my cover letter can prevent me from getting a job

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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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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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16 Cover Letter Mistakes Commonly Made & How to Avoid Them

By Isabelle Dupont

To err is human—as long as we’ve learned a lesson from our errors, we’re all good. But some omissions can cost you dearly, and making cover letter mistakes may cost you a promising career .

Proving that you’re the right candidate for the position in just a few paragraphs can be a true challenge. To make sure that you’ll never risk your dream job because of such slips, we present you with insightful cover letter dos and don’ts . Keep reading to learn more!

Key Takeaways

As a summary of your professional background, a cover letter should include a heading with your contact information, a greeting, an introduction, a summary of your skills and experience, and a sign-off.

Some of the most common cover letter mistakes include being informal, failing to properly format your document, not proofreading it, and talking only about yourself and not about what you can offer.

Making mistakes in this document may lead to negative consequences, such as being rejected .

What Should Be Included in a Cover Letter?

Choosing what to include in a cover letter is usually a challenge for many candidates. In a matter of sentences, you can stray away by listing irrelevant details and end up with a jumbled document that is hard to follow.

A well-formatted cover letter should:

Cover Letter Format

Be written in a business letter format  

Have 1–1.5” margins

Feature a professional-looking font , such as Times New Roman, Helvetica, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, Arial, etc. 

Have font size set at 10-12 pt

If you were wondering how long a cover letter should be, the answer is one page , or 250 to 400 words . But what could you possibly say with so few words, figuratively speaking?

While a cover letter elaborates on your work biography, it’s not your autobiography. There are several key elements that every well-written cover letter should contain. Those are:

Mandatory Cover Letter Sections

Heading featuring your full name, job title, and contact information

Introduction

Body including your most relevant skills, qualifications, experience, and accomplishments

Reasons for applying

Conclusion and sign-off

16 Cover Letter Mistakes You Should Avoid Making

When crafting a cover letter, your ultimate goal should be to impress a hiring manager. With a bad cover letter, however, you’ll only make them discard it and reject your job application.

To prevent this, we’ve compiled a list of the worst cover letter mistakes you should never make.

#1. Being Too Formal

Starting your cover letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ is a one-way ticket to being turned down . The Regency Era, when everything was about formality, is long gone, and you certainly don’t want to sound like a character from a Jane Austen novel.

True, cover letters should be professional, but they should be personalized as well . To achieve that, you should avoid unnecessary formality. Do stick to the professional tone , but adapt it to fit the organization you’re addressing.

The best way to begin is to use a recruiter’s name or surname. If you don’t know it, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Recruiting Team’ will be sufficient.

#2. Being Too Informal

While you won’t be a stuck-up who addresses hiring staff as Sir or Madam, you won’t greet them with ‘Ayo bro, what’s up?’ Being overly casual may portray you as unprofessional, not serious about the job, and unfit for the role .

Keep the conversational tone, but remain professional and don’t cross the line trying to be overly friendly. More importantly, don’t force niceness—if you’re maintaining a friendly tone, make it come naturally.

#3. Repeating the Same Info From Your Resume

Repetition is indeed the mother of all learning, yet it’s to be avoided in your cover letter. Reiterating information you’ve already included in your resume only indicates you don’t understand the essence of a cover letter.

What you need to do is support the information you’ve provided in your resume with accomplishments, figures, sales, increases, statistics, etc. Failing to do so is one of the gravest cover letter mistakes, as it doesn’t prove you’re worth the role.

If you don’t have anything to add, elaborate on your achievements in more detail , focusing on how you can add value to the company or contribute to its mission.

#4. Using Cliches

In an attempt to make a recruiter believe you’re the right person for the role, you may use cliche phrases such as ‘exquisite team player,’ devoted problem-solver,’ ‘excellent negotiator,’ etc. Up to a point, this is fairly valid, as these soft skills are essential for almost all jobs in the market.

But this is precisely a problem—these buzzwords are so ubiquitous that they’ve become cliche. Everyone—you included—can be an excellent negotiator or communicator, but are you able to back it up with particular details or achievements ?

Such buzzwords, along with expressions like ‘guru,’ ‘ninja,’ and 'master,’ belong to the group of words to avoid in a cover letter , so don’t be tempted to include them in it.

#5. Not Using the Right Format

A bit of creativity and uniqueness in your cover letter can’t do much harm… except result in you being dismissed from the hiring process for overdoing it .

