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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

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

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

Key Takeaways:

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

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

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

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

15 cover letter mistakes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear [Department] Manager

Dear Hiring Committee

Dear [Title of Person You’d Report To]

Dear [Department] Hiring Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Always include these sections in your cover letter:

Your contact information

An opening paragaph that grabs the reader’s attention

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

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

A professional sign-off

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are there weaknesses to a cover letter?

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

What are the advantages of a cover letter?

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

Is it OK to use “Dear Hiring Manager”?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• 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

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9 Biggest Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• October 6, 2023
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

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

Common cover letter mistakes and how to fix them

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

Mistake 1: Not analyzing the job description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To avoid cover letter mistakes, consider the following tips:

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

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Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Cover Letter Mistakes | Tips & Examples | Resume.com

Cover letters offer you the chance to make a good first impression on an employer, so it’s important to avoid making mistakes. A cover letter serves as an introduction to your value based on your performance with previous employers and the value you can offer to your future employer. In this article, learn how to correct any mistakes when writing your cover letter so you can increase the content’s quality and influence an employer to hire you.

What is a cover letter mistake?

A cover letter mistake is an error you make when you’re trying to develop your story related to your professional experience. Mistakes can occur in the messaging of your content or with individual words that you’re typing. However, the mistakes you make can be discovered at any point during the editing process.

Why is it important to think about cover letter mistakes?

It is important to think about mistakes before you submit your cover letter with your resume. The mistakes you make on your cover letter might quickly deter an employer from reading your resume which could eliminate your chances for an interview. Improvements to the content of your cover letter might consist of prioritizing which experience you want to highlight or focusing on how you can edit your sentence structure for clarity. When you recognize cover letter mistakes, they can be a guide for you to identify a new approach as you revise your next cover letter and which way can it resonate with an employer.

Common mistakes listed on your cover letter

Check out this list of mistakes that you should watch out for when writing your cover letter:

Speaking too much about your career

You may make the mistake of talking about your experience more than the value you can offer to the company. Employers want you to expand on how your contributions can lead to their success. Your answer can demonstrate your viability as a candidate for this position and if you’re the right fit for the company’s culture. You should still note your accomplishments from positions with past employers to quantify your performance.

Discussing details from every employer you’ve worked for

You should pare down your cover letter to highlight the top achievements of your professional career. You’ll need to find out which experience is most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Another way to break down your experience is to demonstrate what skills you’ve learned throughout your career leading up to applying for the position.

Focusing on your past more than the present

You’re speaking in the present when you talk about how your experience benefits the employer. Make sure you keep this language consistent when you’re referencing your qualifications and the impact you can make on the organization. Your intent to grow the company is noticed more by employers than a full summary of past work experience.

Writing too much content and not leaving enough white space

Be sure to keep the cover letter under one page and leave room for white space. The amount of white space you have in your cover letter can increase its visual appeal and the readability of your content. You should aim to leave spaces between paragraphs and your signature, so the reader receives more clarity about the content’s structure.

Lack of examples to back up your claims

Provide examples of success within past roles to attract the employer to how you’ve contributed to a company. Employers look for transferrable skills like teamwork and communication to identify if you’re the right choice for the position. Specific examples make it easier for you to personalize your content and help the employer get to know you better.

Discussing your fandom of the company

Discussing your fandom of the company you’re applying for is similar to referring to the past. The difference is this approach solely discusses what attracted you to apply in the first place. An employer may ask this question during an interview, but you should focus on how you can offer solutions as a valuable contributor to their company in your cover letter.

Typos and grammatical errors

The identification of typos and grammatical errors is common when you’re writing any piece of content. You’ll need to be vigilant and document the errors you’ve found, so you can address them once you finish proofreading your cover letter. Make sure you read your cover letter content aloud and have someone else read it aloud before you send it and your resume to an employer.

Tips to fix mistakes on your cover letter

Refer to these steps for best practices on how to make corrections on your cover letter:

Write clear and concise content

The key to writing clear and concise content is to shorten your sentences. Sticking to the main point of what you’re trying to communicate assists the employer in understanding what you’re trying to say. Remember to balance your content with the valuable work experience you’ve earned and the immediate results the employer should expect to see upon hiring you.

Address the department’s manager

You should include the name of the manager for the company’s department in your cover letter. Even if they’re not the hiring manager for the position, they can pass your message along to the director or the vice president of the department. Addressing higher-level employees within the department can indicate that you pay attention to detail and have a desire to accept an offer for the position.

