cover letter mistakes

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 and How to Avoid Them

Female typing up a cover letter on her laptop sitting at her desk with a pencil in her hand.

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When you’re at a party mingling with a bunch of different guests, you sometimes only have a few seconds to introduce yourself to a person before you get pulled into another conversation or get distracted by the snack table. If you want to make a strong first impression, you have to make those few seconds count. Your cover letter is the professional version of a quick introduction. If you make a misstep in this important first interaction, it can significantly harm your chances of moving forward as a candidate for a job. We’ll reveal the top 10 cover letter mistakes and offer tips to make sure you avoid them during your job search.

The importance of creating a cover letter

A cover letter will introduce you to a prospective employer, highlight your qualifications for a specific position, and share your relevant professional accomplishments.

Together with your resume, your cover letter should communicate why you’re a strong candidate for the job you want. In contrast to your resume, your cover letter allows you to show a bit of your personality. It also allows you to address additional topics that may be pertinent to your candidacy, like explaining employment gaps or conveying details in your personal background that make you uniquely qualified.

When you should attach a cover letter

You should send a cover letter whenever you’re applying for a job. This holds true whether you’re applying for a job you saw posted online, responding about a position you were referred to, or expressing interest in working for a company without applying to a particular role.

You can also send a cover letter to introduce yourself and spotlight your credentials in other situations, like if you’re applying for an academic program or seeking grant funding.

10 cover letter mistakes to avoid

1. failing to customize your letter.

This is by far the number one mistake candidates make when writing a cover letter. Too many candidates merely copy and paste their name and other details into a generic template they found online instead of creating a unique and personalized letter for every job they’re applying to.

What to do instead: Customize your resume for your desired job, drafting a new one for each position you apply to. Fill it with specific details that will differentiate you from other candidates. For example: why do you want this job? What attracted you to the company? What are your most relevant skills? What previous experiences have prepared you for success in this role? Why are you passionate about your career? All of these tidbits will help position you as a stronger candidate for a hiring manager.

2. Using an inappropriate tone

One of the reasons you should create a different cover letter for every job application is that different companies can have very different cultures. Your cover letter should align with that particular organization’s style and values.

If you’re applying to a creative startup that’s known for innovation but use stuffy, formal language, the hiring manager could view it as a potential mismatch. The opposite is true, as well. If the job you want is with a prestigious traditional firm and you use a tone that’s too informal, you risk coming across as too casual.

What to do instead: Use your research about the company to inform the tone of your letter. Another thing that will influence the tone is who you’re writing to. A letter to a hiring manager you know on a first-name basis should read differently than one addressed to someone you’ve never met.

3. Repeating your resume

Though a cover letter and a resume often go hand in hand, don’t mistake them for being comparable documents. A resume is more rigid and formatted like a list, whereas a cover letter should be written as if you’re speaking directly to the hiring manager.

It’s also a mistake to regurgitate the content that’s already in your resume. Your cover letter should add to the information that’s in your resume versus repeating it.

What to do instead: Use your cover letter to share details that don’t fit in a resume, like how your personal values coincide with the organization’s mission or how you spearheaded a challenging project that provided excellent background experience.

4. Failing to quantify achievements

Anyone can say they ‘increased sales’ or ‘provided great customer service.’ Without evidence to support your statements, your claims are just that–claims. A hiring manager cannot determine the stronger candidate if they receive multiple applications that show similar skills.

What to do instead: Quantify your achievements with supporting anecdotes, statistics, and measurable results. For example, you might say you ‘increased sales by 23%’ or ‘provided great customer service by responding personally to an average of 30 email inquiries weekly.’ This gives credibility to your claims and differentiates you from other similar candidates.

5. Focusing too much on yourself

Though your cover letter is meant to promote yourself as a candidate, there’s a fine line between showcasing your strengths and bragging. Rather than focusing primarily on you, your letter should center around the value you bring to an employer.

What to do instead: With every anecdote or piece of information you choose to include in your cover letter, you should also communicate how it made a positive impact on the company, its clients, the community, etc.

6. Making demands

If you were meeting a new acquaintance for the first time, you wouldn’t start making demands like ‘I want to hang out every weekend’ or ‘You must answer my text messages within five minutes.’ That would be a huge red flag for a prospective friend. So why would you start off by making demands when introducing yourself to a prospective employer?

Your cover letter is not the appropriate place to state your salary requirements, scheduling preferences, or any other requests about your presumed employment.

What to do instead: Do your due diligence to ensure you’re applying for jobs that fit your preferences well. For example, if a job posting doesn’t list a salary range, do market research to determine the likely salary for someone with your experience level in this position and location. Save conversations about your requirements for later in the hiring process when you’ve received an offer or are in the final stages of interviewing.

7. Sharing too much information

Your cover letter is like the teaser on the back cover of a book. It should showcase your biggest selling points and hook the reader into knowing more without spilling the entire story. That means your cover letter shouldn’t go into details that aren’t directly relevant to your strengths as a candidate, like the fact that you’re looking to move across the country after a bad breakup or that you were fired from your last job.

