on one or two examples of your work experiences that show what you can bring to the table. Help employers picture you doing the work by explaining what you’ve done in your previous positions.

Using the Wrong Format. There’s no one-size-fits-all format for every cover letter , and how you write yours depends on your experience and what you have to offer.

If you’re describing one or two particular relevant experiences, it may make sense to go with the standard three-paragraph format . On the other hand, if you’re listing your skills or detailing your career path , a more creative approach like bullet points may be more suitable.

Always include these sections in your cover letter:

Your contact information

An opening paragaph that grabs the reader’s attention

2-3 body paragraphs that highlight your relevant professional achievements and interest in the company/job

A closing paragaph with a call-to-action and a thank-you

A professional sign-off

Focusing Too Much on Education and Training. We’re all super proud that you finally finished that college thing and got your degree, but what employers really care about is your relevant experience and what you can bring to the table on day one.

Briefly mention education if it’s relevant to the job, but make the main focus of your cover letter your relevant experiences. If you’re new on the job scene and your education is your most relevant experience, describe projects you worked on and the skills you gained, instead of just the course content .

Sharing Completely Irrelevant Information. If you have a good idea of the company’s culture, it makes sense to show your compatibility in your cover letter.

Instead of describing your weird hobbies or your booming social life, talk about your values and how they align with the core values of the company. Check their website to get a good feel for their culture and values and use that information to show you’re the perfect fit.

Not Showing Any Actual Interest in the Job. If you don’t sound genuinely interested or excited for the job opportunity, you’re probably not going to land an interview. Show enthusiasm for the job so the hiring manager knows that you’re highly motivated, and not just looking for a paycheck.

Forgetting to Address the Employer’s Concerns. While you’re talking about how awesome and qualified you are, make sure to do so in the context of the job requirements and the company’s needs. If the hiring manager can see that everything about you is perfect for the specific job, you’re bound to land an interview.

Are there weaknesses to a cover letter?

Yes there is a big disadvantage to a cover letter if it has too many mistakes. If you send a cover letter that has a lot of mistakes, you care going to give the hiring manager a bad impression of yourself. Whether or not you’re a good candidate will no longer matter if you cannot ably present your qualifications. That is why it is important to review your cover letter before you submit it.

What are the advantages of a cover letter?

Cover letters have to advantage of explaining your qualifications in more detail while adding a personal touch. A cover letter will also underscore how serious you are about the position, especially if you have done your research and show how your skills will fulfill the needs of the position. Just make sure to use specific examples that directly connect back to the job description.

Is it OK to use “Dear Hiring Manager”?

Yes, it is OK to use “Dear Hiring Manager” if you do not have a specific name to address your cover letter. Obviously it is always better to address a specific person, which is why you should do your research before you send the letter, however sometimes it is impossible to know the name of the person. In this case, the generic “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.

One of the first things employers notice about a job candidate is their cover letter. A good cover letter shows that you’re an effective communicator and that you have what it takes to get the job done, so you’ll want yours to be effective and error-free.

Many cover letters don’t get the attention they deserve, and a lot of people just write one at the last minute, attach it to their resume , and hope that it gets the job done — and these cover letters happen to be full of these common errors.

Make sure to check through your resume and make sure you don’t make any of the mistakes we’ve mentioned in this article, and you’re sure to get called in for an interview!

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Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Resume and Cover Letter
10 of the Worst Cover Letter...

10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

8 min read · Updated on March 10, 2022

Make sure your cover letter helps your candidacy by avoiding these all-too-common mistakes.

Once you've updated your professional resume , it's time to prepare your job applications for submission to hiring managers. This usually involves making some small tweaks to your resume and creating a cover letter to accompany your application.

But aren't cover letters a thing of the past?

Yes and no. While 74 percent of recruiters don't find the cover letter to be an important factor when evaluating candidates, the remaining percentage do. And since you have no way of knowing which type of recruiter will receive your application, it's best to cover your bases and include a cover letter with every job application. As an added bonus, a reported 53 percent of employers admit they prefer candidates to send a cover letter when applying for a job.

However, not just any cover letter will do. If you're going to take the time to craft this document, make sure it helps, not hurts, your candidacy, by following cover letter dos and don'ts. Below are 10 common and costly mistakes to avoid when writing your next cover letter .

Cover Letter Mistake #1: Lack of research

Thanks to the Internet, there's little excuse to not personalize your cover letters. Whenever possible, research the name of the hiring manager or recruiter (if it's not listed on the actual job post) and the company who's filling the position, and use this information to customize your opening document. If you skip this step, you're sending the message to the reader that you don't really care enough about the position to do your homework. In a world where employers are inundated with applications, any excuse to eliminate candidates along the application process will do. Don't let this cover letter mistake give them a reason to cut you from the pile.

There are some exceptions to this rule. If you're responding to an anonymous job posting, you're not expected to include the name of the company or the hiring manager in the cover letter. When a company goes out of its way to keep its name and the names of its employees confidential, you can assume the hiring manager won't take off points if you use a generic opener.

Cover Letter Mistake #2: Overly formal or casual greetings

Whenever you're applying for a position or preparing for an interview, take the company's culture into account. You can get a better sense of the employer's brand by checking out its Careers section online, reading reviews on Glassdoor, searching for its profile on The Muse , following the social media accounts the company set up for recruitment purposes, and talking to your networking connections who've worked at the organization. This will help you decide if you're better off going with a “Hello Jeff” or a “Dear Mr. Berger” type of greeting.

If you're unable to address your cover letter to a specific person, steer clear of incredibly formal introductions, such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as they are not conversational and can be considered off-putting. The same goes for super casual openers like “Hi!” Even if you're dealing with a startup that prides themselves on being non-traditional, this cover letter greeting is a little too laid back for your first communication and may have the reader questioning your professionalism.

Play it safe and stick with a gender-neutral opener such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter.”

Cover Letter Mistake #3: Talking all about me, me, me

Think of your cover letter as your sales pitch to the hiring manager. Instead of spending the entire time talking about yourself and your wants and needs, consider the needs of your prospective employer. Your potential boss is the one who will (hopefully) read your cover letter, after all.

Review the job description again and check out the latest news on the company. Ask yourself why the organization is hiring for this role. In other words, what pain point will this position solve? When you can relate to the hiring manager's concerns and position your skills as the solution to his or her needs, you have a better chance of avoiding cover letter mistakes and capturing the reader's attention.

Cover Letter Mistake #4: Repeating your entire resume

Remember, the recruiter already has your resume - there's no need to rehash your entire job history when writing your cover letter. In fact, I believe this is why so many employers disregard the cover letter; they've read so many bad cover letters that merely summarize their candidates' resumes, that they see no need to read them.

One cover letter tip is to surprise the hiring manager by using your opening to demonstrate your understanding of the company's position in the marketplace and its needs and then highlight your work experience and accomplishments that speak to these requirements.

Avoid these common cover letter mistakes. Hire a TopResume writer today .

Cover Letter Mistake #5: Generic messaging

Even if you're applying to an anonymous job listing, a common cover letter mistake is using boilerplate text. While your introduction may not be as specific as it would be for a position where the employer is known, this doesn't give you license to use a generic template for the main sections of your cover letter.

Based upon the job description, make a list of the top 3-5 requirements for the role. This may have to do with your knowledge, skills, and experience of a certain topic or an industry, your experience performing a particular task, or your education and other credentials. Then, brainstorm how you possess each prerequisite, referencing a specific contribution, accomplishment, or experience from your work history that illustrates these qualifications. Summarize this information in a paragraph or a set of bullets. This is a great way to customize your cover letter and grab the reader's attention.

Cover Letter Mistake #6: Not following instructions

As I previously mentioned, some employers, especially those in the healthcare, education, and legal sector, still value a cover letter and will request one in their job description. Do yourself a favor and re-read the job description carefully to provide context to your cover letter dos and don'ts. Oftentimes the employer will request certain information to be included in the cover letter. The last thing you want to do is ignore this request, as the reader will assume you are not detail-oriented and unable to follow the simplest of instructions.

