Cover letters are tough to write. You have one page and just a handful of paragraphs to convince recruiters that you’re the ideal candidate. Don’t let the opportunity to land an interview pass you by. Take your time to create an impressive document. Here are cover letter mistakes to avoid.
Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
Your CV can only take you so far. A cover letter is needed to make your job application stand out. But many job seekers make the same errors, which can cost them the job. Don’t fall into this trap. Have a look at cover letter mistakes to avoid.
- Writing more than one page
- Not following instructions
- Sharing uncomfortable information
- Rewriting your CV
- Overexplaining
- Not using keywords
- Talking about salary expectations
- Forgetting to proofread
- Not including a call to action
Writing More Than one Page
Hiring managers get hundreds of applications per job post. This means that they don’t have time to read long pieces of writing. Keep your cover letter short and sweet (¾ of a page) while still including all the relevant information.
Not Following Instructions
Some organisations believe cover letters are outdated, whereas others place real value on them. Not following instructions on the application shows that you don’t pay attention to detail, which could cost you the job.
Sharing Uncomfortable Information
A cover letter is not the place to pour your heart and soul out. So don’t talk about how you were fired from your previous jobs. Or that you moved to a new city and need a new job before you run out of money. Oversharing can be seen as a red flag.
Rewriting Your CV
The recruiter has already read your CV. Now is the chance to expand on it. For example, you could talk about a special achievement and how it makes you a good candidate for the job. Remember that your cover letter should support and draw attention to what’s in your CV.
Not Using Keywords
Keywords ensure that your application doesn’t get lost in the applicant tracking system. So make sure to use words that match the description. Don’t just sprinkle them in. Link it to your skills, work experience and achievements.
Talking About Salary Expectations
Unless the employer asked, you should leave all talk about money for the interview. It will seem as if you’re after the benefits instead of the job. To ensure you get the best salary offer, use your cover letter to talk about how you’ll add value to the company with your skills.
Forgetting to Proofread
Taking time to fix your CV will prevent embarrassing mistakes such as typos. Check that your spelling and grammar is correct, all information is included and that it’s sent to the right company. It helps to have Grammarly, a friend, or family member proofread for you too.
Not Including a Call to Action
You should end your cover letter in a strong way that motivates the recruiters to contact you. For example, you could say “Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting you for an interview”. This shows you are confident in your skills and expect to hear back from them.
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