what is a bad cover letter

• Internet , Productivity

15 Bad Cover Letter Examples & How To Fix Them?

Writing a good cover letter together with your resume can help you land a job .

While your resume lists your education, experience, and other qualifications, your cover letter can help catch the recruiter’s eye and intrigue them.

When applying for jobs online , it’s typical to write cover letters in the form of an email. Depending on the job-seeking platform you’re using, you may also attach a cover letter as a PDF.

Since the cover letters are likely the first thing the recruiter will see, especially if it’s an email, it’s essential to get it right. Far too many people make common mistakes that cause a poor first impression.

These mistakes might cause a recruiter to not even bother looking at your resume. Here are a few examples of flawed cover letters, why they are bad, and how to fix them.

Also Read : How To Write An Email For A Job ?

Bad Cover Letter Examples & How To Fix Them?

1. focuses on why the job is right for the applicant.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki/ Pexels

“Dear Mrs. Jones,

I saw your job listing on Indeed, and I’d like to apply for it. I believe this job is perfect for me because it offers excellent health insurance, a salary that supports my lifestyle, and working hours that fit my schedule. I’m really excited about the opportunities this job has to offer and how it can improve my life. Please get back to me at your convenience.

Yours truly,

Why This Cover Letter Is Bad

This cover letter focuses on the perks of the job and the benefits it will bring the applicant. However, recruiters aren’t interested in hearing that – they know the job is an incredible opportunity.

They want to hear why you are a good fit for them. Focus on the benefits you will bring to the company and how you will help it grow, not on the benefits the job will bring you.

How to Fix This Cover Letter

It’s okay to say the job is a good fit for you because you are passionate about the industry, love the company culture, or your goals are aligned with the vision and objectives of the firm. All that just shows how you are a good fit for the company and will commit to integrating into the company culture and team.

However, cut out any part that focuses on how much you love the perks of the job. Employers aren’t interested in hearing that you love the number of vacation days the job gives you.

They want to see a candidate who isn’t solely focused on themselves.

2. Talking About the Applicant’s Life Story or Personal Details

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto/ Pexels

“Dear Mr. Geoffrey,

Your job description caught my interest. As a young child, I’ve always been interested in makeup and beauty. Whenever I had a chance, I would always apply makeup, even though the other girls at school made fun of me.

I wasn’t a typical child. Most children preferred to spend time outdoors. However, I chose to stay at home, playing with my dolls and applying makeup on them. Whenever I had a chance, I would practice on my sister, although she didn’t always like the way I made her look. I learned, though!

I would spend countless hours watching makeup tutorials on YouTube. I have never worked in the beauty industry, but I’d say I’m a pretty good makeup artist. My sister now agrees with me, although nowadays, I try to practice with my friends whenever possible, although they sometimes think I’m annoying.

In any case, that’s why I really want this job. I hope you consider me for this position.

Saying you’ve been passionate about the industry or task in question since you were young is not a bad thing. However, the interviewer does not need to know your story.

This cover letter shares too many personal details that are irrelevant to the applicant’s qualifications for the job.

Cut out any personal details that aren’t necessary. That can include not only your life story but also other irrelevant details.

For example, just because your uncle thinks you’re a whiz at computers, that doesn’t mean you’re a great computer technician. Similarly, saying you want to work at a particular firm because your cousin works or worked there is another unnecessary detail.

If a topic has truly interested you since you were young, talk about how you devoted yourself to studying it and improving your skills . Give concrete examples and explain how that makes you a better fit for the position.

3. Poor Spelling and Grammar

Photo by Ivan Samkov/ Pexels

“Dear Mr. Maddison,

I’m really interested in you’re job position. I would love to join an internship sales program. i have always been interested in sales and i believe that i would make a great sales agent. Im also willing to join as an intern so that I can learn. I would really really really appreciate it!!! if you would consider me for this job position. Thanks”

The reasons this cover letter is deficient are apparent. It is rife with spelling and grammar mistakes, such as missing commas and the use of “you’re” instead of “your.”

Of course, this is a more extreme example, but even fewer or more minor grammar and spelling mistakes can make a poor first impression on the recruiter.

Always proofread your cover letter before sending it. Writing it in haste can allow spelling errors to creep in.

Also, use a tool like Grammarly to check for grammar mistakes if English isn’t your strong point. You may also ask a friend or colleague to proofread it for you if you’re not that good at grammar.

4. Overuse of Slang and Abbreviations

Photo by fauxels/ Pexels

“Hi Mrs. Samantha Wilson,

I saw your job post, and I thought it was lit! I think I’d be perfect for this position IMHO. I’m a great artist LOL, so I’d do a banger job for sure. I’m really pumped to join the team, so please hit me up soon.

This cover letter uses slang words and abbreviations, which are inappropriate in most professional communication. While you might text something like that to a friend, writing a cover letter with abbreviations or slang will lead to nobody taking you seriously.

It’s simple: Don’t use slang words and abbreviations. While the above is an extreme example, stay away from all slang words and use professional-sounding alternatives instead.

5. Lack of Personal Tone

Photo by Cytonn Photography/ Pexels

“To whom it may concern,

I saw the job posting your company published for the position of data manager. Due to my extensive experience in the industry, I believe I am a good choice for the role. See my attached resume below for more information about me.

This cover letter lacks any sort of personal tone. The first mistake is starting with “ To whom it may concern .”

It’s a very impersonal greeting. Similarly, openings like “Dear Sir/Madam” are also subpar, as they are impersonal and lacking in enthusiasm.

Instead of using such an impersonal greeting, do your research and find out the name of the recruiter. Then, open the email with a greeting along the lines of “Dear Mr. Brown,” which is a bit more personal.

6. Cover Letter That Is Too Short

“Hi, Jacqueline,

Is the position for computer technician still available?

This cover letter is simply too short. It doesn’t give the recruiter any details about you, why you are applying for the position, and why they should consider you.

Keeping things short and to the point is okay, but if it’s too short, your cover letter won’t help you at all. You might as well not write one in the first place.

Your cover letter should be at least 2-3 paragraphs long, each section containing at least 2-3 lines. You should lead in with why you are applying and give a brief overview of what makes you a good fit for the job .

7. Cover Letter That Is Too Long

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko/ Pexels

“Dear Mrs. Harrison,

I was looking through various job postings, as I have recently decided to quit my job. I had a long and complicated dispute with my boss, but that’s an issue for another time. In either case, I have been searching for a while, and I came across your job listing on Indeed, in which you seek the services of an in-house marketing manager.

Marketing is my bread and butter. I have a lot of experience in marketing. I have always been interested in advertising and figuring out how to reach people the right way so that they are motivated to make a purchase. It truly is fascinating! A lot of people don’t realize how much human psychology you need to understand to be a good marketer.