Cover Letter Mistake #7: Typos

When you're competing against a large pool of candidates for one role, the smallest cover letter mistakes could be used to eliminate you from the pile. These days, we've grown all too reliant on spell-check and autocorrect to edit our communication. It's easy to overlook the small mistakes, such as using “higher” when you really meant to say “hire.” Don't let these silly details derail your job application.

Follow this simple cover letter tip: Reread your cover letter. Then read it again. Then hand it over to a trusted friend. You know, the one that majored in English. If you're looking for some resources to improve your grammar and punctuation, check out Lynne Truss' book, “ Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation ,” and “ Woe is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English ” by Patricia T. O'Conner. They're great reads!

Cover Letter Mistake #8: Writing a novel

If recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning your resume before deciding if you're a fit, how long do you think they'll spend reading your cover letter? Here's another set of cover letter dos and don'ts: your cover letter shouldn't be any longer than is necessary to get your points across. And it definitely shouldn't exceed one page.

Also, keep its readability in mind. Similar to your resume, try to create white space in your cover letter by avoiding dense blocks of text.

Cover Letter Mistake #9: Going off brand

Whether you're searching for a new job or managing your career path, it's important to pay close attention to how you present your professional brand to others — online, on paper, and face to face. To that end, another cover letter tip is to give it the same look and feel as your resume. If you're uploading your cover letter as a separate document to an online application, ensure it uses the same header as your resume. Also, make sure the font type, color, and size, the contact information you provide, and even the name you use on both documents remain consistent.

Cover Letter Mistake #10: TMI

While you can use a cover letter to explain an employment gap or your interest in relocating to a new city, don't overshare your personal details with a prospective employer. The recruiter doesn't need to know the gory details of your back surgery or how you had your heart broken and need to find a new city to call home. These extraneous details can't be used as selling points and will only detract from your qualifications and candidacy.

Your resume should be mistake free as well. Is yours? Find out with a free resume review .

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9 Biggest Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Fix Them

October 6, 2023
In Resumes & Cover Letters

Avoiding common cover letter mistakes can quickly boost your chances and convince the hiring manager that you are the right fit for the position. After all, you’ve only got three paragraphs to tell the employer what makes you the perfect addition to their team. Because of that, you need to prioritize the most critical information and work effectively within the limited space. So, let’s look at how you can avoid common cover letter mistakes and motivate the employer to choose you out of all the candidates.

Common cover letter mistakes and how to fix them

Writing a cover letter is an important part of the job application process. However, there are common mistakes that many people make when crafting their cover letters. In this response, we will discuss some of these mistakes and provide tips on how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Not analyzing the job description

Mistake 2: using the wrong cover letter format, mistake 3: highlighting duties instead of accomplishments, mistake 4: repeating your resume, mistake 5: focusing on yourself too much, mistake 6: sharing irrelevant experience, mistake 7: using the same cover letter template for multiple jobs, mistake 8: including too much information, mistake 9: making spelling or grammar mistakes, how to avoid cover letter mistakes.

Cover Letter Mistakes And How To Fix Them

In this day and age, there’s no excuse for failing to do your research. So, before you start writing your cover letter, take a moment to read through the job description carefully. While doing this, focus on the top 5 requirements for the role. These may be related to experience, education, skills, or other qualifications. Once you’ve found these perquisites, brainstorm examples of when you’ve used them in your career. Then, summarize your experience with successfully using these top qualifications in one paragraph. This will grab the hiring manager’s attention and show that you aren’t using a generic template.

Avoid trying to catch the reader’s attention with intricate design at the expense of readability. Your cover letter can be unique and use a similar design to your resume but don’t get too artistic with it. By using an easy-to-read font, you will ensure that the content of your cover letter will stand out. To improve the readability, remember to break up text into shorter, concise paragraphs. Above all, keep your cover letter to one page at most, and leave space between the paragraphs.

Leave the list of job duties in your resume. In your cover letter, focus more on your professional accomplishments and times when you have exceeded the goals. For example, highlight any awards or recognition you have earned throughout your career. If you don’t know which ones to include, choose the ones that are most impressive and relevant to the position you’re applying to.

There’s no need to write out the content of your resume in your cover letter. In fact, it can quickly put the hiring manager off if you reiterate what they’ve already read in your resume. Your cover letter should expand on the information that is in your resume. For example, discuss specific accomplishments you achieved in your past jobs using the skills that you mention on your resume.

Remember that your cover letter is essentially your sales pitch. In it, you should address the employer’s needs and how you could fulfill them. So, stay away from describing your wishes and wants in length. Instead, ask yourself what you can offer to the company. What challenges are they facing right now? What pain points can you help them solve? By looking at the position from the employer’s point of view, you will better relate your skills and qualifications to their needs.

You might be in a position where you know that your experience is not relevant to the job. As a result, you may want to explain this in your cover letter. But before you do so and alert the hiring manager to this fact, pause. Instead of explaining why your experience is irrelevant, focus on how it prepared you for the job at hand. Discuss transferable skills and knowledge you gained during your career and how you would apply them in your new position to become a valuable employee.

While the formatting of your cover letter can stay the same, the contents should always be unique and tailored to the position. A good cover letter addresses the specific requirements of the role and company you’re applying to. Thus, you should always edit or rewrite your cover letter before applying for a new job. Some of the key things to focus on include the hiring manager’s name and the exact title of the position you’re applying to. Of course, you should also highlight the most relevant skills, qualifications, and values that align with what the company is seeking.

Before sending your cover letter, ask yourself whether the information is relevant to the job. For example, you might want to explain why you are changing careers or relocating. On the other hand, the employer doesn’t need to know the personal details. Those are unlikely to add to your qualifications and could even seem like a red flag. So, only include the information that enhances your application and highlights the positives.

Even a tiny cover letter mistake can land you in the ‘no’ pile in today’s competitive job market. So, never skip over proofreading your cover letter multiple times. First, use spell-check in your word editing program. Then, go over the cover letter again and read through it carefully to catch any mistakes that might have slipped past. You can also try reading it out loud or from the bottom to the top to detect errors. Ask a friend, colleague, or family member to proofread it for you and get their feedback on the overall tone of the cover letter.

To avoid cover letter mistakes, consider the following tips:

Personalize your cover letter: Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying to. Avoid using generic templates and make an effort to address the hiring manager by name, if possible.
Avoid being too formal or informal: Strike a balance between being professional and personable in your writing. Avoid overly formal language and clichés, but also avoid being too casual or using slang.
Focus on the employer’s needs: Instead of solely talking about yourself, highlight how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the job. Show the employer how you can add value to their organization.
Keep it concise: A cover letter should be clear, concise, and to the point. Avoid rambling or including unnecessary details. Stick to the most relevant information that showcases your qualifications.
Proofread for errors: Thoroughly proofread your cover letter for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Read it multiple times or ask someone else to review it for you. Mistakes can create a negative impression and harm your chances of getting an interview.
Avoid discussing salary expectations: Unless specifically requested, it’s generally best to avoid discussing salary expectations in your cover letter. Save this discussion for later stages of the hiring process.

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Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Know Before Applying

You’ve probably heard the rumor going around that you don’t need a cover letter anymore. But while these controversial headlines are catchy, they’re not being totally honest with you .

Having an outstanding cover letter could be your ticket to a job interview – and having cover letter mistakes (or no cover letter at all) could result in your resume getting trashed.

The truth is that there’s no way to predict how much a hiring manager will care about your cover letter. They could ignore it entirely or analyze every word you write.

You’re playing a dangerous game if you skip out on creating a standout cover letter. Don’t gamble with the risk!

Just create a good cover letter so you’ll be confident in your job application.

So, how do you create a cover letter that you can be proud of?

First, start with the online cover letter builder .

Second, check out the free online resume samples here , here , and here .

Third, read these crucial cover letter tips and tricks in the Careers Center , including the following five common cover letter mistakes you’re probably making right now.