While you may want your letter to stand out from others, make it do so in terms of content , not appearance. Limit the use of colors and graphics, and stick to the proper business format with a professional font.

Break large blocks of text into smaller ones to facilitate skimming for the required information. Don’t exceed the word limit—you should have 250-400 words placed between 1 to 1.5-inch margins on each side.

#6. Not Signing Your Cover Letter

Although you’ll be submitting your cover letter electronically, you still need to sign it. Forgetting to add your full name at the end of the document will be considered sloppiness and a lack of attention to detail .

On the other hand, if you’re sending your cover letter via mail, it’s best to put your handwritten signature between the closing phrase and your printed full name.

#7. Not Following the Instructions

If an employer provides particular instructions on what to include in a cover letter and in what format to send it, don’t ignore them. There is a legitimate reason for their requirements, and failing to comply with them would mean automatic disqualification .

Besides allowing a hiring manager to scan the necessary information faster, these specific criteria and instructions are there to prove whether you can recognize significant details .

Hence, peruse the job ad and check if there are any specific instructions regarding writing and formatting cover letters, making sure you follow them all.

#8. Using a Template/Stock Cover Letter

The internet abounds with template cover letters you can use to generate your own. Doing so will undoubtedly spare you a significant amount of time. Simultaneously, however, it will show that you’re lazy, unbothered, and not motivated enough .

Letting AI do its magic and craft a cover letter for you isn’t a good idea . Recruiters and hiring managers can spot AI-generated letters within the first few glances . It’s much wiser to use the cover letter examples you find on the internet to get a glimpse of how to create your own from scratch.

#9. Failing to Proofread Your Cover Letter

Not proofreading emails and documents before hitting the send button is possibly the worst error you can commit. Still, “speling and grammer” errors are the key reason why around 58% of cover letters get dismissed.

A cover letter that contains such errors implies that you might have weak written communication skills and poor attention to detail . So, failing to proofread and correct them ultimately reduces your professional credibility .

Before sending both your resume and cover letter, check if there are any mistakes. Let them sit overnight before you proofread them, or ask your family or friends to do it for you.

#10. Focusing on Yourself Too Much

Even though this is your cover letter, with which you’re supposed to introduce yourself and elaborate on your professional experience and skills, it is not about you. But how’s that possible?!

The truth is that an employer is interested in your competencies and accomplishments only to see if their company can benefit from them. They don’t really care why you love their company; they care about what you can bring to the table .

Therefore, craft your cover letter so that it illustrates how you can help the prospective employer’s company grow and profit .

#11. Mass Sending the Same Cover Letter

Yes, writing a new cover letter for every job application is a real nuisance; it’s much more convenient to create a universal one and submit it whenever it’s called for . 

However, the fact that it’s more convenient doesn’t mean that it’s helpful. This can take you to the point of bidding farewell to your dream opportunity since 63% of employers want a cover letter tailored to the position.

Such a generic cover letter implies that you’re not quite committed since you’re not willing to put in extra effort and personalize the document . 

So, don’t be lazy; research the job description and craft a cover letter for each position you’re applying for by including the main keywords from the ad.

#12. Omitting Your Most Relevant Skills

A cover letter is a handy opportunity to discuss why you haven’t listed specific hard and soft skills required by the job description in your resume. If you’re not cautious, this can turn into a double-edged sword.

What is essential here is not to make missing a skill obvious . Instead, emphasize your strongest skills that are relevant for the position.

Read the job description carefully, identify the skills that match yours, and reconsider your achievements to back them up . Refrain from listing skills that aren’t relevant to the role, as you won’t be able to take any advantage of them.

#13. Saying Too Much or Too Little

It is a common cover letter mistake to use this document to elaborate on your experience, education, skills, qualifications, hobbies, interests, etc. This is far from impressing the recruiter snowed under with hundreds of applications. 

What a recruiter is looking for is a brief summary of who you really are . It’s perfectly fine to mention what you do in your free time, but don’t dedicate an entire paragraph to it. Remember that the emphasis should be on relevant experience . 

On the flip side, having too little to say will make your cover letter look rather sparse. If you are just starting your career and have no experience, focus on your achievements at the university that could be relevant to the position and highlight them.

#14. Not Including Call to Action

Before you close and sign your cover letter, you should let a recruiter know you’re available for the next stage of the hiring process—the interview. Don’t be shy; request it directly by stating that you’re open to an interview and state when they can reach out to you.