Add a referral if applicable

Using the name of a referral is crucial because they’ll know who to speak to about your experience. Check professional networking websites and contact people who work at the company you’re writing the cover letter for. Your referral should advocate for you and answer any questions they have after the employer reviews your cover letter. It’s recommended that you ask a contact to be your referral first before you list them on your cover letter.

Consider a different design

Make sure the design of your cover letter is the same as your resume to ensure consistency. The style of the design for your cover letter can enhance readability by putting more emphasis on the white space. Look at the various templates to determine which design embodies your work experience.

Inform the employer about how you plan on following up with them

Note at the end of your cover letter how you’ll follow up with the employer about the status of the position. Give your email and your phone number and state it’s the best way to contact you for an interview opportunity.

Email your cover letter to your email address

Email your cover letter to yourself, so you have a final look at its formatting. You can take this opportunity to proofread it and make any last-second edits.

If you need help writing a resume, use our data-backed resume builder .

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Common Cover Letter Mistakes

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

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Common Cover Letter Mistakes:

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

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

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

2. Using the incorrect company name.

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

3. Not conducting sufficient research.

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

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

4. Embellishing or lying.

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

5. Using an inappropriate tone.

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

6. Repeating everything in your resume.

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

7. Drawing attention to your shortcomings.

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

8. Misreading the job posting's instructions.

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

9. Submitting a cover letter riddled with errors.

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

10. Incorrect formatting.

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

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

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

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

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

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

What are the most common cover letter mistakes?

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

Will a bad cover letter hurt my application?

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

How long should your cover letter be?

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

What shouldn't be included in a cover letter?

• Informal greetings.
• Overly personal details.
• Text abbreviations.

What makes a strong cover letter?

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

Related Articles:

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

13 Common Cover Letter Mistakes Stopping You From Making a Great Application

We all know how difficult it is to write the perfect cover letter without making any of these mistakes. The reality is, it’s a commitment.

The first impression is the most important. 

Yet, job seekers often wing their cover letters and try to assure themselves that it’s good enough. And often because they’re winging it hoping for the best, it leads to common cover letter mistakes being made in the process. 

So in this article, we’re going to go through 13 common errors in total made up of:

• The 8 deadliest mistakes that lead to a bad cover letter
• The 5 mistakes that keep your cover letters mediocre

Let’s get started!

8 Deadliest Cover Letter Mistakes That Lead to Instant Rejection

We’ll start with the worst and biggest cover letter mistakes anyone could make. Any of these will prevent you from writing an effective cover letter . 

1. Showing No Signs of Research

The purpose of cover letters is to explain why you’re the best candidate. And the best candidates are those that have done their research on the company. So if you haven’t done any research, it brings into question your interest in the role. 

Here’s how to show that you’ve done your research: 

• Reference some of the company’s core values
• Use keywords from the job description
• Mention company news

2. Writing More Than 380 Words

A good cover letter format is one that’s concise. 

Hiring managers are reviewing thousands of job applications and won’t have the time to read through your entire backstory. They want to know why they should hire you, so only highlight specific parts of your career timeline that are relevant. And as you’re writing, just get straight to the point. 

Even with a compelling introduction, not all potential employers will read through your cover letter if it’s too long. 

3. Spelling and Grammar Errors

I get it, we all make small mistakes from time to time. But that’s not a good enough excuse for recruiters to overlook a typo on your application. 

Your perceived value as a professional goes out the window when a recruiter spots spelling or grammatical errors. It leads to instant rejection precisely because you allowed yourself to make such a minor mistake.

Before sending off your cover letter, triple-check your writing. Use tools like Grammarly to help you spot typos and grammar errors. Or, ask someone to check your application.  

4. Using Clichés

Clichés are one of the worst resume mistakes and cover letter mistakes that a job seeker could make. 

The reason why clichés are so bad is that they show no real value. It gives the impression that you haven’t taken the time to write a thoughtful application because you’re using phrases that lack originality. 

Here’s some examples of clichés to avoid:

• I’ve always wanted to be an engineer. Ever since I was a young kid I…
• To whom it may concern…
• I can think outside the box…
• As you can see…

5. Repeating Everything From Your Resume

There’s no point in a cover letter when you’re adding nothing new to the conversation. Reintroducing a few points from your resume is okay but not if you’re only going to repeat what’s already been said.

Expand on your resume by sharing your own personal perspective on why you believe your work history is relevant to the job requirements. 