Cover Letter Mistake #1: Sounding Boring – Or Worse, Bored

Your cover letter probably isn’t the right place to talk about last year’s wild Spring Break bender. However, your cover letter still needs to be interesting enough to keep the hiring manager from getting bored silly.

One of the biggest mistakes you could make with your cover letter is being so boring – or sounding so bored – that the hiring manager stops reading why they should hire you. And if they stop reading, what’s the point of writing it?

A boring cover letter defeats the purpose of writing a cover letter at all.

Do your best to gauge the level of creativity that the hiring manager would appreciate at the company you’re applying for. You can tell a lot about how traditional they would want cover letters to be by the way they represent themselves on their websites.

Check out their About Us pages for clues, such as looking at the words and photos they choose. Ask yourself these questions to help determine how you should add interest to your cover letter:

Do they have pictures of employees having fun or are they hard at work?
Do they use slang or professional jargon?
Do they use formal words or contractions like “aren’t” and “can’t”?

For example, if they’re strictly professional and corporate, such as an established accounting firm, concentrate on adding interesting statistics and quantitative examples of how you’ve excelled at your previous jobs or in school.

On the other hand, if they’re a cutting-edge fashion magazine or hyper-hip marketing firm, you can be a little more creative in how you spice up your cover letter. Try a clever opening line or tell an interesting anecdote about why you’re a fantastic candidate.

Cover Letter Mistake #2: Recycling Your Resume

Your cover letter is the place where you can share why you’re a great candidate. It isn’t where you recycle your resume. Rehashing everything you already listed in your resume summary, qualifications, education, job history, and interests isn’t just unnecessary – it’s boring.

While it’s important that your cover letter, resume, and summary are all tailored for the job you’re applying for , they don’t have to say the same thing over and over again.

Resumes are supposed to be short and concise. There were probably a lot of skills and experiences that you could wished you could have fit in it, but there just wasn’t enough room.

Cover letters are the best place for you to share the qualifications that were interesting, but just didn’t make the cut into your resume.

Remember, the hiring manager is perfectly capable of reading your resume. You don’t need to rewrite it out again in your cover letter!

Cover Letter Mistake #3: Not Personalizing the Cover Letter Template

Addressing your cover letter to “Whom It May Concern” or worse, “Sir or Ma’am,” is an instant tip-off to the hiring manager that you didn’t care enough to check what their name was.

Little things like checking the hiring manager’s LinkedIn profile or calling the company to ask go a long way. It’s totally worth it to do a little digging to find out the name of the hiring manager.

Check out this article for more details on how to personalize your cover letter template here .

Cover Letter Mistake #4: Avoiding Employers’ Most Important Question

The basic question that every hiring manager is asking when they read your cover letter is, “Why should I hire you?”

Your cover letter should answer their question indirectly (or even directly, if you think that the hiring manager would find it appropriate) by telling them why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Share stories, facts, evidence, and qualifications that make you stand out as a candidate. However, it’s crucial that you tell the truth. Never lie on your cover letter or resume .

Cover Letter Mistake #5: Your Cover Letter is Too Long

Hiring managers expect cover letters to be between half to one page long. They probably won’t read anything longer than one page, unless you’re applying for a very senior position at a company. Stick to one page or less!

Check out The Ultimate Guide to Cover Letters by Resume.com for access to the online cover letter builder, cover letter examples, and more essential articles on cover letters today!

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7 common cover letter...

7 common cover letter mistakes to avoid at all costs

9 min read · Updated on September 08, 2022

If you want to write a good cover letter, beware these mistakes.

There's an art to writing a good cover letter, and it can take some trial and error to find your footing. Whilst this is perfectly understandable, there are some common cover letter mistakes that you absolutely want to avoid, no matter where you are in your cover-letter-writing experience. Here's a handful of the most detrimental cover letter pitfalls and how to rectify them before you submit your application.

Sticking to a template rigidly

Whether you're applying for your first job or have applied for plenty over the years, cover letter templates are incredibly useful for structuring your letter to a tee. However, you mustn't take the template too literally, or your result could be too generic. Instead, use the boilerplate text as a guide – and only that.

Sub in your name, the position you're applying for and other details marked by blank spaces. Continue by tweaking the paragraphs so that they are tailored sufficiently to you and your application, highlighting your most pertinent achievements.

Most importantly, adjust the text so that it sounds like you and isn't obviously a template. Make it personable, with your own writing style and point of view. Templates can be great starting points, but your own words are how you'll convince the HR manager that you're genuinely interested and a good fit for the role.

Regurgitating your CV

Repeating your entire CV in your cover letter is a huge no-no. Recruiters already have a copy of your CV, so what value would they gain from a rehash?

Your cover letter is your chance to explain the most valuable achievements in your CV that show how and why you're a fit for the position. Elaborating on your CV will give the recruiter a better sense of who you are as a professional.

Hook the recruiter by explaining your skills and accomplishments that are in line with the company's market position. By zooming in on these details in the context of the company's requirements, you'll show that you could be an asset to them.

Discussing only yourself

The job you're applying for might be a huge opportunity for you and your career, but that alone won't convince the recruiter to hire you. Remember that this is a business and the employer won't hire you out of the goodness of their heart.

You must sell your skill set in your cover letter in a way that demonstrates how it will fulfil the company's needs. Consider why the company is hiring for this role and what dilemmas this position will solve. How can your abilities plug the gap for the employer and make their business better?

Answering these questions will undoubtedly capture the recruiter's attention because you'll position yourself as a solution to their problem.

Poor grammar and typos

Would you buy a product if its packaging was tarnished or error-strewn? Probably not, even if the product inside was OK.

Think of your cover letter in the same way. Since your letter is your sales pitch, if it's marred with a few typos, the recruiter is more likely to toss yours out. Why consider the stained cover letter when another candidate's is slick and polished?

Use spell check, Grammarly, or similar automated tools to proofread your CV and cover letter. Those are great places to start, but note that they may not catch every mistake. For example, you may have written "manger" instead of "manager," but a spell checker won't catch that as they're both legitimate words.

Reread your cover letter, speaking it aloud. You're more likely to spot the errors, because you'll physically trip over incorrect words as you talk. Failing that, hand it over to a trustworthy friend for a final proof.

Writing cover letters over one page

Recruiters are quick-moving people who spend approximately six seconds reviewing a CV. It's unsurprising then that most employers favour a cover letter that's one page or less.

There's no need to write a novel; just get your key points across in under a page. And if you're struggling to make your paragraphs fit, don't be tempted to shrink the font or the page margins. White space is important as it creates a positive reading experience, helping recruiters to identify essential information in your cover letter quickly.

Being overly formal or informal

One of the most common difficulties when writing a cover letter is judging how formal to make it.

You have the formal take at one end of the spectrum, starting your cover letter with full addresses like "To whom it may concern," and polishing it up with "Yours sincerely." At the other end of the spectrum, there's the informal take, beginning with "Hi Joe" and finishing with "Kind regards" or "Thanks in advance and speak soon."

A good cover letter matches the branding and tone of the prospective employer. Identify the company culture during the job search by reviewing the company's website, LinkedIn company page, and reviews on Glassdoor. If it's corporate, it's safer to opt for a formal approach. But if it's a startup, your cover letter may shoot for a more casual tone. However, resist the temptation to be overly colloquial and stuff your cover letter with exclamation marks and emojis. You still want to paint yourself as a professional.

Using clichés

Since a cover letter is supposed to tell an HR manager about who you are, it's important that you use personalised ideas. There are a number of phrases that professionals gravitate towards because they sound fancy, but writing the same thing as everyone else appears lazy and unoriginal. Not to mention, there's no way you'll stand out if your cover letter is similar to other candidates'. Therefore, the following cover letter clichés should be avoided.

"I have exceptional written and verbal communication skills"

Most HR managers will be looking for a candidate with strong written and verbal communication skills. Luckily for you, simply presenting a well-written cover letter is half the job done, so there's no need to state it yourself.

In addition, use your experience to demonstrate your communication skills. For example, if your previous roles involved conducting meetings, presenting, managing staff, client services, liaising with other departments, or similar tasks, you can refer to them to demonstrate your communication skills. Shift the focus so that the HR manager can see your skills in action – it makes a much stronger impression than simply stating the fact.