Just thanking the recruiter without including a strong CTA will make them think you don’t take the initiative and reject you as a candidate.

#15. Exceeding One Page

You might think that a cover letter is a good place to narrate your entire professional background. However, recounting your decade-long career would mean turning one page into a minimum of three pages .

And honestly, no one would like to read such a long cover letter where you chronicle all your previous roles and achievements. The main objective of a cover letter is to summarize your career accomplishments and goals and possibly mention something you omitted in your resume but is essential for the job application.

#16. Talking About Salary Expectations

Is there anything worse than mentioning salary too early during an interview? Yes, there is—discussing an expected salary in a cover letter!

While it is perfectly acceptable to negotiate a salary, a cover letter is not an opportunity for that. Doing so may make it seem like you’re more interested in the benefits the job offers than in how you can contribute to the company.

So, never mention your salary expectations in a cover letter unless you’re instructed to do so. Focus on your skills and achievements, as well as how they can contribute to the success of the company.

Final Thoughts

In the best-case scenario, a cover letter is supposed to present you as a perfect candidate. Yet, if you submit one full of errors and omissions, it can only portray you as sloppy and show that you don’t pay much attention to detail. Hopefully, the list of cover letter mistakes we’ve compiled will shed light on what those slips are so that you don’t make them ever again!

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Any Job [2024 Guide]

A cover letter can make or break your entire job application. Discover how to write a cover letter that will impress any recruiter.

Many people think that writing a cover letter is daunting and anxiety-inducing, but the truth is that more than half of employers prefer candidates with cover letters. Missing a cover letter means missing a lot of interviews. Having a bad cover letter means...almost the same. 

If you don't know how to write a cover letter, do not worry. We'll teach you how to write a good cover letter. The one employers want to see and will get you a lot of job interviews. 

This guide will show you:

• How to write a cover letter for a job application that stands out.
• A cover letter sample that will get you more interviews.
• How to write a cover letter for different types of jobs. 
• A full step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter quickly and painlessly

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 20+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

Create your cover letter now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Want to see cover letter examples for a specific positions? Feel free to check out these articles:

• Business Cover Letter
• Consulting Cover Letter
• Customer Service Cover Letter
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Internal Position Cover Letter
• Internship Cover Letter
• IT Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter
• No Experience Cover Letter
• Non-profit Cover Letter
• Project Management Cover Letter
• Social Work Cover Letter
• Teacher Cover Letter

Looking for a different cover letter example? See Cover Letter Examples for all professions . 

How to Write a Cover Letter—Example

Jennifer J. Amato

Customer Service Specialist

89 Westfield Road

Anytown, CA 92301

552-993-0888

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/jenny-j-amato

Anytown, 1/10/2021

Mr. James Stipe

Head of Product

3015 Round Table Drive

Anytown, CA 90544

Dear Mr. Stipe,

When I found the opening for the Senior Customer Service Specialist with ABC Bank I felt as if it was addressed to me, personally. In my current position as CSR at Acme Corp, I’ve boosted customer retention by 37% in 9 months and raised the mean NPS from 7.9 to 8.8. I’m sure my expertise can translate into similar results for ABC.

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking. While working at Acme, I:

• Planned and supervised online and phone surveys prior to the redesign of our internet banking platform.
• Oversaw collaboration with colleagues in a cross-departmental project team of customer service reps, data analysts, and software developers to design a consumer-insight-driven product.
• Trained 46 customer service agents in resolving customer queries related to the new online banking platform; after the launch of the platform, these agents had a 97% satisfaction rating on average.

I love that your Customer Service Team operates with one goal in mind only: to maximize the business opportunities by finding and implementing tailor-made solutions for all customers. It perfectly reflects my core professional value: the drive to connect every customer with personalized support at every step of their consumer life journey.

When can we schedule a call to discuss solutions for boosting ABC’s Customer Satisfaction Scores by 20% in the next Fiscal Year?

P.S. I’d also value the opportunity to tell you how I raised customers’ satisfaction rates with my team by 48% above the company average.

After reading this cover letter, Mr. Stipe couldn’t resist inviting Ms. Amato to a job interview. Yours can be just as effective. Let’s start with the basics:

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that’s a part of your job application alongside your resume. In your cover letter, you get a chance to introduce yourself, set yourself apart from all the other candidates, and prove you’re the best person for this job.