6. Writing an Autobiography

Cover letters give you the opportunity to write more about your professional background, not your life story. 

Hiring managers don’t care about your life experiences unless it directly relates to helping them achieve company goals. Writing about things that have nothing to do with the company shows no real value. 

The next time you think about including something, ask yourself if it’s the best thing you could mention. If not, leave it out. Prioritize information that would be useful to a prospective employer. 

7. Using the Wrong Tone of Voice

A friendly tone of voice isn’t the same as an informal tone of voice. 

Resumes are formal whereas cover letters are semi-formal. However, semi-formal doesn’t mean casual everyday language. The tone of this blog post you’re reading is casual but the tone of a cover letter would be friendly yet professional. 

Here’s an example below to show the difference. The first example being in an informal tone of voice whereas the second example being in a professional tone of voice.

- Hey Hiring Manager,

I’m interested in the Engineer position at your company. I’ve got a bachelor’s degree and years of experience that make me a good fit for this. 

‍ - Dear Hiring Manager,

I am interested in the Engineer position at your company. I believe my education and employment experiences make me a good fit for the position. 

8. Greeting the Wrong Person

Addressing your hiring manager with the wrong name is embarrassing. It’s also embarrassing if you greet them with the wrong honorific or job position. 

Check the company’s about page and LinkedIn page to find the names of a company’s hiring managers. 

Still not sure? Then stick to either of the following:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Team

5 More Common Mistakes That Make Your Cover Letter Mediocre 

You can also check out our cover letter examples guide for key takeaways on proven applications that helped candidates land a job interview. 

1. Including No Results or Accomplishments

Direct explanations can be good for exuding confidence. But without showing any evidence to support your points, it comes off as arrogant. 

Let’s say you’re a sales professional in the retail industry.

You dedicate a paragraph on your cover letter to write about how you developed your negotiation skills. A couple of keywords have been included and it’s somewhat clear that you’re knowledgeable about sales. 

However, it would be more compelling if you can commentate on past results that you were responsible for as you were on your journey of developing your skills. 

Here’s some example sentences: 

• I led a team of 6 software engineers to develop our company’s app, which surpassed over 24 million users
• I implemented promotional tactics that led to a 12.6% growth in social media engagement 

2. Poor Flow of Writing

This can happen for a few reasons:

• You haven’t planned the cover letter structure
• Too much repetition
• Lack of word variations and transitions

All of which can be minimized by outlining your cover letter before even writing a single word. That said, make it simple and easy to understand. Don’t make your writing more complicated than necessary. 

3. Not Showcasing Your Personality

Unlike a resume, cover letters give insight into your personality by showcasing:

• Fields of interest
• Personal examples
• Tone of voice

Not including any of these means missing the opportunity to position yourself as a good match for the company culture. This is also another way to add new information without repeating your resume by sharing a bit about your personal background. 

4. Highlighting the Less Important Details

Only go in-depth on what’s relevant to the job responsibilities. 

Cover letters do indeed allow you to share more details about yourself. However, it must be directly related to why the company would benefit from working with you. 

Think carefully about what information to prioritize. For example, the backstory of how you developed a particular technical skill that’s a priority for the company would be more important to write about than your personal interests .

5. Being Too Specific

Most times, being too specific happens by including too many details about previous positions which you’ve already mentioned on your resume. 

Give a general explanation of your interest in the company as well as your work history from your point of view. The interview is where you can go in-depth about your personal reasons for your career choices and certain work experiences.  

With that in mind, it’s not an excuse to be vague in your cover letter. Make your points clear enough for the reader to understand how you would be valuable to the organization.

How to Go From a Good Cover Letter to a Great Cover Letter

Here’s a few more cover letter tips to improve your application:

• Use keywords in the context of your achievements
• Include personal examples that show you align with the company’s values
• Keep your writing simple with occasional buzzwords 
• Spend more time refining your introduction
• Suggest the next steps for moving forward

AI Cover Letter Generator: Write a Cover Letter 10x Faster

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You might’ve had enough of sending cover letters with one eye open hoping that there’s nothing wrong with it…

The better alternative? Use Rezi’s AI cover letter generator to create cover letters for you based on the best practices. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Enter the company name.
• Write the job position/title you’re applying for. 
• Select a previous job position/title to highlight. 
• Press “AI Writer Ready”.

And you’re done. 

Sign up here to get started for free. 

Or click below to see a live demonstration.