"I think outside the box"

This may be the most trite cliché of them all. Not only is it overused, but it also doesn't tell the HR manager anything relevant. Instead, give an example of a time when you "thought outside the box" in a previous job. If you don't prove it through your experience, it will remain an empty statement.

"I am a fast learner/hard worker/problem solver"

These types of statements are considered fluff by most HR professionals, so including them doesn't help you. If a recruiter has specifically written these qualities on the job description and you wish to highlight them, the key is to show that you possess these qualities without stating the fact outright. For example, if you wish to share that you're a fast learner and can pick up new systems quickly, you could write something like, "In my previous role at [company], I was a proficient user of [database/software name]." This is simple, but shows that you can pick up new systems and have experience with that particular program.

"I work well independently and as part of a team"

This is a popular phrase that has worked its way into many a cover letter for years, so don't feel bad if it plays a starring role in yours. It's true that employers often seek candidates who can work autonomously and be a team player, but you don't need to put it in your cover letter. You only get a few paragraphs to impress, so use them wisely and remove the fluff.

"This is exactly the kind of role I'm looking for"

That may be true, but chances are this is the exact kind of role 240 other candidates are looking for, too. The recruiter or HR manager already knows that you're interested in the role – they're looking at your cover letter for that reason. Your goal is to convince them why this job is right for you by demonstrating your relevant experience and personal attributes. And, more importantly, your goal is to convince them why you are right for the job.

"I'm the best candidate for the job"

How do you know you're the best candidate for the job? Have you met the other applicants? Plus, telling the HR manager that you're the best person for the job can seem a little self-congratulatory. Ultimately, whether or not you are the best candidate is for them to decide. If you want to swing the vote in your favour, it's not about telling them. It's about proving it to them with your best and most relevant skills and personal qualities.

Avoiding common cover letter mistakes

Your cover letter is an essential part of your job application, so you have to get it right. Take care to avoid these common mistakes to ensure that you put your best foot forward at every step of your job search.

There are also common CV mistakes to steer clear of. Get a free, objective CV review to find out where you stand.

This article was updated in January 2021. It contains work written by Rikki Wimmer .

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6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Cover Letter

Present yourself in the best light possible and emphasize your strengths.

When submitting a job application, your resume can only go so far. Resumes tell prospective employers about your experience and education, but they’re essentially fact sheets. A cover letter gives applicants the opportunity to share more detailed information on why they’d be a good fit for a particular role at a specific company.

We’ll outline some common cover letter mistakes to avoid and share tips and best practices for cover letters that show you in the best possible light.

Cover letter mistakes to avoid

A cover letter can show a hiring manager why you’re the best fit for a position, so getting it right is worth your time and effort. However, crafting an effective cover letter can be challenging. You must showcase your skills without appearing self-important or succumbing to cliches.

Here are six cover letter mistakes to avoid at all costs.

1. Highlighting where you lack specific skills

It’s easy to feel vulnerable when applying for a job, especially if you have limited work experience or few required skills. However, starting a cover letter by underselling yourself or drawing attention to the skills or knowledge you lack is never advisable.

Author and career development professional Lavie Margolin says cover letters aren’t the place to list your weaknesses. “I have seen one too many cover letters with the following phrase: ‘Although I do not yet have,'” Margolin noted. “If you do not have something, why are you emphasizing it?”

Instead, Margolin says job seekers should focus on existing in-demand career skills , experiences and talents that will interest the potential employer.

“If you are looking for a job, then you are in the sales business. What you write in your cover letter should most effectively sell the skills, experience and abilities that you do have, as opposed to emphasizing those things that are lacking,” Margolin advised. “Emphasizing a weakness on your cover letter may be costing you the job.”

2. Not proofreading for typos and cliches

Sometimes, job seekers get so caught up in finding the best way to express their ideas that they forget to pay close attention to their cover letter’s details. Typos, using the wrong company information and cliches are common mistakes to look for in your proofreading efforts.

Look for cover letter typos. According to Joe Weinlick, COO of Catalyst Experiential, cover letter typos are an egregious yet common mistake. Rigorously proofreading your cover letter will allow your content to shine. “Spell-check is your friend. Use it, but don’t rely on it,” Weinlick advised. “Print out your cover letter, read it from start to finish and make sure there aren’t any typos before sending it out. Your cover letter is the first impression you make on a hiring manager – make sure it’s a good one.”
Ensure you use the correct company information. You may be tempted to reuse parts of your cover letter when applying for similar positions with different companies. However, failing to update the company information for each letter is an unforgivable offense. Double-check that you have the correct details for the company, including the specific position for which you are applying and the name of the hiring manager, if possible.
Watch for cliches and buzzwords. When proofreading your cover letter, look for and eliminate cliches and overused buzzwords . Instead of using vague words to describe your work ethic or experience (“I’m a motivated self-starter”), provide specific examples that demonstrate the qualities you’d like to highlight. “Don’t use buzzwords,” warned Bob Kovalsky, vice president of Volt Workforce Solutions. “Including descriptors such as ‘detail-oriented,’ ‘hardworking,’ ‘team player’ and ‘proactive’ doesn’t tell HR managers anything about your experience.”

3. Remaining stuck in the past

Maybe you were let go from your last job, or maybe you’re looking for new opportunities. Regardless of the reason for your job search , don’t spend your cover letter’s limited space focusing on your past.

“The worst thing a potential employee can do [in a cover letter] is to explain why they left their current or former position,” shared Kim Kaupe, co-founder of Bright Ideas Only. “It’s like starting out a first date by talking about your ex! I don’t want to hear about your past; I want to hear about your now and future and how you are going to become an asset to my company.”

Steering clear of the past is especially important if you had a contentious relationship with an employer. “Saying that you’re looking for a new opportunity because your previous employer was unfair or you had an incompetent boss will only make you look bad,” warned Tracy Russell, a talent acquisition coordinator at Intuit. “Oftentimes, if this type of negative information is in the cover letter, recruiters won’t even look at the resume.”

4. Talking about money too soon

There’s a time and place to discuss salary during the hiring process , but your cover letter isn’t it. Lisa Benson, president and CEO of Mary Kraft HR, advises against providing any unsolicited salary information in the cover letter “unless [you] are specifically asked to do so, particularly if there is a disparity between what is advertised or indicated in the ad [you] are responding to. No prospective employer wants to hire someone who is only about the money.”

5. Making it all about you

Another common mistake applicants make is using their cover letter to boast about their talents without acknowledging how they will use them to benefit a prospective employer.

“The worst thing a candidate can do in their cover letter is make it all about themselves and what they’re looking for,” said Ian Yates, senior director of corporate accounts at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The best thing to do is focus on why they’ll be a great fit, how they’ll make a contribution, and what they’ve done, or will do, to support [the organization].”

“It is a fine line between confident and arrogant,” added Sue Hardek, managing director at ZRG Partners. Hardek noted that candidates should avoid overselling themselves and being boastful about accomplishments and strengths.

6. Letting AI do the heavy lifting

Many generative AI companies boast that their AI tools can save time by drafting perfect cover letters. While AI is transforming business , including the job search process, you must be especially careful when using it for your cover letter.

Opinions about using AI in the workplace are mixed. You don’t want to risk coming across a hiring manager who suspects an AI-generated cover letter and immediately tosses your application. Worse, AI might utilize copied text or provide other job seekers with the same phrasing, leading hiring managers to suspect you of plagiarism.

AI can be a good place to start, but you should never rely on it for a final product. AI can help you generate ideas, synthesize your experience with the history and needs of the company, or assist with general editing. But when it comes to the final product, you want your voice to shine through, so ensure the writing is your own – even if you’ve had some help.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a company’s first introduction to who you are as a person. Your resume will explain your previous work experience and skills, but your cover letter is an opportunity to show recruiters your personal side. It’s also a chance to demonstrate why you stand out from the crowd. Employers get many applications, many of which display similar backgrounds and experience. A cover letter helps narrow down their talent pool.