A cover letter isn’t just a retelling of the facts you share in your resume. It gives a glimpse of your personality while showcasing your professional achievements in greater detail. It should also show your passion for the specific job you’re applying for—otherwise, the recruiter will think you don’t really want the job and move on to the next candidate.

In short, a cover letter is a document that can make or break your entire job application. Let’s see how to write one that’s guaranteed to become a success: 

How to Write a Cover Letter

Many people—even seasoned professionals—aren’t quite sure how to write a cover letter. So, if the very thought of writing it makes you anxious, you’re definitely not alone. But you’re not doomed to dedicate half of your day to anxious guesswork along the lines of “How do I even get started?”

Effective cover letters follow a clear underlying structure that you can easily borrow:

• Opening paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention
• Paragraph that shows why you’re the best candidate
• Another paragraph that demonstrates your passion for this specific job at this specific company
• Call to action
• P. S. (optional)

If you include all these elements in your cover letter, you’ll be a lot closer to getting your dream job than you think.

Now, let’s go through all these elements. Here's how to write a successful cover letter:

1. Stick to the Proper Cover Letter Format

Your cover letter should follow the best practices for writing business letters.  Keep your cover letter short and to the point—in fact, your entire cover letter shouldn’t be longer than 350 words. Yes, that doesn’t look like much, but it’s a good cover letter length to aim for.

Pick a professional, easy-to-read font, set the line spacing to 1 or 1.15, and align your paragraphs to the left . This formatting is easy on the eyes and won’t give the recruiter a headache.

Recruiters are busy people, remember? Add an extra line between paragraphs so that your cover letter is easy to scan within a few seconds.

Not sure how to format your cover letter and choose the best layout? Check out our guide to cover letter formatting or, even better, use our cover letter builder that does the job for you.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

2. Write a Professional Cover Letter Header

Writing a cover letter heading sounds simple, but if you happen to get it wrong, your job application is doomed.

Fortunately, writing cover letter headers is easy. Just follow this template:

[Your First and Last Name]

[Your Job Title]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Location / Date of Writing]

[Hiring Manager’s First and Last Name]

[Hiring Manager’s Professional Title]

[Name of Company]

[Company Street Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

You can also add links to other online profiles that are relevant for your job. For example, you can link to your GitHub if you’re a software developer. If you’re an illustrator, add a link to your portfolio on Behance.

Expert Hint: Double-check your cover letter header for typos—no hiring manager wants to see their name misspelled! Also, make sure your contact info is the same as the info you give in your resume header.

3. Open a Cover Letter with a Killer First Paragraph

Done with the header? Good, let’s move on to the next step.

Start with a simple, professional greeting . If you’re applying for a corporate job, opt for “Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname”. If your dream employer has a more relaxed company culture, you can write “Dear Firstname” instead.

Can’t find the hiring manager’s name in the job ad? Research the company’s website, do a quick search on Google or LinkedIn… or just call the company and ask who’s responsible for the hiring process.

If you still can’t find out their name, write “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team”. This greeting isn’t as great as addressing a letter to a specific person, but it’s still better than “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern”.

Now it’s time to write the first paragraph. Your main goal here is to grab the reader’s attention and make them read on. Here are some ways to start a cover letter :

• Tell a brief story of your key achievement
• Drop a name
• Mention the company’s recent achievement and compliment them on it

Let’s look at some examples.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Opening Paragraph

In this opening paragraph, the candidate shares two epic achievements and promises to bring similar value to the company she’s applying to.

Hi there, 

In response to your Senior Customer Service Specialist opening, I’d like to submit my application. With 7+ years of experience in customer service, I know I would be a perfect fit for the position.

First , “Hi there” isn’t the best way to address a hiring manager at a bank.

Second , simply having 7+ years of experience doesn’t automatically make you qualified for a specific job.

Third , this intro is simply boring. HR people see those clichés dozens of times every day, and, unless they’re extremely bored and have nothing else to do, they won’t read the rest of the letter.

4. Prove You’re the Best Person for This Job

Our candidate, Jennifer, is applying for a Senior Customer Service Specialist position with The ABC Bank.

Her prospective employer has specific plans: they’re launching a new AI-based, customized platform for personal internet banking . She researched the bank’s website, read the job ad once again, and identified that the employer is specifically looking for:

• A skilled Customer Service Specialist , obviously
• Someone experienced in developing customer surveys to analyze insights
• An employee good at collaboration with members from other teams

In the next paragraph of her cover letter, Jennifer shows two things:

• She’s researched the company and knows what project she’ll be working on.
• She has a history of professional achievements that clearly match the ideal candidate’s profile.