I love all kinds of marketing, including digital marketing. Facebook ads, in particular, are really fascinating. As a Facebook user myself, I’m always catching myself getting intrigued by a specific ad. Sometimes, I do it without noticing, and then I ask myself, “How did this happen?”

After all, I’m a marketer myself, and I should know the various tricks marketers use to catch your attention. Surely, they wouldn’t work on me! However, that’s the beauty of marketing for you. In fact, all of those occurrences are simply learning opportunities for me…”

I’m not going to go on with this because you get the point.

There’s too much rambling going on here. Again, it’s okay to discuss how your passion for something permeates your life, but avoid going off on a tangent.

Don’t rant! The recruiter doesn’t need to hear your long-winded opinions about people or the way the industry works; that’s not what your cover letter is for.

If you ramble, you will appear unfocused. Most recruiters will see your long cover letter and not even bother reading it, sending it straight to the trash bin.

Stick to the point. Your cover letter shouldn’t be too short, but it shouldn’t be too long either – you’re not writing a college essay, and you’re not at a bar sharing a drink with a friend.

Avoid going off on tangents.

8. Pretending You Are Special and Don’t Need to Write a Proper Cover Letter

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/ Pexels

“Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m not going to waste your time with a cover letter. While other candidates may feel the need to write a professional letter and scrutinize it a thousand times before sending it, let’s just cut to the chase, as I know you’re busy and don’t have time to waste reading the same cover letter (with slightly different variations) over and over again from other job candidates.

I’m interested in the job position you have for a regional director. Due to my extensive qualifications, I would dominate in this role. I absolutely would be an asset to your company, and while I’m certainly in demand myself, I believe your company is the right fit. However, please be prompt in your response before I become unavailable.

James Tucker”

This cover letter is terrible for a few reasons. Firstly, it reeks of ego and inflated self-worth.

Nobody wants an employee who thinks they are at the top of the world. Such employees are rarely good at submitting to authority when needed and following orders.

Often, they do whatever they want, thinking they always know better.

Second of all, the writer pretends he is too good to write a cover letter like everyone else. He automatically assumes he is better than the other candidates.

You should write a standard cover letter just like everyone else. While it’s important to toot your own horn sometimes, be humble and don’t be arrogant, as it’s a significant turnoff to recruiters.

Also Read : Most Asked Interview Questions & Answers

9. Pretending You’re Too Good for the Position

Photo by cottonbro studio/ Pexels

“Hi Hiring Manager,

I’m writing about the job position you posted on Indeed for a marketing intern. I consider myself a marketing pro, so I’m only really applying for this position because I need to boost my resume with some actual experience. Besides, I’m pretty bored at the moment, as I’m on a break from my studies, so why not? I could use the extra cash, too.

If you’re interested, let me know.

All the best,

Again, there is too much arrogance here. If you think you’re too good for the position, why are you applying?

Don’t be arrogant. Nobody wants someone who thinks they could do better.

Such a person won’t be passionate about the job.

Also Read : How To Answer “Walk Me Through Your Resume” During An Interview ?

10. Talking About Your Weaknesses

Photo by MIXU/ Pexels

This email is in regard to the open job position of a camp counselor. I’m looking for a summer job, and even though I’m not really that great with kids (I’m an only child and never had much experience dealing with children), I wanted to apply for the job. Some of my strengths include being consistent, always showing up to work on time, and giving each project I take on my best.

Please let me know once you have made a decision.

Don’t list your weaknesses in your cover letter. People usually do that because they aren’t sure of themselves and don’t really think they would be a good fit for the job.

First of all, don’t apply for a job you don’t know how to do. However, everyone has strengths and weaknesses , and if you want to get a job, you need to focus on your strengths.

11. Complaining About Your Job Search

Photo by Alex Green/ Pexels

“Hi Mr. Hunt,

I’d like to apply for a job position at your firm. Man, am I glad to have found your job listing! I really hope you consider my application, because this job search has brought nothing but frustrations up until this point. It seems like most recruiters don’t value true talent and dedication.

Besides, the job market is oversaturated now, with the economy and all. Most of my emails don’t even get answered, which really blows my mind considering how qualified I am…”

Complaining about your job search isn’t a good look. If recruiters are ignoring you and passing you over for other candidates, the problem most likely isn’t them – it’s you.

Don’t mention how frustrating your job search was. For all the recruiter knows, this is the first job you are applying to.

12. Not Showing a Good Work Ethic (Adding Stipulations)

Photo by Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush/ Pexels

I’d love to apply to the open job position you have for a part-time physical therapist. However, the hours don’t work for me. Can I start an hour later each day? I prefer to work in the afternoon as well, so can we change the working hours to the afternoon?

Adding stipulations or trying to change the work requirements shows a lack of a proper work ethic to the hiring manager. You can’t come asking for a job while trying to make it entirely on your terms.

Only apply to job positions where you are able to comply with the rules. Some flexibility is sometimes given, but it will usually be specified (the listing will mention “flexible hours” or something similar).

13. Reasons You’re Right for the Job That Don’t Make Sense

Photo by Alexander Dummer/ Pexels

“Dear Mr. Valencia,

I saw your job post on Craigslist for a groundskeeper, and I’d like to apply. As a 30-year-old guy living in the area, I think I’d be perfect for the job. Please let me know if the job is still available.

It’s important to give a reason why you are a good candidate for the job, but the reason must make sense. Just because you’re a 30-year-old guy, that doesn’t mean you’d be a good groundskeeper or landscaper.

You need to have experience working with gardens, planting things, etc.

If you truly have no experience for the job , cite your passion and willingness to learn, but don’t give illogical reasons you should get the job.

14. Generic Copy and Paste

Photo by Caio/ Pexels

I’m not going to include a text for this, as you can simply go to Google and find any generic cover letter template to copy and paste.

Copy-and-paste templates you find on the first page of Google are easy to find. Other applicants may be using the same copy-and-paste templates.

Even if they are not, the templates are typically generic and do not relate to the specific role in question in any way.

Write your cover letter from scratch. Don’t copy and paste a template from the internet.

Also, don’t send the same cover letter for every job you’re applying to. Yes, it will take time, but it’s worth writing a unique cover letter for each job, although you can use a similar style and follow the same overall format if it works for you.

Also Read : Interview Mistakes To Avoid

15. Not Attaching a Resume

Photo by Anna Shvets/ Pexels

Finally, the last bad cover letter example is the one that doesn’t have a resume attached (or the resume is blank).

Your cover letter is only an introduction, a way to catch the recruiter’s eye so they look at your resume, where your real qualifications shine through.