Cover letters are typically written in a three-paragraph format and should be no more than 300 words.

The benefits of a cover letter

Some job listings require the candidate to submit a cover letter, while others make it optional. However, applicants should always take the time to write a cover letter to express their interest in the company and flesh out their professional experience.

A cover letter brings the following advantages:

1. Cover letters personalize your application.

Even great resumes don’t allow applicants to show off their writing skills. A cover letter can help candidates sell themselves by letting their personalities shine. Recruiters get a sense of who the candidate is beyond their work experience and education. Cover letters also allow candidates to discuss parts of their background that may not be explicitly stated on a resume but are relevant to the job they’re applying for.

2. Cover letters showcase your interest in the position and company.

Many candidates blindly shoot off job applications, believing in quantity over quality. To be as efficient as possible, they’ll either send a generic cover letter or fail to send one. However, this is a missed opportunity.

A cover letter with specific details about why you’d be a great fit for the company shows you’ve done your research and are interested in working for that organization. Employers will notice candidates who researched the business and its company culture . These candidates show they want to be there specifically – they don’t just want a job.

3. Cover letters demonstrate your hard work.

Taking the time to draft a well-researched cover letter shows employers you’re self-motivated and passionate about the position. The skills of researching, writing and submitting clean copy before the deadline demonstrate your ability to work and follow directions.

How to write a good cover letter

Hiring managers may receive hundreds of cover letters and resumes for a single job post. Potential employees have only a few seconds to make a good first impression, and a boring cover letter could land them straight in the “no” pile.

Follow these eight tips from hiring experts to write a cover letter that will land you an interview:

1. Be yourself in your cover letter.

You don’t want to sound like everyone else. Give hiring managers a sense of your personality traits and how you might fit into the company.

“One key thing we look for is whether they’ve incorporated aspects of their personality into examples of how they would succeed in this position,” shared Margaret Freel, digital marketing specialist at No Dirty Earth and a former corporate recruiter.

Mentioning experiences that qualify you for a particular position is one way to personalize your letter. “Candidates should be concise and self-aware enough to know how their track record of results makes them unique and [be] able to relate that back to the position,” Freel advised.

2. Do your research and customize your cover letter.

Like your resume, your cover letter should be tailored to each position and company. Instead of a template-style cover letter, use industry-specific language referencing points from the job description and company website.

In your research, determine the hiring manager’s name, if possible. Addressing the hiring manager sets you apart. If you’re unsure who the hiring manager is, use a generic salutation – but only as a last resort.

“Address the cover letter to a specific person within the company, not the general – and much-hated – ‘dear sir or madam,'” advised Alina Cincan, managing director and co-founder of Inbox Translation. “This shows the candidate has done some research and is truly interested in working with that company, not just any company.”

Christa Shapiro, a director at the staffing firm Yoh, said one thing that always draws attention to a cover letter is mentioning why you want to be a part of a particular organization. Show a passion for the organization and industry. Employers don’t want to hire someone who won’t care about their work.

3. Be creative in your cover letter.

Hiring managers won’t finish reading your cover letter if they’re bored after the first line. A strong intro should find a unique way to highlight experiences or something specific from the job posting.

Grabbing their attention is key; hiring managers review tons of cover letters for each position. Find a creative way to stand out so the hiring manager notices you and moves on to your resume.

A creative cover letter moves beyond stiff cover letter templates and stock phrases. A great way to make your cover letter pop is to include a brief story that connects you to the company through its mission or product. “This exercise will undoubtedly separate you from the majority of other candidates,” advised Kenneth Johnson, founder and president of East Coast Executives.

4. Mention referrals in your cover letter.

If you were introduced or connected to a hiring manager via an employee referral or mutual industry contact, include that person’s name in your cover letter (with their permission).

“Candidates can include referrals in a cover letter to make them stand out,” said Bill Peppler, COO of staffing firm Kavaliro. “They should always gain permission for this before they name-drop, but the cover letter gives a great opportunity to include the name of someone that can vouch for your skills.”

5. Address potential resume concerns in your cover letter.

A well-crafted cover letter does more than explain why you’re the right person for the job. It also gives you a chance to explain items on your resume that might otherwise be considered red flags.

“Address any issues that may give a hiring manager pause, such as gaps in employment,” advised Diane Domeyer Kock, senior vice president and managing director at Robert Half.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that an unemployment bias exists, as some companies are reluctant to hire out-of-work people. However, the cover letter allows you to reclaim the narrative and demonstrate that you are an ideal candidate despite your employment history.

6. Don’t just repeat your resume in your cover letter.

While your cover letter should reference material from your resume, it shouldn’t simply be a word-for-word repeat. According to Jane Trnka, a career coach with Rady School of Management at UC San Diego, job candidates can use their cover letter to expand where necessary and discuss their listed experiences from a different angle.

“Craft the letter to acknowledge the requirements of the role and culture of the organization while highlighting the skills and experiences that align with the job description,” Trnka advised.

7. Proofread and fact-check your resume.

As mentioned earlier, it’s imperative to check and double-check your cover letter for any grammatical or factual errors. Even the smallest mistake can make a bad impression on the person reading your letter.

“If there are errors of any kind, it’s a huge red flag,” warned Guryan Tighe, leadership coach and founder of Fourage. “This is your one opportunity to impress [the hiring manager] and show who you are. If there are typos, misspellings or formatting issues, it’s generally an automatic out.”

8. Keep your cover letter brief.

Hiring managers are busy and usually have many applications to review. Keeping your cover letter concise and to the point will improve the chances of it being read. It also makes the hiring manager’s job easier – which is always a good thing.

“The best cover letters can [be] concise, friendly and transparent,” explained Chris Wood, managing partner of Paige Technologies. “The best cover letters get right to the heart of why we are a great fit for them and why they are the best fit for us.”

Get your foot in the door

Perfecting your cover letter is an essential step in the job search process. You must spend time researching the company and crafting a creative, personalized letter that shows hiring managers you’ll be a valuable addition. Your cover letter should be unique to you and unique to each company you apply for.

But a great cover letter only gets your foot in the door. If you want to secure the job, you must carefully prepare for each part of the job search process. Whether it’s the cover letter or the interview, each step is a chance to show why you and the company you want to work for are a perfect fit.

Tom Anziano and Sean Peek contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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Cover Letters

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

A cover letter should strengthen an applicant's chances of landing a job, but if done carelessly, it can be the reason your resume ends up on the rejection pile. Your cover letter should be professional, concise, and informative. Here is a list of common mistakes that you should avoid.

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Common Cover Letter Mistakes:

1. submitting the same cover letter for every position..

If you're going to send a generic cover letter to every hiring manager, you might be better off not sending one at all. Even if you're in a rush, include the name of the company or organization you're applying to in the cover letter.

Never submit a cover letter that does not show your interest in or knowledge of the company you're applying to.

2. Using the incorrect company name.

Never copy and paste sections of one cover letter into another. If you're applying for several jobs, double-check that you've included the correct name of the institution and that you've addressed the letter to the relevant hiring manager.

3. Not conducting sufficient research.

Unless you don't know the name of the company you're applying to, there's no excuse not to conduct research on them. Before constructing a cover letter, you need to look into the company or institution, as well as its key staff members.

Once you have an idea of the company culture, and the initiatives and projects they do, you'll have an idea of the value you can add to their ventures.

4. Embellishing or lying.

It's one thing to repackage your skills and experience so that they work in your favor, but lying about your abilities and work experience to get a position is not okay. If you're hired, you'll be required to make good on the promises you've made.

5. Using an inappropriate tone.

Being too formal can be just as bad as being too casual. By conducting in-depth research on the company or institution, you'll be able to express yourself appropriately.

6. Repeating everything in your resume.

A cover letter should supplement your resume, but it shouldn't be a summary of it. Don't speak at length about yourself in the cover letter; rather use the space to impress the hiring manager with your knowledge of the company and how you plan on adding value with your skills and experience.