Here’s how she did it:

How to Write a Cover Letter: Second Paragraph

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking . While working at Acme, I:

See how she gives specific, highly relevant proof? This is how you should write your own cover letter. 

Now, let’s look at what another candidate wrote:

In my career, I’ve performed a wide array of customer service duties. I was responsible for providing assistance to customers via phone, email, and fax, performing general clerical duties, filing, data entry, billing, as well as recognizing and resolving documentation errors.

OK, so they did customer service stuff. Were they good at it? Just listing a bunch of responsibilities doesn’t prove you were actually good at any of them. After all, someone was responsible for making the Titanic unsinkable!

5. Let Your Cover Letter Show Why This is Your Dream Job

In the next paragraph of your cover letter, show why you’re passionate about working for this particular company. Why?

Well, no one wants to hire a person who doesn’t care about their job.

Here are some ways to show your passion:

• Compliment the employer on an award they won or some other recent achievement
• Demonstrate that you share the company’s values
• Make it clear that you’d be honored to be a part of such an excellent team

How to Write a Good Cover Letter: Examples

Jenny wrote the following:

You may need to look at the company’s website to learn more about its values. But you always do your research before applying for a job, don’t you?

Also, make sure you tailor this paragraph to every job offer you’re applying to. Don’t be like this person:

This one screams, “I’VE ALREADY COPIED AND PASTED THIS A MILLION TIMES AND I’M NOT GOING TO STOP!”

If you just copy and paste generic phrases like this, recruiters will just assume that you don’t care about this specific job offer. So they won’t care to invite you to an interview either.

6. End Your Cover Letter with a Powerful Call to Action

What’s the point of your cover letter? To persuade the reader to take action and invite you to a job interview. And the best way to get someone to act is… by asking them. Yep, it’s that straightforward.

Ask the reader to schedule a call or a meeting, and offer to talk about the value you can bring to the company.

What to Write in a Cover Letter: Sample Call to Action

Jenny clearly means business. She’s confident, straightforward, and eager to help the employer achieve specific, measurable results. Looks like the right person for the job.

This doesn’t even look like a call to action. Rather, it’s yet another boring cliché—the recruiter will probably just yawn and move on to the candidate.

7. Sign off Like a Pro

You’re almost done! Now’s the time to end your cover letter . Write something like “Sincerely” (or any other classic closing formula for business letters ) and then add your full name.

If you’ve got a scanned version of your handwritten signature, paste it into the document for that cool, ultra-professional look. After that, repeat your contact information. This is a common practice in business letters and makes it easier for the reader to contact you immediately.

Here’s what it looks like for Jenny:

8. Add a Tasty P. S.

Now you know how to write a cover letter. But if you want to put an extra cherry on the cake, add a P. S. under your sign-off.

In the P. S., promise to tell the reader a story about one of your most impressive achievements. They won’t resist inviting you, even if it’s just to hear the story.

Expert Hint: You may be tempted to put a joke in the P. S., but that’s very risky. The joke might fall flat and ruin your entire job application. Stay professional throughout your entire cover letter.

9. Make Sure Your Resume is as Good as Your Cover Letter

We've covered all the information you need to write in a cover letter. But, your cover letter, no matter how amazing, is just one half of your job application. Your resume needs to be just as good, so give it some love, too.

We've prepared a dedicated guide on how to write a resume . It'll show you step-by-step instructions, similary to this one. 

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

You’ve just read a ton of information, so let’s recap. Here’s how to write a cover letter for any job or internship:

• Start with a professional cover letter layout and formatting (use our cover letter builder or a free MS Word cover letter template)
• Create a header and make sure it’s perfectly error-free
• Craft an attention-grabbing first paragraph
• Give specific examples showing that you’ve the right person for this specific job
• Show your passion for the company
• Add a call to action
• Sign off like a pro
• Surprise the reader with a P. S. (optional)

Got questions about how to write a great cover letter? Need assistance with writing your cover letter for a job? That’s what the comments section is for. Get in touch and I’ll respond right away.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a good cover letter.