People send cover letters without resumes because they don’t want to bother, think a cover letter would be enough, or simply forget to attach the resume to their email before sending. That’s why being thorough and double-checking everything is so important.

Bad Cover Letters Examples & How To Fix Them – Wrapping It Up

If you made any of these bad cover letter mistakes, don’t worry.

While you can resend your improved cover letter after fixing your mistakes, it’s better to focus on the new job opportunities. So, create a good cover letter & then have a fresh chance of creating an awesome first impression with the hiring managers.

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

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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 .

Recommended Reading:

• Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?
• How to Be a Great Candidate Even if You're Under-Qualified for the Job
• How to Write a Catchy Cover Letter

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Short Cover Letter Samples: Effective Examples for Job Applications

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

See how your resume stacks up.

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CVs & Résumés

• Aug 28, 2024
• 11 min read

20 Horrifying Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The hiring managers have spoken.

Chris Leitch

Editor-in-Chief & Résumé Expert

Reviewed by Electra Michaelidou

While cover letters have, to some extent, a bad rep and are viewed as unnecessary by many jobseekers and hiring managers alike, they can be a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers, market your unique selling points and demonstrate your written communication skills.

But there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about this document. And going the wrong way can only spell disaster for your job search efforts — and even your professional reputation.

We spoke to our recruiters and hiring decision-makers to share with you the 20 most common cover letter mistakes they hate seeing — so you know what to avoid to land your dream job.

1. Not writing one

The first of a very long list of cover letter mistakes, and perhaps the worst of all, is foregoing it entirely. Not including a cover letter in your job application only signals that you’re not genuinely interested in the job and, worse, you were too lazy to write one.

Even if the job description doesn’t specifically request a cover letter, it’s crucial that you send one, anyway. The only time you absolutely, categorically shouldn’t send a cover letter is when you’re asked not to. Which rarely ever happens.

2. Making it too long (or too short)

Hiring managers are busy creatures and don’t have the time (or the will) to read a novel in the form of a cover letter, which only suggests that you struggle to communicate concisely or prioritize the most relevant information.

Equally a turn-off is a cover letter of only a few lines, which tells hiring managers you have difficulty expressing your qualifications and enthusiasm effectively.

Aim for a total word count of between 250 and 400 words, and about 3–6 paragraphs. This translates to between three-quarters of a page to a maximum of one full page.

3. Discussing why you’re looking for a job

Overwhelming hiring managers with the reasons behind your job search can shift the attention away from the value you bring to the role — especially if those reasons have anything to do with financial need or dissatisfaction in your current job.

Focus on why you’re interested in the specific position and company that you’re applying to. Remember that the purpose of your cover letter is to demonstrate how and why you’re an asset.

4. Ignoring instructions

Employers will often include special instructions for applicants in job descriptions, such as answering a specific question in your cover letter or using a preferred file format.

Even accidentally missing these instructions could mean instant disqualification, as it demonstrates carelessness and disobedience — two things that employers are certainly not looking for.

Carefully read the job description (and then read it again ) to make sure you haven’t missed any instructions or specific requirements for your cover letter and overall job application.

5. Talking about salary expectations

When you include salary expectations in your cover letter, the only thing it tells employers is that you don’t really care about the job and that you’re only in it for the money. It can also be perceived as rude and unprofessional on your part.

Keep talk of salary to the job interview or when negotiating a job offer. Make sure you’re not the one to bring up the subject, though — leave it up to the hiring manager. Only ever discuss salary expectations in your cover letter if the job description requests this information.

6. Failing to end your letter with a compelling CTA

Not ending your cover letter with a call-to-action — or, worse, ending it with a generic or passive closing like “Thank you for your time and consideration” — is a wasted opportunity to reinforce your interest in the position and encourage the hiring manager or recruiter to reach out.

Always close your letter with a compelling CTA that will elicit a response. This should invite hiring managers to contact you, request an interview, or remind them why your accomplishments make you a great fit for the job — or a combination of these.

7. Addressing your letter to no one in particular

Starting your cover letter with “Dear Sir or Madam” or, worse, “To Whom it May Concern” is nothing short of impersonal. It also implies a lack of effort and interest in the job.

Worse, still, is foregoing the greeting entirely.

Address your letter (professionally!) to the person who will be reading it — you will often find their name listed in the job ad as a point of contact. If not, take the initiative to contact the company directly and ask them for a name. If all else fails, use “Dear Hiring Manager” — but only as a last resort.

8. Repeating your résumé

Simply using your cover letter to restate or recycle the same information from your résumé is a waste of space — and opportunity. Even if it’s worded slightly differently, hiring managers will lose interest, as it demonstrates a lack of creativity and originality.

Use your cover letter to complement — not regurgitate — your résumé by offering more context or sharing anecdotes that showcase your qualifications in action, and generally expanding on what you couldn’t in your résumé.

9. Not adding any value

A generic cover letter that reads like “Here’s my résumé — whatever” or a stock example of what hiring managers have already read won’t get you far. It shows a lack of interest and purpose.

Focus your letter on your achievements to provide proof of what you can do for the company you’re targeting. Make sure to quantify those achievements, too, with numbers, dollar amounts and percentages.

10. Using a different design from your résumé

One of the many things to avoid when putting your cover letter together is making it look completely different from your résumé. This is largely because it can give hiring managers the impression that the two documents aren’t connected — or, worse, that they belong to two different candidates.

Use the same fonts, colors and design elements across all your application documents (including your résumé, cover letter and list of references) to ensure a consistent personal brand. Consider investing in one of our résumé template packages if you’re not confident in your graphic design skills.

11. Ignoring employment gaps

While you typically won’t have the opportunity to address any employment gaps in your résumé , you will in your cover letter. If you waste this opportunity, it can raise red flags for hiring managers, who may assume the worst or become skeptical about your qualifications and commitment.

Make it a point to address employment gaps, but don’t dwell on them too much. Focus on how you stayed productive during those gaps (like freelancing, volunteering or upskilling), while emphasizing the skills and qualifications you gained.

12. Using a weak opening

“My name is John Smith and I’m applying for the X position at Company ABC.” That’s how most of the cover letters we’ve seen start off. And it’s bland and boring, and it loses the hiring manager’s interest from the get-go.

Feel free to be a little creative with your cover letter’s opening to really grab the reader’s attention. Take this opening paragraph for a proofreader cover letter for example: “Can you spot the the mistake? If so, kudos to you! But if not, it’s my job to catch those little typos so you don’t have to.”