What to do instead: Stick to pertinent professional details that reflect positively on you as a candidate. Additional details may be acceptable in some cases, like if you’re switching careers and need to explain why the positions on your resume are in a different industry or if you have a big employment gap because you took time off to go back to school.

8. Using the wrong format

Resumes come in many different styles that can be used depending on your situation and objective. Cover letters, on the other hand, are pretty standard across the board. You don’t want to overcomplicate things with a nontraditional format, which can put your letter at risk of being ignored or rejected.

What to do instead: Stick to a traditional, easily readable cover letter format. The basic components to include are:

A header that includes your contact information and the date (this is only necessary if you’re sending a printed cover letter)
A salutation with the recipient’s name
The body of your letter
Your signature

In most cases, you’ll either want to write your cover letter directly in the body of an email or attach it as a PDF. But be sure to check the job requirements for any specific instructions about how cover letters should be submitted.

9. Forgetting to include keywords

Keywords are often talked about in resumes, but they’re also useful in cover letters. The right keywords help your application make it past automated applicant tracking systems and get in front of a human hiring manager.

What to do instead: Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your cover letter. Don’t go overboard–insert them only where they flow naturally within your writing.

Learn how to find keywords from the job description in this guide!

10. Failing to proofread

A cover letter that’s riddled with typos is unprofessional and reflects poorly on you as a candidate. If your application doesn’t get tossed out as a result, at the very least, you risk raising red flags about your attention to detail.

What to do instead: Have your English major friend or a trusted mentor proofread your cover letter before you send it to catch any misspellings or grammatical errors.

Awareness of these cover letter mistakes will help you draft an engaging, impressive letter that will entice a recruiter to contact you for a job interview. If you need a little more guidance before you start writing, check out our cover letter guide with a customizable template here.

Need help updating your resume? We suggest using a professional resume service like BeamJobs !

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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.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

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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Career Advice

6 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Published: Oct 26, 2023

An effective cover letter has the potential to be one of the most powerful tools in your job search arsenal. It can provide a strong introduction that grabs the hiring manager’s attention, and may provide further details that aren’t necessarily included on your resume. On the other hand, a hastily thrown-together cover letter can actually hurt your chances at landing a job. Here are some cover letter mistakes you should avoid.

Overcomplicating Things

Your cover letter should highlight your unique personality and achievements, but it should also be concise and easy to read. Flexing those vocabulary muscles isn’t very important here, as the use of flowery or otherwise overly-complicated language might be distracting for the hiring manager. Along with this, keep your paragraphs short. The hiring manager won’t take more than several seconds to skim through each candidate’s cover letter, so brevity is key.

You might be thinking that the use of graphics or vibrant colors will help make your cover letter stand out, but the philosophy described above still applies. Flashy imagery and colors will only serve as a distraction. If you’re applying for a job in the creative industry, let your portfolio do the talking. Otherwise, keep your cover letter short and impactful, and let your personality and achievements be what set you apart from other candidates.

Not Conducting Research

You might have noticed that the idea of conducting research makes its way into almost all of our advice on job seeking, interviewing, and resume building. Yes friends, conducting research is incredibly important when it comes time to write a cover letter. First and foremost, job descriptions often provide specific instructions for submitting applications, which might include particulars about your cover letter. Always follow these instructions. If you don’t, it’s quite likely you won’t be considered for the job.

Your research will also allow you to make connections between your skills and achievements, and the responsibilities outlined in the job description. If you notice certain keywords in the job description, use them in your cover letter. Lots of companies use applicant tracking software that will identify such keywords, and if the hiring manager recognizes these connections in your cover letter, it will greatly increase your chances of being selected for the role.

Using a Generic Cover Letter

When applying to a lot of jobs in succession you might think that recycling your cover letter will help you save time, but most hiring managers can spot a generic cover letter a mile away. When preparing your cover letter, you can rely on your trusty research to provide you with details such as the job title, company name, values and mission, and perhaps even the name of the hiring manager. Including such details or referencing them in your cover letter will show the hiring manager that you’re thorough and thoughtful.

Revealing Unnecessary Details

You should always be honest on your resume, during a job interview, and when writing your cover letter. That said, you don’t want to reveal any unnecessary information that could potentially damage your candidacy. For starters, don’t include any irrelevant work experience, and if you’re lacking one of the skills outlined on the job description, don’t go out of your way to highlight that fact. If the latter is the case, take the time to develop any necessary skills whenever possible.

Other things to avoid are telling the story of why you left your last job, why you’re leaving your current job, the reasons why you and your boss don’t get along, or making any negative comments about previous employers and coworkers. None of these topics will win you any points with the hiring manager, and will absolutely ruin your chances at landing the job in question.

Talking About Money

A good cover letter will demonstrate your value to the company and role you’re applying for. If you include any mention of salary expectations in your cover letter, the hiring manager might see you as being more interested in what you can get from the company, rather than what you can do to help the company succeed. Very rarely does a job listing ask you to include your desired salary in your cover letter, but if it does, provide a range rather than a specific figure.