7. Drawing attention to your shortcomings.

If you don't have all the qualities or skills specified in the job posting, highlight the strengths you do possess, but don't mention your shortcomings.

8. Misreading the job posting's instructions.

Make sure you've read and re-read all the job posting's instructions and underlined the keywords and phrases before starting your cover letter. If there's specific information they've asked you to include in your cover letter, ensure you have done so.

9. Submitting a cover letter riddled with errors.

You may be the best candidate for the job, but sending the hiring manager a sloppy cover letter won't get you an interview. Make sure you've used tools like Grammarly to double-check for spelling and grammar errors. It is also advisable to get someone else to read over your cover letter before you send it off.

10. Incorrect formatting.

Refrain from using color, graphics, or fancy fonts in your cover letter. Stick to a tried-and-tested format.

11. Having a cover letter that's too long.

Your cover letter should span half a page to one page. Remember, hiring managers receive hundreds of applications and they don't have time to read your essay.

12. Going off-topic or providing too much information.

Keep it short and sweet. Brainstorming your cover letter and mapping out each paragraph before you begin will help to keep you on track. Using a template as a guide is also a good idea.

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What are the most common cover letter mistakes?

Using the incorrect company name.
Embellishing or lying.
Using an inappropriate tone.
Repeating everything in your resume.
Drawing attention to your shortcomings.
Submitting a cover letter with spelling and grammar errors.
Incorrect formatting.
Providing too much information.

Will a bad cover letter hurt my application?

Yes, a poorly written cover letter can result in your resume not being read or put to the bottom of the pile.

How long should your cover letter be?

A cover letter should not be longer than a single page.

What shouldn't be included in a cover letter?

Informal greetings.
Overly personal details.
Text abbreviations.

What makes a strong cover letter?

Keeping the letter concise and informative.
Addressing the hiring manager by name.
Showing relevant achievements.
Targeting the needs of the employer.

How to write a cover letter, how to address a cover letter, smartcoverletter, best cover letter generators, the 12 best cover letter tips for 2024.

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Cover letter mistakes – are they a dealbreaker?

While attending a good friend’s bridal shower yesterday, the talk at our table turned to the job search. There were two people with recruiting experience at the table, ready to weigh in. The bridesmaid to my right started to tell a pretty funny story about a big cover slip up. It sounded very familiar… and we all have probably made similar cover letter mistakes…

In the midst of applying to multiple jobs, she put together what she thought to be a great cover letter. She slightly altered it to fit the 3 different companies she was applying to and then proceded to proofread it “about 100 times”. She sent it off. That was that. A few weeks later she hadn’t heard back but pressed on and decided to apply for a few new jobs she was interested in. When going back to use the same cover letter she noticed something slightly alarming. Instead of talking about all of her “great work with various public schools” she actually referred to her great work with “pubic schools”.

We all starting cracking up – definitely an unfortunate (but easy to make) mistake. Since she hadn’t heard back from any of those 3 companies, the question was posed “is this typo preventing me from getting calls?” In general, will cover letter mistakes be a dealbreaker?

The recruiter at the table jumped in.

“It’s probably okay. It’s possible no one even noticed, or read it.” I quickly agreed, “I wouldn’t worry about it too much. It’s an innocent mistake and I think most recruiters care about your experience way more than a typo.” However, I know there are people out there in the opposite camp, who believe grammar, attention to detail, and cover letters in general are a big deal.

My opinion is that minor cover letter mistakes don’t matter all that much.

Many times, cover letters are not even read

If you ask a group of recruiters (and I have) you’ll realize that very few read cover letters at all. There could be many reasons why this is the case but I believe the biggest reason is probably because recruiters have time contraints and because of limited time, recruiters prioritize what is most important – the resume. Say the recruiter is passing along a candidate’s information to the hiring manager (the person who is actually hiring this person). It is pretty common to only pass along the resume (or a resume bundle with many candidates at once) and not include the cover letters.

The recruiting process is already long and administrative, and the cover letter sometimes gets tossed aside because the resume gives you enough information to make a call without any supplements.

When they are read, cover letters are often skimmed

Now, this is definitely not always the case. Plenty of people definitely still read cover letters (otherwise, why ask for them?) However, back to the issue of time constraints, when cover letters are read, they are likely skimmed. The reader is probably looking for the key points, and looking for anything that the resume can’t tell them (perhaps passion for the company, or why the candidate chose to take the path they took). Basically, they are looking for the “personality” and context behind the resume. Still, they will read a cover letter very quickly, extracting what they need, and moving on.

For this reason, I don’t think minor errors are easily caught. Note: writing the wrong company name in a cover letter is not “minor” – this is a careless, major mistake, and extremely easy to spot. “Pubic schools” however, could easy be missed.

Your actual skills and past experience outweigh almost everything

This is one of my core beliefs about the the recruiting process and hiring. I can give you all of the advice in the world (and it definitely will help you gain a competitive edge), but actual skills and work experience trump almost everything. Most companies have a very specific set of qualifications in mind when they are hiring. If you meet them (and not many others do) you’re likely to get a shot at interviewing even if you have made a mistake or typo in your cover letter.

Cover letter mistakes can happen in a second – we’re all busy. Experience and skills take years to build, and trump a piece of paper.

As with many job search topics, this is a really subjective one and you may come across people who adamantly disagree and will easily judge someone on a minor error on a cover letter. I personally don’t believe this is a dealbreaker, but in the spirit of giving yourself every advantage possible, (DO) write a great cover letter and check it 101 times for typos. Ask someone you trust to give it a second look. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes is all you need.

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"This Could Make Or Break Your Job Application" — Experts Are Sharing The 1 Thing You Should Avoid On Your Résumé

This could be the reason why you’re not getting job interviews — but it's an easy fix.

HuffPost Writer

A collage-style image featuring a person walking away, surrounded by torn pieces of paper with words "address," "resume," "address," "highlights," and contact information "123 Million Street, Atlanta, GA 12345; 800-000-5678."

As a job seeker, it is frustrating when your amazing résumé gets no responses. There are many reasons outside of your control as to why you’re hearing silence , but one clear reason might be because of your address.

That’s because the address you list on your résumé –– or lack thereof –– can rule you out of contention before you have a chance to make your case to a hiring manager.

Ashley Watkins Thomas , a job search coach, said that when she worked as a corporate recruiter for on-site jobs, her “spidey senses” would kick in when she saw résumés with no address listed at all.

“When you intentionally leave pertinent information off of your documents, we know you’re hiding something,” Watkins Thomas said, noting that the missing information signals that you likely live out of town.

“You’re saying that you live in Florida, yet your experience section says that you’re in Tennessee, so which is it?” she said recruiters will question.

So the first mistake is thinking you can get away with listing no address for hybrid or fully onsite jobs. On the other hand, how you word your address can also be a dealbreaker for certain jobs. Here’s why:

Your local address can make or break your job application.

A person typing on a laptop with a resume displayed on the screen. Nearby are a cup, a notebook, and a phone on a table

Jessica Hernandez , a career development coach with more than 10 years of human resources experience, said for remote jobs, “the only element that will matter is the country.” In those cases, you just need to clearly state that you’re based in the United States for a U.S.-based role, for example.

But you will need to be more specific for hybrid or on-site jobs. Hernandez said the biggest résumé mistake she sees on listing an address is not including a local address when they’re open to relocating.

“If a recruiter is looking for a local candidate and the person has an address that isn’t near the location, for instance ... then this candidate may be excluded from the search,” she said. “I’ve heard of many job seekers who struggle to relocate because their current address is on their résumé instead of the address for where they are relocating to.”

To work around this, Hernandez recommends using the address of a friend or family member in the area where you hope to relocate. And if you do not have a trusted friend, “you can always get a UPS box at a local UPS store, and it will give an actual street address,” she advised.

Watkins Thomas, however, said it is better to be transparent about where you live and to avoid using other people’s addresses. She said an employer could find out your location through a background check, and you will come across as “being dishonest.” Additionally, being upfront about where you live can make you eligible for potential relocation benefits, “because companies will make changes for who they want.”