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Final Thoughts

As long as you’ve not made any of these common cover letter mistakes, you can rest assured that you’ve got a pretty good cover letter in your hands. 

We understand the temptation of wanting to send a cover letter as soon as possible to get your application over and done with. But if you’re going to write a cover letter, try to use the same amount of effort as you did for your resume. Otherwise, a bad cover letter ruins the assist that a well-written resume has set you up for. 

And if you do want to write cover letters faster, start using Rezi AI . It’s free and easy to use with nothing to lose.

Astley Cervania

Astley Cervania is a career writer and editor who has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers build resumes and cover letters that land interviews. He is a Rezi-acknowledged expert in the field of career advice and has been delivering job success insights for 4+ years, helping readers translate their work background into a compelling job application.

Common Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links.

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

The importance of creating a cover letter

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

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

When you should attach a cover letter

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

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

10 cover letter mistakes to avoid

1. failing to customize your letter.

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

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

2. Using an inappropriate tone

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

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

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

3. Repeating your resume

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

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

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

4. Failing to quantify achievements

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

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

5. Focusing too much on yourself

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

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

6. Making demands

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

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

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

7. Sharing too much information

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

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

8. Using the wrong format

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

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

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

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

9. Forgetting to include keywords

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

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

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

10. Failing to proofread

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

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

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

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

About The Author

Pete Newsome

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8 Cover Letter Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

3 key takeaways

• Understanding the most common cover letter mistakes to ensure your application stands out.
• How to avoid these mistakes and write a cover letter that stops recruiters in their tracks
• How to create tailored cover letters with Teal’s AI Resume Builder

Every year, thousands of job seekers make cover letter mistakes that hinder their job search. In the age of LinkedIn, where it seems like almost 900 applicants are vying for a single position within 24 hours of posting, avoiding these mistakes is crucial.

In a world where most job seekers don’t submit cover letters , adding one can set you apart and help you stand out, increasing your chances of landing a job interview.  

Avoid common cover letter mistakes with Teal

Want to avoid mistakes and craft a cover letter that aligns your experience with every role you apply to? 

With Teal, you can generate a tailored, impactful cover letter in less than 30 seconds. Just match your resume with a job description, and the AI Cover Letter Generator will create a customized letter based on your information and position details.

Things to avoid when writing a cover letter

If you choose to write a cover letter, making sure it stands out to hiring professionals is key. 

After all, writing a cover letter can be time-consuming, and your time is valuable—don’t waste it overlooking details that could set you back.

Below are 8 things to avoid while writing a cover letter, so you can be sure your cover letter opens doors instead of closing them.

1. Not following the job description instructions

The job application process is a two-way street. 

While you're evaluating if a company is the right fit for you, recruiters and hiring managers are assessing whether you’re right for the role. One of the first tests they often set is in the job posting itself: the instructions. 

The rules can be pretty specific, and they usually revolve around what they want you to submit, how they want you to submit it, and in what format. 

Including instructions is an easy way for recruiters to weed out applicants who don’t follow the rules because not following them says one of two things: either you don’t pay close attention to detail, or you’re not genuinely interested in this position—or, even worse, both. Trying to beat the system leaves a bad first impression on prospective employers.

What to do instead:

Be an active reader.

Instead of skimming, actively read the specific job posting. Highlight key instructions and double-check to make sure you followed them correctly.

When you’re potentially applying to 10+ jobs a week, they can all start to look the same, making it easy to forget which job is which when a recruiter calls for an interview. 

With Teal’s Job Tracker, you can quickly save, track, and analyze job listings. And the jobs stay in your system, regardless of whether or not the position has been removed from a job board. 

‍ Create a checklist.

Create a checklist based on the employer's guidelines, and cross off items as you go.

Ask someone to proofread your letter.  

Have a friend or mentor review and proofread your cover letter to ensure you haven't missed any instructions or made any errors or typos. 

If you graduated from a college or university, their career center is another free resource for college students and alumni, and cities usually offer free career centers with experts who can give you advice. 

Try searching for “free career center [city or county]” or “free career resources [city or county].”

CareerOneStop can help you locate local resources as well. Just type in your zip code and hit “search.” 

2. Not researching the the company and position

Researching every employer and position before you write your cover letter might sound daunting, but writing a generic cover letter is pointless. 

You want potential employers to read your entire cover letter, and if you don’t make it interesting from the start, you’ll lose them immediately. 

A great way to accomplish this is by demonstrating your knowledge of the company and connecting it to how your skills and experience will help them solve a problem or reach a goal. 