Not Proofreading

This should go without saying, but you’d be surprised. If you’re in a frenzy with applying to multiple jobs, you could completely forget to proofread your cover letter. This can happen to anyone, so it’s best to take your time and be deliberate with each application. Read over each cover letter very carefully, make sure you’ve included all the relevant information, and ensure that superfluous details have been excluded.

A good tactic for effective proofreading is to take a step away from your cover letter after you write it. After some time, you’ll be less familiar with your writing, making it easier to spot spelling and grammar mistakes. If you send out a cover letter that’s full of errors and silly mistakes, it will make you seem uninterested or even lazy—this is precisely what we don’t want.

Like any other aspect of your job search, a good cover letter takes effort and patience. Always take the time to tailor each cover letter, letting your excitement and enthusiasm shine through. Keep it short and simple, don’t be too flashy about it, and exclude any irrelevant information. Eventually, you’ll be a pro at writing concise, impactful cover letters.

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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

Table of contents.

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.”

Watch for cliches and worthless words in your LinkedIn profile . Overused buzzwords won’t convey your unique qualifications and personality.

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.

Job candidates should also steer clear of oversharing personal history or exaggerating or lying on their resume or cover letter.

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.

In addition to crafting an excellent cover letter, job candidates should prepare for the interview process and send a thank-you letter to follow up.

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.

Getting a feel for the company will also prepare you for the types of interview questions the hiring manager will likely ask.

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.

A cover letter is a great place to discuss any volunteer work or side projects that may not be on your resume but are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

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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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.
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 ...
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Learn how to avoid common cover letter mistakes that can get your job application ignored or overlooked. Find out how to proofread, address the company's needs, use relevant information, and more. Get tips and examples from experts and other job seekers.
The 35 Biggest Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
In his downtime, Chris enjoys traveling, gardening, collecting Céline Dion records, and taking (often unflattering) photos of his five rescue cats. Read our list of the biggest and most stupid mistakes to avoid when writing your cover letter, and make sure your application's a success - not a deal breaker.
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.
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.
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Related: 15 Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Proofread before you submit Reread your cover letter several times before submitting it and keep an eye out for spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Reading it aloud can help you pick out awkward phrasing or too-long sentences. We all tend to gloss over errors, so do a slow, deliberate ...
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.
How to Write a Cover Letter: Guide + Examples
Double-check that your document avoids these common cover letter mistakes: Avoid including paragraphs that are too long. You should always have a paragraph that is at most five sentences. It's too wordy! Instead, consider bullet points in your body paragraph to break down your text into easy bite-sized statements.
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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.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
10 cover letter mistakes to avoid 1. Failing to customize your letter. This is by far the number one mistake candidates make when writing a cover letter. Too many candidates merely copy and paste their name and other details into a generic template they found online instead of creating a unique and personalized letter for every job they're ...
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Using clichés or overused phrases can make your cover letter sound insincere and unoriginal. Phrases like "I'm a hard worker" or "I'm a team player" are so commonly used they've become almost ...
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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.
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Here are some cover letter mistakes you should avoid. Overcomplicating Things. Your cover letter should highlight your unique personality and achievements, but it should also be concise and easy to read. Flexing those vocabulary muscles isn't very important here, as the use of flowery or otherwise overly-complicated language might be ...
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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.
7 common cover letter mistakes to avoid at all costs
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.
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4. Being too brief or too verbose. According to ResumeLab, 82% of the surveyed experts consider the ideal cover letter length to be up to one page, and half of those said less than half a page is ...
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A bad cover letter, on the other hand, can nip your chances in the bud. Below are eight cover letter mistakes that contribute to bad cover letters. To ensure that your cover letter is effective, avoid these missteps! 1. Don't skip the cover letter. Sure, there are some employers that don't place much importance on cover letters.
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9. Bad layout. You might not be applying for a job that requires design skills, but this doesn't mean you can entirely neglect the layout of your cover letter. To make your cover letter look visually pleasing, use a standard font, break up your paragraphs into small, readable chunks and use the same font size throughout.
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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 ...
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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.

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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2. Using an inappropriate tone

3. Repeating your resume

4. Failing to quantify achievements

5. Focusing too much on yourself

6. Making demands

7. Sharing too much information

8. Using the wrong format

9. Forgetting to include keywords

10. Failing to proofread

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Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Common Cover Letter Mistakes:

2. Using the incorrect company name.

3. Not conducting sufficient research.

4. Embellishing or lying.

5. Using an inappropriate tone.

6. Repeating everything in your resume.

7. Drawing attention to your shortcomings.

8. Misreading the job posting's instructions.

9. Submitting a cover letter riddled with errors.

10. Incorrect formatting.

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

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

What are the most common cover letter mistakes?

Will a bad cover letter hurt my application?

How long should your cover letter be?

What shouldn't be included in a cover letter?

What makes a strong cover letter?

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Sticking to a template rigidly

Regurgitating your CV

Discussing only yourself

Poor grammar and typos

Writing cover letters over one page