13. Failing to research the company

When you don’t research the company that you’re applying to before you start writing your cover letter, you effectively miss the opportunity to learn about and really understand the company’s values, goals and culture. This amplifies the risk of writing a generic, impersonal letter.

Take the time to research the company , and use the information you gather to write your letter. This includes mentioning specific projects, news or challenges the organization is facing.

14. Making it all about you

“It’s my cover letter, so it should be about me.” While that is true to some extent, a cover letter that’s centered entirely on your own needs can seem self-serving, which isn’t the kind of quality that employers look for in employees.

Instead of mentioning what the job and company can do for you (for example: “to further develop my retail skills”), focus on what you bring to the role and how your skills and past experiences can help the company succeed.

15. Going off topic

One of the worst cover letter mistakes you can make is going off topic, as it shifts the focus away from what really matters: why you’re the right candidate for the job. This includes sharing uncomfortable life or professional experiences, the reason you quit your last job, or details about every job you ever had.

Keep your letter focused and aligned with the job you’re applying for, and only share the most relevant information that markets your top skills, achievements and qualifications.

16. Using the wrong tone

While the cover letter is a professional document, that doesn’t mean the tone should be overly formal. Indeed, it only makes your letter sound impersonal, cold and rather stiff. Likewise, an overly casual tone can come across as unprofessional.

Strike the right balance between professional, and friendly and conversational. You can achieve this by using clear, concise and easy-to-understand language, while avoiding jargon and complex sentence structures.

17. Sending the same letter for every application

Hiring managers can spot a one-size-fits-all cover letter from a mile away. And the worst thing about a generic, impersonal cover letter is that it tells employers you’re not exactly bothered whether you work for them or potentially their competitor. This calls your loyalty into question, if you were to land a job with them.

Tailor your cover letter to every company that you apply to. This can be achieved by mentioning company details and addressing job-specific details in your letter, as well as naturally incorporating important keywords from the job description.

18. Bringing attention to weaknesses

You might feel the urge to address, explain or even apologize for any weaknesses (for example, when you’re not familiar with a specific software), but doing so will only make hiring managers start to question your qualifications and candidacy as a whole.

Focus on showcasing your strengths and value. If you’re concerned about a weakness, subtly address it by demonstrating how you’re actively working on it, or frame it as an opportunity for growth without explicitly mentioning it.

19. Using flattery

While it’s okay to mention how you hold the company’s values, mission or culture in high regard, throwing in random compliments or going overboard with unnecessary flattery will make you sound insincere, insecure or desperate.

Feel free to mention specific aspects of the company that you admire, but frame them in the context of how you can contribute, and align your skills, experience and values to the employer’s needs.

20. Forgetting to proofread before submission

Many hiring managers will often review your application by first reading your cover letter. And if it’s riddled with grammar and spelling mistakes , they likely won’t even bother reading your résumé, as their initial impression of you is one of carelessness, poor communication skills and a lack of professionalism.

Always make the time to proofread your cover letter (and proofread it again!) before sending your application. It’s also a good idea to ask a trusted friend or relative to read over it, too, as they’ll be able to give you some constructive feedback.

Final thoughts

Because cover letters are so intimidating to write, it’s easy to mess them up. And when that happens, it can get in the way of securing the job you’re applying for, even if you’re the most qualified candidate.

But if you’re aware of the things to avoid when writing your cover letter, including the mistakes we covered in this article, you’ll know what to do instead — and get one step closer to your dream job .

Can you think of any other cover letter mistakes worth mentioning? Let us know in the comments section below.

This article is a complete update of an earlier version originally published on March 28, 2018.

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What Makes a Bad Cover Letter? These 5 Mistakes

A cover letter is a key part of any job application. As annoying as they might seem, they’re crucial for showing off your soft skills and your passion for the position. You def don’t want to submit a bad cover letter during your job search!

Your cover letter is the bridge between the job description and your resume. Its purpose is to show that the experiences on your resume have prepared you to succeed in their job.

Since they’re so important, be sure you avoid these 5 cover letter mistakes!

Going over one page

Unlike a resume, your cover letter has to be one page. One of the biggest cover letter mistakes is treating it like an essay. Employers aren’t looking for your essay writing skills here!

If you’re having trouble saving space on your cover letter, you can make the margins .5” or use size 11 font (minimum). You can also explore different fonts to find a smaller one.

Also, read and reread your cover letter to spot things that are repetitive or unnecessary. You want to use examples that show off how great YOU are, so cut anything not serving that purpose!

If you’re still having trouble getting it down to one page, keep reading for more tips to save space and avoid having a bad cover letter!

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Reusing a cover letter

It’s true: you have to write a custom cover letter for every job you apply for. You can’t just change the position title and address on one and send it to another company. They’ll most likely notice you did. Even if they don’t, your cover letter won’t make as big of an impact.

Instead, it’s important to customize your cover letter to the position description. You can do this by expanding on 1 or 2 of your most related experiences using language from the job description.

So, if they say they’re looking for an “organized, thoughtful, team player,” then tell a story from work when you demonstrated those skills.

By customizing your cover letter, you show employers you took the time to analyze what they want in an employee. This is another great way to show you’re committed and passionate about their position.

Still confused about why you even need a cover letter? Check out The Real Purpose of a Cover Letter (& Why They’re So Important!)

Using your resume

This is one of the biggest cover letter mistakes I saw from clients. Essentially, their cover letter was a resume in sentences. That is def a bad cover letter move!

Instead of using your cover letter to repeat your resume, be strategic by giving them more information about you as an employee.

Your cover letter tells them your passion for the position and uses specific examples to show your skills.

Don’t repeat what’s on your resume in your cover letter- instead, go deeper into your most impressive 1 or 2 experiences!

Focusing on you

Here’s another common cover letter mistake: focusing on yourself.

Now, you might be thinking- “Huh? You’ve been talking about how I have to show myself off in my cover letter, but now I can’t focus on myself?!” And that would be… kind of correct!

What I mean is: your cover letter shouldn’t focus on how much the job will help your career or teach you things. They, honestly, don’t care (right now). Once you’re hired, they’ll care about your career and development, but right now they want to know how you will help them .

Avoid having a bad cover letter by focusing on how your experiences have prepared you to be an excellent employee at their company- not how their job will boost your career.

Still confused about actually writing your cover letter? I gotchu! Check out How to Write a Stellar Cover Letter

Starting all sentences with “I”

Finally, one of the most common cover letter mistakes is starting every sentence with the word “I.” Yes, your cover letter is about your experiences, but that doesn’t mean the writing should be repetitive.

To check the writing and tone of your cover letter, read it out loud to yourself or a buddy and hear how it sounds. This will help you catch any classic mistakes- especially overusing “I.” You can also use a service like Grammarly to help you proofread!

