Top 10 common cover letter mistakes
The first thing you think about when launching a job search is writing a resume. However, it is the cover letter that entices the recipient...
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The first thing you think about when launching a
job search is writing a resume. However, it is the cover letter that entices
the recipient to decide whether to review your resume or not. Your cover letter
shows employers how well you express yourself. It can also demonstrate that you
are savvy in the ways of marketing yourself and selling your best
qualifications. A good cover letter can get you screened in for an interview. Many
job seekers still underestimate the importance of writing a cover letter. They
even omit the cover letter from application package, assuming their CV is
enough. To ensure that your cover letter is effective, avoid these 10 mistakes:
1. Failing to address the
letter to the specific name of the recipient.
Addressing the letter to "Dear Personnel
Director/HR Director," "To Whom It May Concern," "Dear Sir
or Madam" instead of a named individual are all lazy and unresourceful
approaches that show the employer that you were not truly concerned enough to
find out the name of the person with the hiring power. Try to make a phone call
to the company or do some online research via the company’s website to get the
name you need.
2. Starting off not strong
enough
The first paragraph in the cover letter should
draw the employers’ attention right away. Avoid simply saying, “I am applying
for the receptionist position advertised at ework.com,” Instead, express your
genuine enthusiasm and suitability for the job like this, “Your need for an
experienced professional is a good match for my three years of experience as a
5-star hotel receptionist.” If you've been referred to the hiring manager, make
sure to point out the mutual contact in your lead. This may encourage him to
read further.
3. Writing a too long/short
letter
A standard cover letter submitted by email should
be limited to two paragraphs within the body of the email, while the one sent
by fax or mail should aim for three to five paragraphs.
4. Failing to specifically
tailor your letter to the job you're applying for
The most common mistake in cover letters
is using a generic approach and sending the same letter to every employer. It
could be a little bit time-consuming but worthwhile to customize each
cover letter for the specific job and company. A survey showed
that only 44% of personnel managers polled said it’s common for job seekers to
take advantage of their cover letters to show that they have carefully consider
the job requirements. Put in some effort will definitely help you be ahead of
half of your competitors.
5. Simply repeat your resume
Instead of rehashing your resume, you can
use your cover letter to highlight the aspects of your resume that are directly
relevant to the position such as qualifications, training, awards, etc. Take
advantage of the covering letter to justify anything that might be vague or
questionable on your CV, such as a change in career paths or a gap in
employment history.
6. Deflate your talents
Use your cover letter as a persuasive
reason for hiring managers to get you screened in for an interview. Using such
clichés as "I have strong communication skills" would waste precious
space. Write a letter that will make the employer want to get to know you
better by providing examples: "I recently led a training session on a new database application and received significant praise for my
ability to relay complex information to a non-tech-oriented audience."
7. Pretend to have good sense of humor
Trying to be witty can cause adverse effects, so it’s
better to adhere to a business letter format, even with an email cover letter.
A professional yet conversational tone and salutations such as "Mr."
and "Ms." will help you be taken seriously.
8. Making It All About You
Despite the fact that you are selling your
talents, don’t just taking about yourself in the cover letter. A letter full of
“I” needs to focus more of its content on the prospective employer and the
value you can contribute to the company. In other words, you need to tell the
employer about yourself, but do so in the context of the employer's needs and
the specified job requirements.
9. Forget to mention your personal contact
information
Assuming that your cover letter and resume can become separated,
remember to include a current phone number and a frequently-used email address
so that the recruiters can reach you in case they just have your cover letter
only.
10. Submitting a Cover Letter With Errors
Submitting a letter full of grammar and/or spelling errors is a sure way to get screened out. Use spelling and grammar
checking tools is a good way of proofreading. Get additional help by asking a
friend to double-check your letter for you. Here are some examples from real cover letters showing just how important proofreading
can be: "I'm attacking my resume for you to review." "I like
working in a fast-paced environment." Or "I never accept anything for
free."
An effective cover letter gives candidates
a chance to impress the employers at the first glance, giving them a
pen-picture of who you are and encouraging them to find out more about what you
can really do for their companies. Keep in mind that appearance does really
count. Therefore, ensure that you use simple font, break the paragraphs
appropriately and make it easy to read. A good start with a good cover letter
will lead you move further on in the employment process.
COVER LETTER TEMPLATE WITH LAYOUT
Contact Information
The first section of your cover letter should include information on how the employer can contact you.
If you have contact information for the employer, include that. Otherwise, just list your information.
This section should be single-spaced and left-justified, with a space between your contact information and your employer’s contact information.
Your Contact Information
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
(space)
Date
(space)
Employer Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
(space)
Salutation
(space)
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
(space)
First Paragraph:
Each of your body paragraphs should be single-spaced, with a space between each paragraph. The first paragraph of your cover letter should include information on the position you are applying for, including the job title. You should state how you heard about the job, and (briefly) explain why you think you are an ideal candidate for the position.
(space between paragraphs)
Middle Paragraph(s):
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention why you are qualified for the job and how your skills and experience are a match for the position for which you are applying. Provide specific examples to prove your skills and experience; these examples will “pop” on the page if you provide them in a bulleted format.
(space between paragraphs)
Final Paragraph:
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up with them regarding the status of your application.
(space)
Closing:
(space)
Sincerely yours,
(double space)
Signature:
Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)
(double space)
Typed Signature