Doing this will help you stand out from 99 percent of other applicants, because the majority just aren’t willing to put in the extra effort to write a truly compelling (and tailored) cover letter. 

What to do instead: 

Visit the company’s website. 

Read the key product pages , and pay attention to the site navigation at the top or in the footer. Sometimes, there will be a “ Customers ” tab. These are great pages to visit to learn more about the employer’s audience.  

Check the “ About” page and “Careers” page (which may be the same) to learn more about the company’s values, mission, founding story, notable milestones, leadership team, and company culture. 

Actually read these pages from top to bottom. Don’t just scan. Search for keywords you could feature in your cover letter. You could pull keywords from places like the “values” section, for instance.  

If they have a blog, notice the topics they cover and read a few recent posts. It might give you some content for your cover letter.

Review all social media accounts. 

Scroll to the footer, or look in the header for the company’s social media links. Click through to every profile you find.

Bonus: follow and engage with them on social media—especially LinkedIn. . This is a great way to get them familiar with your name so they begin to recognize it. 

Another tip: Look through their social media followers. This will give you an idea of their audience.

Google the company and its leaders. 

Type the company’s name into Google and look at the related searches for them. Any negative news stories? Recent rounds of layoffs? 

Look for recent press releases, news stories, feature launches, bad press, or recent pivots. Crunchbase, Google News, and TechCrunch are all good places to find this sort of information. Google is also a great place to learn about any competitors because they’ll usually show up in the search results somehow.

Last but not least, Google the founders, plus the recruiter and hiring manager, if you know their names. Addressing your cover letter to a specific person (rather than a generic “to whom it may concern”) shows effort and attention to detail.

All of this information is perfect to add to your Teal Company Tracker. 

View their LinkedIn page. 

Who are they looking for? Click on the current (and past) employees working on the team you’re applying to, and pay attention to the type of people they hire. 

Where did they go to school? What did they study? Where have they worked? Are there common patterns or threads in who they hire? This can help you tailor your LinkedIn profile so more recruiters find you.

3. Using the wrong tone or voice

Concentrate on the personality and tone of not only the job description but also the company’s social media and website copy, and make sure your cover letter mirrors theirs from the get-go. And that starts with how you address your cover letter .

A sterile greeting, like “Dear Sir,” will either make you sound like a bot or use the same cover letter for every job you apply to. On the other hand, an overly casual tone can come across as unprofessional and make a bad first impression. 

It's important to strike the right balance between professionalism and the company's culture.

Find the right person’s name.

Job descriptions rarely spell out who the hiring manager is by name, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a few hints. 

Do they mention a position this role will report to? 

If so, use LinkedIn's advanced search features to find the name of the hiring manager or department head and address them by name. 

Take stock of the company’s tone and voice. 

Gauge the company's culture from its social media, website, and any available employee reviews to tailor your greeting's formality.

If you do find the hiring manager on LinkedIn, use Crystal Knows to get a complete overview of their personality based on their online presence. 

Avoid assumptions.

If you’re unsure about a person's title or gender identity, opt for neutral greetings like "Dear hiring team" rather than “Dear Sir.” 

4. Coming across generic or impersonal 

Your cover letter is a platform to showcase how you’ll add value to the company, not a personal essay about your career goals. 

While it's important to convey your passion and drive, solely focusing on your needs comes across as self-centered. Remember, the company is looking for someone who can help them achieve their goals.

Consider what the recruiter wants to read, not just what you want to say.

Put yourself in a recruiter’s shoes. What information do you think would make them salivate over you after reading your cover letter? 

Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself to jumpstart your brainstorming process.

• Do you have experience solving problems similar to the company’s current ones?
• Do you have a unique skill that will help the company solve its problems?
• Do you have experience, a genuine interest in, or knowledge about the company’s industry?
• Do you have unique insights into their audience segments? Have you spoken to this audience before?
• What values and beliefs do you share with the company? 
• How will your particular work style mesh well with the current company culture? 
• What unique skill set do you offer the current team doesn’t already have? 
• Do you have any advice on what tools the company might benefit from or any recent industry trends they could capitalize on? 
• What teams have you collaborated with cross-functionally before? Will you be working with the same types of teams and skill sets as your previous employer?
• What are the company’s short- and long-term goals? Discuss your relevant work experiences that will help them reach theirs. 

Quantify your achievements. 

Once you have some ideas about how your past experience maps back to the job description, it’s time to prove it. You do that by quantifying your achievements. 