Avoid having a bad cover letter by steering clear of these 5 cover letter mistakes. Don’t go over one page, reuse cover letters, turn your resume into sentences, focus on what you will get, or start each sentence with “I.” This way, your cover letter will help YOU stand out!

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7 Cover Letter Mistakes That Make Hiring Managers Cringe

Cover letters don’t get a lot of love. And considering how tough it is to write a good one, it’s kind of understandable that people tend to throw them together at the last minute (or update one they wrote last month), attach it to their resume, and call it good.

But this, my friends, is the biggest cover letter mistake you could make. In fact, this document is the best chance you have to give the hiring manager a glimpse of who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you—above all those other candidates—are the one for the job.

Don’t give up your chance to share your best qualifications in a fresh, unique way. And while you’re at it, don’t make these seven other common cover letter mistakes I see all the time.

1. Starting With Your Name

How do you start a cover letter? Let me set the record straight now and say it’s not with, “My name is John Smith.” Unless you’re already famous, your name just isn’t the most relevant piece of information to start with. Not to mention that your name should be listed on your resume, the sign-off in your cover letter, and in other parts of your application.

Start with a relevant qualification as a way to introduce yourself. If you’re a recent grad with a passion for environmental activism, go with that. Or, maybe you’re a marketing professional with 10+ years of healthcare industry experience—introduce yourself as such, and connect it to the position you are applying to. ( Here’s a bit more about kicking off your cover letter with an awesome opener.)

2. Rehashing Your Resume

If your cover letter is basically your resume in paragraph form, you’re probably going to need to start over. Your resume likely the first thing a recruiter looks at, so you’re wasting your time (and the recruiter’s) if your cover letter is a harder-to-read version of something he or she has already seen.

Focus on one or two (OK three, max) examples of your work that highlight what you can bring to the position, and try to help your reader picture you doing the work by really diving deep and detailing your impact. You want the hiring manger to be able to imagine plucking you out of the work you’re describing on the page and placing you into his or her team seamlessly.

3. Not Being Flexible With the Format

Remember those three paragraph essays you wrote in middle school? Your cover letter is not the place for you to be recalling those skills. Rather than fitting your message into a particular format, your format should be molded to your message.

Consider what message you’re trying to get across. If you’re going to be spending the majority of the letter describing one particular relevant experience—maybe that three-paragraph format makes sense. However, if you’re thinking about transferable skills or want to explain how your career has taken you from teaching to business development, a more creative approach could be appropriate. I’ve seen cover letters use bullet points, tell stories, or showcase videos to (successfully) get their point across.

4. Going Over a Page

There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, for resumes and cover letters alike, don’t go over a page. Unless you’re applying for a managerial or executive position, it’s unlikely a recruiter would look beyond your first page of materials anyway.

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

Are you a career changer or doing a long distance job search? No matter how complicated your reasons for applying to a job are, it would be a mistake to spend an entire paragraph explaining why you’re moving to San Francisco from New York.

If your reasons for applying to a position would be made clearer with some added explanation, add them in, but keep them short. Limit yourself to a sentence either in the first paragraph or the last paragraph for a location change, and no more than a paragraph to describe a career change.

6. Focusing Too Much on Training

Maybe you just finished your master’s degree or finally got the hang of coding. Great! But even if your most relevant qualification is related to your education or training, you don’t want to spend the majority of your time on coursework. At the end of the day, what hiring managers care about most is your work experience—what you can walk through the door and deliver on Day 1.

Certainly mention your educational qualifications if they are relevant, but focus the bulk of your cover letter on experiences. Even if your most relevant experience is education, present it more in the form of projects you worked on and job-related skills you gained, rather than actually explaining course content.

7. Sharing Irrelevant Information

Cultural fit is one of those big buzzwords in the recruiting world now, and there’s no question that it’s important to tailor your cover letter to each company to show your compatibility. But it starts getting a little weird when you start writing about your bowling league or active social life. (And don’t try to tell me this doesn’t happen—I’ve seen it.)

A better way to show that you’re a good cultural fit for the job is to focus on values—not activities. Mine company websites for the way they describe their company culture, then use that intel to show how your own values align. ( Here’s some more on how to show you get the company culture in a cover letter.)

For the companies that have moved away from a cover letter requirement, an additional opportunity to show off what you have to offer is lost. But, for those that require cover letters or at least make them optional, you should absolutely make the most of them—and, of course, avoid these all-too-common 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.

Related Readings: 

• Top Cover Letter Examples in 2024
• How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

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Cover letters: The good and the bad

Need to come up with a great cover letter? When it comes to writing a winning cover letter, it’s often the little things that add up to make a big difference.

Here are two examples of cover letters; one that hits the mark, and one that doesn’t.

Keep these examples in mind when you create a new cover letter , or compare one you have already to see what you could add or adjust.

Read more: 

• How to write a great cover letter
• CV vs resumé: understanding the differences 
• 5 things employers wish they could say about your cover letter

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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. In This Article    Skip to section 15 cover letter mistakes Frequently asked questions about cover letter mistakes Final thoughts on cover letters Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs 15 cover letter mistakes

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.

Frequently asked questions about cover letter mistakes

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.

Final thoughts on cover letters

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.

Related posts

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How To Write A Cover Letter For An Internal Position Or Promotion (with Examples)

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6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Cover Letter

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

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.”

3. Remaining stuck in the past

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

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

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

4. Talking about money too soon

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

5. Making it all about you

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

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

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

6. Letting AI do the heavy lifting

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

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

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

What is a cover letter?

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

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

The benefits of a cover letter

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

A cover letter brings the following advantages: 

1. Cover letters personalize your application.

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

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

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

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

3. Cover letters demonstrate your hard work.

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

How to write a good cover letter

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

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

1. Be yourself in your cover letter.

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

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

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

2. Do your research and customize your cover letter.

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

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

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

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

3. Be creative in your cover letter.

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

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

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

4. Mention referrals in your cover letter.

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

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

5. Address potential resume concerns in your cover letter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Proofread and fact-check your resume.

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

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

8. Keep your cover letter brief.

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

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

Get your foot in the door

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

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

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

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Here Are 12 Of The Worst Cover Letters We've Ever Received

As the Managing Editor at Business Insider, I receive lots of cover letters every day. Some of them are really great, and tell me instantly that the applicant gets what we're trying to do here and why they are someone we might want to hire.

Others are awful. Bad enough that I've started collecting them in a Gmail folder called "Worst Cover Letters."

The offenses vary. Some people are way too long-winded and never get to the point. Others don't realize their emails are riddled with spelling errors. Some people call attention to their weaknesses in a letter that's supposed to summarize their strengths. Others can't (or at least don't) write in the language we would be hiring them to write in.