Recruiters often exclude candidates outside of a certain radius because the job requires local connections. They also might assume you will not be able to start working within a tight timeframe.

To counter that, Watkins Thomas said job seekers can signal their readiness by including a sentence at the top of their résumé alongside contact information that says: “Willing to relocate by July 2024.” And you can reinforce this message with more details in your cover letter.

Saying too much about your address is also a mistake.

A person is seated on a couch, using a laptop and smiling. There is a bookshelf in the background

One other big mistake is listing your full street address on job applications that do not require it.

You typically just need a city, state, and zip code for recruiters doing location-based searches, experts said. With a full street address on a résumé, recruiters can make assumptions about your race and socioeconomic status, Watkins Thomas said.

It’s OK to leave off your small town in favor of a more well-known metro region, though. Watkins Thomas said some of her clients in smaller towns have gotten callbacks after saying they live in the “Atlanta, Georgia, area,” for instance.

Don’t give more than one address, though. Watkins Thomas said she commonly sees college students put both a permanent and current address, which she advises against doing. For one, it clutters your résumé, and “when things are cluttered, we’re more likely to skim over them and not pay any attention to them.” Additionally, it’s a signal that you are a new graduate entering the job market for the first time.

“A lot of times, that’s a dead giveaway that you’re a college student,” Watkins Thomas said. “And you don’t want people focusing on the fact that you just graduated; let them focus on things like the value that you bring, the problems that you solve.”

How you can greatly increase your odds of getting interviewed.

A person holding a resume and a pen during a job interview, with another individual gesturing in the background across the desk

You can spend hours agonizing over the exact wording of your résumé, but Watkins Thomas said that candidates who need to relocate have a much stronger chance of getting interviewed if they network with people who can advocate on their behalf.

“If it’s your target company, you should already be building those relationships and already having those conversations,” Watkins Thomas advised. In these informational interviews , you can ask them, “Are you familiar with the hiring manager and whether or not they have specific requirements about location?”

“If you have someone on the inside who has some influence with the organization, they can vouch for you and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got this person here, they’re easy to relocate,’” Watkins Thomas said. “They can help tell that story for you and advocate for you versus you being just among the number of résumés received for a particular position.” This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

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5 Cover Letter Mistakes Every PA Should Avoid

W hether you’re a recent graduate applying for your first physician assistant (PA) job or a seasoned clinician looking for a new career opportunity, writing an impactful cover letter will make sure you make a strong first impression on a potential employer.

However, there are common mistakes that can hinder your efforts. By being aware of these missteps and avoiding them, you can ensure your cover letter effectively highlights your strengths and stands out from the competition. Keep reading to uncover the top five mistakes you should avoid when writing your PA cover letter.

1. Underestimating or Overinflating PA Experience

Underestimating your experience is a common mistake made by recent PA graduates. You don’t need to apologize for being new. We’ve all been where you are now. Even your most admired mentor was a new PA at the beginning of their career.

If you have little or no PA work experience, avoid using the words only or just in your cover letter. Phrases such as “although I only have experience as a student” shouldn’t be included. Instead, discuss how your clinical rotations and skills you gained during training will be valuable for the role you’re targeting. Be sure to include any specializations or certifications you’ve earned.

Additionally, unsubstantiated grand claims about past or present PA experience have no place in your cover letter. As a board-certified medical professional, your previous employment and work history are easy to verify. Overinflating your experiences or skills can lead to instant job disqualification and permanent exclusion from future employment.

2. Overusing “I”

Although it’s important for your cover letter to highlight your strengths, potential employers are interested in knowing what you can bring to the position. Overuse of the “I” pronoun gives the impression of excessive self-interest, and the hiring manager may doubt your ability to work as a team player.

For example, don’t claim you solved a problem or learned a new skill by yourself. Instead, use phrases such as “one of my mentors taught me” or “the team worked on.” Team-based care is important and you’ll want to show that while you have skills, you can also effectively work with others to treat patients.

3. Sending a Generic Cover Letter

An impersonal generic cover letter written to “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager” indicates a lack of effort. Call the practice or look on their website to find out who the hiring manager is and address your cover letter to them by name if possible. This small gesture conveys attention to detail and genuine care about the position.

Research the practice and learn about their mission statement and recent accomplishments. Do they specialize in an area you’re interested in? Or maybe they focus on a patient population you enjoy working with. Any specifics that connect you to the job you’re applying for are worth mentioning.

Consider reaching out to PAs who are current or former employees of the practice to discuss the job opening and ask if you can mention them in your cover letter. Making a connection with someone at the office will get you extra attention—but it’s important to ensure the PA you contact has a positive relationship with the organization because you don’t want that additional attention to be negative.

4. Not Addressing the Needs of the Practice

If the practice is looking to add or replace a PA, they have a need to fill. Your application will get increased interest if you explain how you’ll help address those unmet needs.

Pay close attention to the job posting for preferred qualifications, experience, and skills. Make specific mention in your cover letter of requirements where you and the practice align.

Also, review the job posting for areas where the practice is seeking improvement and has challenges they’re facing. Describe how your abilities can contribute to addressing these challenges and incorporate that into your cover letter.

5. Making Errors

Spelling and grammatical errors cause your PA cover letter to appear sloppy and unfinished. Although these errors don’t reflect on your competency as a PA, they convey an unprofessional tone and lack of attention to detail. Double and triple-check your cover letter for typos, formatting inconsistencies, and factual errors. Confirm the spelling of people’s names and the accuracy of their titles.

Once you’ve finished writing your cover letter, use the editing features on your word processing program. Most programs have built-in spelling and grammar checkers, while others also contain a searchable thesaurus and more robust editing services.

If time allows, put your cover letter aside and take a break like a walk or do a chore around your house. Reading it after some time has passed allows you to view it with fresh eyes and catch more mistakes.

Remember, your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and set yourself apart from other candidates. By avoiding these PA cover letter mistakes, you can position yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.

Having trouble getting started ? Use an AI cover letter generator to construct a good foundation. Then, make additions and changes as needed to customize the letter for each position you’re applying for.

About the Author:

Jesse Watts, PA-C, is a medical writer and practicing physician assistant at a dermatology office in the Kansas City area.