What type of numbers impress hiring managers? Here’s a list of a few.

• Financial: If you can tie your achievements directly to company revenue or anything to do with money, that’s impressive. 
• People: How many people have you managed in the past? How many clients have you served? 
• Time: Productivity is everything at work. Elaborate on how long something took you to complete. You can also quantify your tenure or experience in the industry.
• Online presence : Have you written for impressive publications? How many? For how long? Do you have a lot of followers on a specific platform? How many? What’s your engagement rate? 

‍ Write a benefit-driven narrative.

All this means is frame your experience in terms of how you benefited the companies you worked for in the past. 

5. Not highlighting your most relevant skills

Your resume and cover letter serve distinct purposes. 

While your resume offers a concise overview of your skills and experiences, learning how to write a general cover letter means offering context by highlighting specific achievements and showcasing your personality. 

Rehashing your resume in your cover letter is a missed opportunity to provide a richer narrative about how you could bring value to the organization and explicitly connect the dots for employers. 

Write about your interest in the specific position and company. 

Duplicating your resume in your cover letter is unnecessary and can make your cover letter feel generic.

One way to avoid this mistake is to open your cover letter by explaining why you’re interested in this specific position at this specific company and then connect it back to your experience and personal brand. 

Address potential objections in your cover letter. 

It’s always better to be upfront about potential reasons you may have a career gap in your resume or if you were affected by a layoff recently.  

Maybe you have a big gap in your career history, or maybe you made a lateral jump to a new career. Your cover letter is the perfect place to address potential “red flags” before they become red in recruiters’ eyes. 

6. Overlooking personalization

It's easy to find cover letter templates and generic cover letters online. However, using a one-size-fits-all approach can make your application indistinguishable from others. 

Personalization, on the other hand, demonstrates effort, genuine interest, and a deeper understanding of the role.

‍ Look for inspiration.

Before you write your cover letter, draw inspiration from other sources. Pull details from a variety of cover letter examples to create your unique version. 

‍ Incorporate job posting language.

Use keywords and phrases from the job posting to show how their needs align with your skills and experience. 

The Teal AI Resume Builder and Job Application Tracker pull the top keywords from any job description so you can align your content every time you hit apply.

7. Having the wrong length

A cover letter should be concise but still comprehensive. An overly lengthy letter that tells your entire life story can overwhelm the reader, making them lose interest. 

On the other hand, a short cover letter must be written in a precise way so it doesn’t seem rushed. Striking the right balance is key to maintaining the reader's interest and covering all necessary information.

Are there length requirements?

Does the job description mention how long your cover letter should be (at minimum and at maximum)? 

Stick to best practices.:

There are a few common best practices when it comes to cover letter length. 

• A cover letter should take up at least half or a whole page, but not more.
• Aim for 250-400 words.  
• Shorter is better.

Embrace white space.

Use bullet points, subheadings, and short paragraphs to break up walls of text. This will make it more enjoyable to read and, therefore, ensure it gets read. 

End with a call-to-action (CTA). 

Conclude with a CTA that prompts the recruiter to schedule an interview or get in touch with you ASAP. 

8. Providing too much detail

While it's good to be thorough, there's a fine line between providing sufficient details and overwhelming the reader. 

The goal of your cover letter is to pique the employer's interest, prompting them to delve deeper into your resume—not to provide a full account of your entire professional history.

Prioritize relevant details.

‍ Focus on experiences and achievements directly related to the job you're applying to.

Use hyperlinks.

‍ If you refer to specific projects or portfolios, use hyperlinks to direct readers to more information. This keeps the cover letter concise while providing more details for interested employers.

Avoid jargon.

Unless mentioned in the job description, avoid jargon or overly technical language. Keep it accessible.

Avoid cover letter mistakes with Teal

Navigating the job market can be challenging, but a solid cover letter can help you make a good impression on potential employers—and it starts with avoiding common cover letter mistakes. 

With Teal by your side, writing an effective cover letter that ticks all the boxes is a breeze. 

Teal offers AI cover letter generation to help you customize every letter and stand out.

Ready to take cover letter creation to the next level? Sign up for Teal for free .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i tailor my cover letter to a specific job without sounding insincere, what is the ideal length for a cover letter to avoid being too verbose or too brief, is it a mistake to reuse the same cover letter for multiple job applications.

Lauren Holliday

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60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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Bad Cover Letter Examples: Avoid Mistakes in a Cover Letter

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Table of Content

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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