I don't mean to emphasize the negative. The next post will feature some of the best cover letters I've ever received. (Not surprisingly, most of those people now work at BI.) But still, in the name of demonstrating what NOT to do...

This one's too short. It's also rude ("Hello"? How about a name?). You should always assume we're still offering the position, write a quick note, and attach your resume.

This person tells us what they're incapable of. (For example, why point out that you're "average" at Excel?)

This cover letter has a lot of issues. For one, it's way too long. For another, it's filled with bloated self-importance. ("Burgeon"? Are you kidding me?)

Here's the second half of this guy's rant. It never ends!

This one's too negative: "The only reason I'm applying"; "I don't read much of the magazine"; "I know I am not tailor made for the job."

This person wants a job where she can only work "non-working" hours? What?

This is a second email in a correspondence. The applicant tells us he is "just looking for a paid job in journalism" when he should be telling us why he's the one for THIS job.

Spelling errors are an immediate red flag. Especially in a sentence like, "I don't have any expereince related to Journalism background."

A position is never a good fit BECAUSE you are 24 years old.

Why would we care that your friend's grandfather loves your writing? And don't get us started on the lowercase "i"s.

Here's one where the candidate complains about the lack of response from other jobs she's applied for. Yikes!

This one doesn't even mention a position, or Business Insider at all, for that matter!

Is this English?

For more job hunting mistakes check out

20 ways to screw up a job interview >

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13 Terrible Cover Letter Phrases and How You Can Fix Them

• Jakub Kaprál , 
• Updated November 6, 2023 5 min read

Do you hate writing cover letters? You’re not alone! Most jobseekers hate writing them. What’s more, most people can’t write them well .

Unfortunately, no article can teach you how to write an excellent cover letter. That takes time, lots of writing practice and a little bit of alchemy. Still, an article can help you avoid some of the worst mistakes .

Like this article about terrible cover letter phrases you should never use in your own cover letter. Let’s have a look at 13 terrible phrases people put on their cover letters and see how you can avoid using their pitfalls in yours.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

1. Say hello to your recruiter

• 2. Don't think aloud

3. Job search is no charity

4. never state the obvious, 5. be creative and build suspense, 6. promote your expertise, 7. cut the fluff, 8. make your adjectives paint a colorful picture, 9. express genuine humility, 10. spice it up with verbs.

• 11. Don't think inside the box

12. Introduce your current employer

13. keywords to their hearts.

Using a vague greeting like 'To whom it may concern' is not the best way to start a cover letter . Imagine you get heaps of letters but none of the job candidates knows your name. Look up the person who will be reading your cover letter and address them by their name . It's definitely worth the effort.

2. Don't think aloud

Generally, avoid verbs of thinking. Don't use words you don't need to, phrases like  'I think I’d be a great fit' make your sentences sound weak . It is clear you are expressing your opinions, so you'd better keep a wary eye on verbs such as think , guess , assume , or believe .

Including the phrase 'This job would help me because...' in your cover letter might very well put  the final nail in your job search coffin . Honestly, who cares about what would help you ? Recruiters want to hear exactly the opposite—how you can help the company.

Stating the obvious in your cover letter wastes time of someone who doesn't have it. 'As you can see on my resume…'  is one of the most redundant phrases widely used in cover letters. Make sure your text  flows from one idea to another . Your cover letter should take the reader on an exciting journey, not tell them what they already know.

Recruiters are flooded with cover letters. They've seen the phrase ' I’m the best candidate because…' over a bajillion times. So this is the perfect occasion to s eason your cover letter with a pinch of creativity.

Hook your reader by saying 'I do have some skills that are hard to come by'. Intrigue the recruiters so that they'll want to read on. Feel free to deviate from the standard template that everyone else follows.

Don’t sell yourself short. Be confident and mention any specific experience that will make you an ideal candidate for the position. Start by saying 'Given my extensive experience as…' and make your distinctive skills come into light .

Avoid using catchphrases like goal-oriented, hard-working  or fast-paced. L et your experience and references speak for you. Employers will be more impressed to hear you talk about your passion for the field and dedication to the people or team with whom you worked.

Using flavorless adjectives such as good or nice will make you sound average. You definitely don't want to sink into mediocrity. Don't use language that downplays your abilities and  opt for powerful adjectives with added value like attentive, competent, mature, or vigorous.

Avoid using always, everybody, never and other extremes. It's just gloating over your own skills. Keep your feet on the ground . Staying reasonable when describing your abilities pays off, it is better to display modesty than some unduly braggadociousness.

Avoid using weak verbs like make or do. Don't be vague when you can be specific. Here's just a selection of few action verbs for inspiration: accelerated, coordinated, facilitated, initiated, mastered, launched, proposed, reviewed, supervised.  Check this infographic for a more complete list.

Use descriptive words whenever you can. Rather than just stating a list of duties, include action keywords in your position descriptions - e.g. proficient in Adobe Illustrator, specialised in social media marketing.

11. Don't think inside the box

Scan, scan, scan for clichés. Phrases like fast learner, go-getter, team player, dynamic leader,  or  thinking outside the box   will make any recruiter roll their eyes. Think about how you can rephrase them to make them more specific , meaningful, personal, and also targeted to the specific job ad and its requirements.

Make sure to slip in the fact that you are currently employed, if that is the case. Employment shows that a candidate is valued by someone else , and that they are looking for a new job to advance their careers, not of out of desperation.

Take your time and search for keywords specific to your occupation. They help to make your resume selected by hiring managers who screen documents.

Keywords are used to match an applicant with an available job. If the keywords in a cover letter match the job description, the candidate's chances of being selected for a job interview are much higher.

Avoiding the terrible cover letter phrases is only the beginning.

Hopefully, these 13 tips helped you see your old familiar cover letter in a new light. Now you can recognise the awkwardness of pat phrases and unlock the potential of informed word choices .

If this still sounds a bit far-fetched, check our cover letter examples  from real jobseekers who got hired at prestigious companies. Knocking a cover letter into shape isn’t the easiest task—but getting the job you want makes it all worth it !

Cut the clichés and kick those terrible phrases to the curb with our advice. Now, let's make your cover letter top-notch and irresistible. Check out our library of cover letter samples and you'll surely find ones that make hiring managers sit up and take note.

Jakub Kapral is a former professional linguist and a career writer at Kickresume. He has written almost 100 diligently researched resume advice articles and his texts are visited by thousands of people every month. Jakub is a natural teacher who looks to help those who want to enhance their career prospects. He's also an avid drummer and a proud father of two.