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COMMENTS

15 Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are 15 things to avoid when writing a cover letter with tips and suggestions of what you can do instead: Not following instructions. Using the wrong format. Discussing why you are looking for a new position. Using the same cover letter for every application.
11 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Top ↑ 11 Cover Letter Mistakes (That You Should Avoid) Mistake #1. Making it all about yourself Mistake #2. Repeating your resume Mistake #3. Exceeding one page Mistake #4. Mass sending a cover letter Mistake #5. Using cliches without backing them up Mistake #6. Being too formal...or too informal Mistake #7.
16 Cover Letter Mistakes Commonly Made & How to Avoid Them
So, failing to proofread and correct them ultimately reduces your professional credibility. Before sending both your resume and cover letter, check if there are any mistakes. Let them sit overnight before you proofread them, or ask your family or friends to do it for you. #10. Focusing on Yourself Too Much.
15 Cover Letter Mistakes You Might Not Realize You're Making
Here are 15 common cover letter mistakes to avoid so you can land an interview and get the job. Key Takeaways: Cover letter mistakes are fast way to have your job application ignored. Common cover letter mistakes include forgetting to proofread, adding irrelevant information, and not addressing the company's needs.
7 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
4. Writing Too Much. "An overly wordy cover letter is a waste of time and a big mistake," states Jessica Hernandez, an executive resume writer and president and CEO of Great Resumes Fast. Keep the body of your cover letter to 150 words or less, she suggests. "Employers are pressed for time and simply do not see the value in investing ...
10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
Cover Letter Mistake #1: Lack of research. Thanks to the Internet, there's little excuse to not personalize your cover letters. Whenever possible, research the name of the hiring manager or recruiter (if it's not listed on the actual job post) and the company who's filling the position, and use this information to customize your opening document.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes: Biggest Blunders to Avoid
Regrettable fonts. Embellishing your qualifications. Failing to use keywords. Being overly boastful. Typos and spelling mistakes. Inappropriate greetings. But that's just a taster. We uncovered all sorts of cover letter sins and got the low down on what recruiters really want in a cover letter.
9 Biggest Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 4: Repeating your resume. Mistake 5: Focusing on yourself too much. Mistake 6: Sharing irrelevant experience. Mistake 7: Using the same cover letter template for multiple jobs. Mistake 8: Including too much information. Mistake 9: Making spelling or grammar mistakes. How to avoid cover letter mistakes.
7 Cover Letter Mistakes Entry-Level Candidates Make
Problem #5: It Sounds Selfish. The following is one of the most important rules to remember about writing your cover letter: It isn't just about you. In other words, avoid writing about how working at your target company will create a great boost for your resume and career. Hiring managers are fully aware of that.
The 35 Biggest Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
When not helping writers hone their craft, eliminating stray apostrophes and debating on the use of the Oxford comma, he enjoys traveling, gardening, collecting Céline Dion records, and taking (often unflattering) photos of his 5 rescue cats. Read our list of the biggest and most stupid mistakes to avoid when writing your cover letter, and ...
16 Entry-Level Cover Letter Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)
1. Improper length. It's common for entry-level candidates to write cover letters that are either too long or short. When writing your cover letter, try to keep it succinct by limiting it between a half page to one page in length. From here, you can focus on using clear and direct language to describe your abilities.
Tricky Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
Top Cover Letter Mistakes. 1. Overusing "I". Your cover letter is not your autobiography. The focus should be on how you meet an employer's needs, not on your life story. Avoid the perception of being self-centered by minimizing your use of the word "I," especially at the beginning of your sentences. 2.
3 Common Cover Letter Mistakes That You Can Fix
If your submission follows the same list-type format all the way through, see if you can't pepper in an example or anecdote that'll add some personality. You want your cover letter to stand out for all the right reasons. So, before you click submit, take a few minutes to make sure you're putting your best (and most memorable) foot forward.
5 Common Cover Letter Mistakes
Cover Letter Mistake #1: Sounding Boring - Or Worse, Bored. Your cover letter probably isn't the right place to talk about last year's wild Spring Break bender. However, your cover letter still needs to be interesting enough to keep the hiring manager from getting bored silly. One of the biggest mistakes you could make with your cover ...
Don't Make These 10 Cover Letter Mistakes
A cover letter doesn't have to be complicated but you must include one. Even if the job ad you're replying to doesn't specifically state the need for a cover letter, send a cover letter. 2. It's not about you. It's not about what the employer can do for you, but what you can do for the employer.This mistake is particularly common ...
7 common cover letter mistakes to avoid at all costs
One of the most common difficulties when writing a cover letter is judging how formal to make it. You have the formal take at one end of the spectrum, starting your cover letter with full addresses like "To whom it may concern," and polishing it up with "Yours sincerely." At the other end of the spectrum, there's the informal take, beginning ...
6 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
You must showcase your skills without appearing self-important or succumbing to cliches. Here are six cover letter mistakes to avoid at all costs. 1. Highlighting where you lack specific skills ...
Common Cover Letter Mistakes
8. Misreading the job posting's instructions. Make sure you've read and re-read all the job posting's instructions and underlined the keywords and phrases before starting your cover letter. If there's specific information they've asked you to include in your cover letter, ensure you have done so. 9. Submitting a cover letter riddled with errors.
Common Mistakes Made When Writing a Cover Letter
Well then. 7. Focusing too much on yourself. This one is definitely an easy mistake to make, due to the fact it is your cover letter, your job application and your future. But employers really don't care about how their company fits your needs (before they hire you, at least).
7 Cover Letter Mistakes That'll Lose You the Job
Keep it concise and, ideally, wrap up around three quarters of the way down the page. Remember that you're not trying to get everything on one page—you're trying to entice the hiring manager enough to bring you in for an interview. Think of your cover letter as the highlights reel of your career. 5. Over Explaining.
Cover Letter Mistakes and What to Say Instead
Keep it brief, but not too brief. "I'm applying for the _______ position. I've attached my resume for your consideration. Thank you.". A cover letter is a letter to your potential boss. At the very least, your cover letter should have a couple of paragraphs that detail why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
Cover letter mistakes
It's an innocent mistake and I think most recruiters care about your experience way more than a typo." However, I know there are people out there in the opposite camp, who believe grammar, attention to detail, and cover letters in general are a big deal. My opinion is that minor cover letter mistakes don't matter all that much.
How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)
Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Show Transcript.
This 1 Résumé Mistake Could Hurt Your Chances Of Being Hired
Hernandez said the biggest résumé mistake she sees on listing an address is not including a local address when they're open to relocating. "If a recruiter is looking for a local candidate ...
5 Cover Letter Mistakes Every PA Should Avoid
Keep reading to uncover the top five mistakes you should avoid when writing your PA cover letter. 1. Underestimating or Overinflating PA Experience. Underestimating your experience is a common ...
What if I Notice a Typo After I Send My Cover Letter?
Here's what you should do if you notice a typo in your cover letter after sending it: Breathe. Humans make mistakes. Draft a new email apologizing for your oversight, and mention that it has been corrected. Send out a modified version of your cover letter. This time, use spell check or a trusted online cover letter builder that will highlight ...

11 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

11 Cover Letter Mistakes (That You Should Avoid)

Mistake #2. Repeating your resume

Mistake #3. Exceeding one page

Mistake #4. Mass sending a cover letter

Mistake #5. Using cliches without backing them up

Mistake #6. Being too formal...or too informal

Mistake #7. Typos and grammar mistakes

Mistake #8. Unnecessary flattery

Mistake #9. Going off-topic

Mistake #10. Not following specific instructions

Mistake #11. Forgetting to sign your cover letter

Key Takeaways

15 Cover Letter Mistakes You Might Not Realize You’re Making

15 cover letter mistakes

Recent Job Searches

10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

But aren't cover letters a thing of the past?

Cover Letter Mistake #1: Lack of research

Cover Letter Mistake #2: Overly formal or casual greetings

Cover Letter Mistake #3: Talking all about me, me, me

Cover Letter Mistake #4: Repeating your entire resume

Cover Letter Mistake #5: Generic messaging

Cover Letter Mistake #6: Not following instructions

Cover Letter Mistake #7: Typos

Cover Letter Mistake #8: Writing a novel

Cover Letter Mistake #9: Going off brand

Cover Letter Mistake #10: TMI

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9 Biggest Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Common cover letter mistakes and how to fix them

Mistake 1: Not analyzing the job description

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Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Know Before Applying

Cover Letter Mistake #1: Sounding Boring – Or Worse, Bored

Cover Letter Mistake #2: Recycling Your Resume

Cover Letter Mistake #3: Not Personalizing the Cover Letter Template

Cover Letter Mistake #4: Avoiding Employers’ Most Important Question

Cover Letter Mistake #5: Your Cover Letter is Too Long

7 common cover letter mistakes to avoid at all costs

Sticking to a template rigidly

Regurgitating your CV

Discussing only yourself

Poor grammar and typos

Writing cover letters over one page

Being overly formal or informal

Using clichés

"I have exceptional written and verbal communication skills"

"I think outside the box"

"I am a fast learner/hard worker/problem solver"

"I work well independently and as part of a team"

"This is exactly the kind of role I'm looking for"

"I'm the best candidate for the job"

Avoiding common cover letter mistakes

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6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Cover Letter

Table of Contents

Cover letter mistakes to avoid

1. Highlighting where you lack specific skills

2. Not proofreading for typos and cliches

3. Remaining stuck in the past

4. Talking about money too soon

5. Making it all about you

6. Letting AI do the heavy lifting

What is a cover letter?

The benefits of a cover letter

1. Cover letters personalize your application.

2. Cover letters showcase your interest in the position and company.

3. Cover letters demonstrate your hard work.

How to write a good cover letter

1. Be yourself in your cover letter.

2. Do your research and customize your cover letter.

3. Be creative in your cover letter.