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Common Mistakes Made When Writing a Cover Letter

Laura Tucker

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Table of contents

• Introduction

1. Being overly formal

2. being too informal, 3. using a stock cover letter, 4. saying too much, 5. forgetting to proofread, 6. bragging, 7. focusing too much on yourself, 8. clumsy language  , 9. bad layout.

They say it’s never too early to make a bad impression, and this is entirely the case when it comes to cover letters . Even the smallest error may cause employers to put your application at the bottom of the pile or even throw it out completely. And so, with competition for graduate jobs as high as it’s ever been, here’s how to avoid the mistakes that everyone and their mum has made at least once when writing a cover letter .

“Dear Sir/Madam…”

Depending on the types of graduate jobs you’re going for, this can be a make or break scenario. For example, if you’re writing a cover letter for a job at a top city firm, then formality will be very important. But, in comparison, if the hiring company is a trendy creative agency, it might be more conducive to take a more informal approach to show you would fit in with the organizational culture.

Either way, when applying for any role within any industry, your tone of address should be fully considered. With a small amount of research into the company and its values, you’ll be able to not only write in a style that fits the organization, but you’ll also be able to address the recruiter by his or her name, avoiding the awkward “sir/madam” approach.

On the opposing side of the court is the peril of being too informal. Being too jokey, too personal or too casual may send the message that you’re not serious about the job and therefore probably not the right person to fill the role. Sure, a conversational tone will often be well received, but if you do choose this tack, make sure that you stay professional (no anecdotes of a heavy night previous), don’t go off on too many tangents (no anecdotes about your cat), and don’t be tempted to force the niceness – a friendly tone is always better when it comes naturally.

In addition, a conversational tone is no excuse for sloppy writing. Whichever road you take, your cover letter should be extremely well-written and error-free. See point number five!

Using a stock cover letter is quick and efficient and can allow you to apply to multiple graduate jobs very quickly. Be that as it may, you’ll be better off chucking it in the bin. As short as you are on time and money, using a stock cover letter to apply for graduate jobs shows laziness as well as a suggestion that you’re not really bothered about that particular position. More often than not, employers can spot these stock cover letters a mile off.

As a compromise, you might want to make a list (bullet points or short paragraphs) of all the reasons why you are great, what skills you’ve learned recently and what you’re particularly good at in your current role. Then, when applying for a specific job, look at this list and include the points that are most relevant to the job in your cover letter. That way, not only are you going to remember everything worth mentioning about yourself, but you’re also going to sound fresh and invested in every application.

Unless it’s entirely relevant to the job you’re applying for, leave it out. Recruiters are short on time, and generally just want a quick snapshot of who you are. Yes, it can be good to mention a hobby or interests outside of work, but this is not what is going to get you the job, so keep the emphasis on your relevant experience; skip the paragraph about your cupcake-baking skills.

On the other side of the coin, cover letters that are too short (less than two paragraphs) will often look too sparse. As a general rule, aim to fill roughly three-quarters of an A4 page when writing a cover letter.

If you’re the sort of person who writes cover letters directly into an email, ready to be sent off to the next unsuspecting employer, then you might want to start taking a different approach.

Although it’s likely your email system will already have an in-built spell checker, the chances are that it isn’t quite as rigorous as an actual word processor program. This may cause you to miss a number of spelling or grammatical mistakes or even cause you to use spell check in the wrong language (US English instead of UK English, for example).

Even when you’ve used a word processor, written your text up and meticulously checked for errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, you should check again. Twice more.

Nobody likes braggers, and that includes hiring managers. The difficulty with writing a cover letter, however, is that in order to sell yourself and show off your skills, you’re going to have to talk yourself up quite a lot.

The secret in treading the line between confidence and egotism is to phrase yourself matter-of-factly when mentioning skills. If you have working HTML skills, say ‘I have working HTML skills’ and back that up if you can. Try to avoid claims such as “I’m a master of Microsoft office” or “I have superior leadership skills”. By using unsupported hyperbolic language like “master”, you may sound as if you are exaggerating your skills. How are you a master? Did you train with Microsoft Office monks for a year in Tibet? No? Well then.

This one is definitely an easy mistake to make, due to the fact it is your cover letter, your job application and your future. But employers really don’t care about how their company fits your needs (before they hire you, at least). What they do care about is what you can bring to their company and how the company will benefit from hiring you. Structure your cover letter from the viewpoint of your prospective employer, and talk about yourself in relation to what you can bring to the company, not the other way around.

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There’s never an excuse for clumsy language, whether you’re applying for journalism jobs, accounting jobs or engineering jobs. It may seem harsh, particularly if English is not your first language, but you’ve got to remember that more and more employers today will rule you out for the slightest of linguistic mishaps, simply due to the mountains of applications they have to wade through.

If English is your second language or writing is not your strongest skill, you may want to get someone (a native speaker) to read through your cover letter before sending it off.

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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Laura is a former staff writer for  TopUniversities.com , providing advice and guidance for students on a range of topics helping them to choose where to study , get admitted  and find funding and  scholarships . A graduate of Queen Mary University of London, Laura also blogs about student life.

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Bad Cover Letter Examples: Avoid Mistakes in a Cover Letter

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Know How to Write a Professional Cover Letter by Avoiding Silly Mistakes

Presenting a professional cover letter in front of a hiring manager is considered very important. This document literally holds the key to present your profile in a strong manner during the interviews. However, many times, people commit mistakes while creating cover letters. These blunders could be avoided by first taking a look at some bad cover letter examples. It helps to make up your mind timely, allowing you to understand which practices should be avoided while writing a cover letter.

A lot of beginners often do not know about these points initially. They think that a cover letter could be written easily without following any structure or tone. Well, this is a wrong concept because cover letter is a professional document, hence it needs to be created by following a proper structure. Ideally, you should take cover letter writing services from professional agencies to create this document. It is recommended to those who do not know anything about cover letter writing, hence they can take the option of outsourcing to create a document effectively.

In this blog, we will discuss about those things that should not be done while writing a cover letter. We will also enlist some bad cover letter examples to let you know how an incorrect cover letter looks like. Let’s first start from the basics understanding why cover letters are considered important to make a mark in job interviews.

Understanding the Importance of Cover Letters

A cover letter is a crucial component of a job application that serves to introduce the applicant and provide additional context to their qualifications and experience. One key importance of a cover letter is that it allows applicants to express their motivation and interest in the specific position and company. It provides an opportunity for candidates to convey not only what they bring to the table in terms of skills, but also how their personal and professional goals align with the objectives of the prospective employer.

Secondly, a well-crafted cover letter enables applicants to address any gaps or unique aspects of their resume. It provides a platform to explain employment history, career changes, or any other circumstances that might not be immediately apparent from a simple review of the resume. By proactively addressing such matters, candidates can manage potential concerns and present themselves in the best possible light.

Lastly, a cover letter allows applicants to showcase their communication and writing skills using a cornerstone content . Effective communication is a valuable asset in almost any professional setting, and a well-written cover letter can serve as a sample of the candidate’s ability to articulate thoughts, express ideas clearly, and adhere to professional writing standards. This is especially important in roles where written communication plays a significant role, and it provides employers with an additional measure of the candidate’s overall qualifications beyond what is captured in the resume alone.

5 Bad Cover Letter Examples to Consider

People commit different types of mistakes while writing cover letters. These points should be known prior to writing, so that they could be avoided timely. Here are some of the common mistakes people usually commit while writing job cover letters.

Misspellings and Grammatical Errors

Inadequate cover letters frequently exhibit grammatical errors and misspellings, which pose a significant challenge in comprehending the candidate’s qualifications. The presence of such linguistic issues not only detracts from the overall professionalism, but also creates ambiguity around the applicant’s skills and experiences. A meticulously proofread cover letter, devoid of misspellings and  grammatical errors mitigates this challenge and stands as a testament to the candidate’s commitment to precision and excellence.

Upon completing the initial draft of your cover letter, it is advisable to take a deliberate pause before embarking on the proofreading phase. Stepping away from the document provides a mental break and allows you to return with a fresh perspective. This temporal distance often proves invaluable in identifying any overlooked misspellings or grammatical errors. Moreover, the review process becomes more effective as you approach the cover letter with renewed focus and heightened attention to detail.

In essence, the commitment to producing an error-free cover letter is a strategic move that extends beyond mere language proficiency. It is a demonstration of the candidate’s dedication to presenting themselves professionally and leaves a lasting impression on potential employers, significantly elevating the impact of the application.

Grab employer’s attention with a professionally written cover letter!

Inaccurate Content Opening

The initial sentence of your cover letter serves as the reader’s initial point of engagement, and thus, it presents a prime opportunity to make a lasting and impactful impression. Crafting a compelling and memorable opening statement is crucial in capturing the attention of the hiring manager from the outset. Beginning with a generic and uninspiring opener, like “I’m writing to apply for this job,” runs the risk of failing to immediately captivate the reader’s interest.

A more effective approach involves incorporating a distinctive and relevant fact about yourself concerning the position at hand. For instance, sharing a quantifiable achievement from your professional history not only adds a unique touch to your introduction,  but also provides the recruiter with tangible evidence of your past accomplishments.

By incorporating data-driven statements rooted in your experience, you not only grab the hiring manager’s attention, but also lay the foundation for a compelling narrative that encourages them to delve deeper into your cover letter to learn more about your qualifications and suitability for the role. This instantly drives their attention towards your main profile, increasing your chances to get selected or being called for the next interview immediately.

Wrong Starting Tone

Starting a cover letter with overly formal salutations like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” can create an initial impression of impersonality and assumption regarding the reader’s pronouns. A more effective approach involves directly addressing the cover letter to the hiring manager. In cases where the recruiter’s or hiring manager’s name is not readily available, opting for a simple yet personalized greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” maintains a professional tone.

Throughout the cover letter, maintaining an upbeat and positive demeanor is essential. Expressing enthusiasm for both the position and the associated opportunities contributes to a favorable impression. Balancing this enthusiasm with professional language ensures a tone that resonates positively with the reader.

Tailoring the cover letter to the specific industry and the hiring manager’s field can enhance its effectiveness. If aware of the hiring manager’s field, incorporating technical or industry-specific language provides a nuanced and targeted communication of qualifications and achievements. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid overly complex or jargon-laden terms, especially if the reader is not intimately familiar with the specific industry.

Inappropriate Examples

Crafting a tailored cover letter for each specific position you apply to is a pivotal step in showcasing your suitability for the job. Instead of employing a generic approach, leverage examples in your cover letter to underscore precisely why you are an ideal candidate. Each example should delve into your strengths and explicitly articulate how you can contribute value to both the role and the overall success of the company.

For instance, if you are applying for a social media executive position, try to incorporate specific examples from your social media work to substantiate your expertise, steering clear of generic references to unrelated job experiences. This level of specificity not only demonstrates a keen understanding of the role but also provides tangible evidence of your capabilities.

While some candidates may be tempted to mention their desired pay or benefits upfront, it is generally more effective to focus on how your hiring could be advantageous for the company. Rather than immediately discussing your personal preferences, try to explain the experience and qualities you bring to the table that would positively impact the organization. This approach ensures that your cover letter remains focused on what you can offer the company, making it more compelling for hiring managers.

Incorrect Skills and Qualifications

When crafting a cover letter, it’s essential to recognize that hiring managers prioritize accuracy in assessing candidates for a role. Inaccurate qualifications in a cover letter not only hinder the hiring manager’s ability to identify the most suitable candidate but also jeopardize the integrity of the selection process. Instead of exaggerating your skills or qualifications in an attempt to secure an interview, it is more beneficial to adopt a transparent approach.

Tailoring your cover letter to focus on pertinent and applicable skills showcases a thoughtful alignment between your capabilities and the job at hand. This targeted approach not only contributes to a more accurate evaluation by the hiring manager but also positions you as a candidate who values integrity and transparency in the application process.

Bad Cover Letter Examples

Dear Mr. Wilson,

I’ve been exploring various job opportunities after recently deciding to resign from my current position. While I encountered a lengthy and intricate disagreement with my supervisor (a topic for another discussion), I’ve been actively searching for new prospects. During my search, I came across your job posting on Indeed, specifically for the position of an in-house marketing manager.

Marketing is my expertise, and I boast substantial experience in the field. My passion lies in advertising and strategizing effective approaches to connect with individuals, motivating them to make purchases. The intricacies of human psychology play a crucial role in becoming a proficient marketer, a fact not always apparent to many.

I am therefore looking forward to join your company and use the expertise I’ve gained over the years. Feel free to contact me on the given address if you are willing to utilize my knowledge for the betterment of your company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Words

That takes us to the end of this blog in which we have discussed which type of mistakes should be avoided while writing a cover letter. These mistakes are often committed by the beginners who do not have any knowledge about cover letter writing. It is therefore a good option to look at some bad cover letter examples to avoid these mistakes from happening again and again. This article has also discussed plenty of tips to let you know how to write a cover letter perfectly. So, it is all in all a good read for beginners who want to know about the best practices to write a cover letter properly.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for an agency that could help you to write cover letters professionally, get in touch with us today. We can help you to craft different types of cover letters precisely as per the given job requirements.

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