Here are some tips for writing a successful cover letter:

• Keep it  short  and to the point
• Pick a professional  cover letter template
• Tailor your cover letter to a specific job offer —never send out generic cover letters!
• Craft a  strong opening paragraph
• Explain how you'll  bring value  to the company
• Show  passion
• Close with a  compelling call to action

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send in with your resume . Here's what to include in a cover letter : additional information about your achievements and skills, proof that you're the best candidate for this job, and proof of your passion for this specific company.

Use a cover letter builder to craft a cover letter that follows all best practices.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Here's what employers want to see in your cover letter:

• Clear , to-the-point writing
• Solid  proof  that your skills and achievements will bring value to the company
• A genuine  passion  for this specific company and this specific role
• Your understanding of the company's  values
• Signs that you've  researched  the company before applying

Check out more  cover letter writing tips .

How to address a cover letter without a name?

If you can't find the recruiter's name in the job ad or on the company website,  opt for "Dear Hiring Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" .

Take care to avoid outdated, impersonal phrases like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern". Learn more in the dedicated guide to  addressing cover letters .

How to format a cover letter?

Format your cover letter like you would format any business letter:

• Your contact info
• The date and your location
• The recruiter's contact info
• Business salutation (Ideally "Dear Mr./Ms...")
• Opening paragraph
• Closing paragraph
• Sign-off ("Best regards" followed by your name will do just fine)
• Optional P. S.

For more information on page margins, fonts and layout, check out our guide on cover letter formatting . Or head straight to a cover letter generator that will take care of the formatting.

Is a cover letter the same as a resume?

A resume provides an overview of your career and education, usually in the form of bullet points. A cover letter, on the other hand, provides context and explains why you're the best candidate. To make sure your job application is successful, submit both a resume and a cover letter. Use a resume builder and a matching cover letter builder for a consistent look.

Is a cover letter necessary?

Short answer: yes . More than 70% of recruiters prefer candidates who do send a cover letter, even if the job ad says it's optional.

Unless you're applying via an online form where you can't upload a cover letter, always make sure to include one . Use a cover letter builder to make the writing process quick and painless.

How long should a cover letter be?

200–350 words . This is a good cover letter length to aim for—just enough to put your message across without unnecessary fluff.

Olga is a career expert with a background in teaching. At ResumeLab, she writes actionable guides to help job-seekers highlight their unique strengths and unlock their career potential.

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I can write a solid resume, interview well, and make sure that my online presence is on point.

The one thing that’s always been a struggle? The dreaded cover letter.

Cover letters can be absolute torture, and it feels like there are a million ways to screw them up. Is yours too formal or informal? Too long or short? Too much information or too vague?

There’s an upside, though: Making your cover letter awesome doesn’t have to be a long, difficult process. In fact, as I’ve written more and more cover letters over time (and started helping dozens of other people write theirs), they’ve actually become (gasp!) fun.

Below, I’ve listed the 16 most important tips I’ve learned to make crafting a cover letter into an easy and pain-free process. Half of the tips are related to what you write, and the other half are tiny things that’ll make sure your cover letter is better than the rest. By the end of the list, there’s no way a hiring manager will be able to shuffle you to the bottom of the pile. Or you know…delete your email…

8 Tips for Cover Letters That Grab Hiring Managers’ Attention

1. Describe a pain point

Here’s the most important question any cover letter should answer: What problem would hiring you solve?

Notice that this question is about the company’s problem, not your desire to land the job! Tricky, I know.

But think about it: If a company has put up a job description, it means they have a pain point and need a solution. For example, if a company is hiring a web designer, it means they don’t think their current layout is up to snuff and they’re looking for someone who can get them there. That’s the problem they need solved, and that’s what your cover letter should make clear in first few sentences.

2. Don’t regurgitate your resume

This is a tip that you’ve probably heard before, but it happens all the time : Don’t use your cover letter to simply restate your resume!

Your cover letter is the perfect place to expand on things that your resume doesn’t detail, illustrate the more intangible reasons why you’re perfect for the job, and explain any particular circumstances that warrant discussion (for example, if you’re making a sudden or drastic career change).

Skillcrush: 22 Things to Remove From Your Resume Immediately

3. The tone should match the company

Cover letters are great for companies not only because they can see if you can solve the problem at hand, but also because they give hiring managers a sense of whether or not you understand the company culture.

How do they figure this out? Tone.

Take a look at a company’s website, how its social media is phrased, and how its employees talk about it online. Is this company a little more informal and fun? Is it buttoned-up and corporate? Your cover letter should be written in a tone similar to that of the company’s copy. Obviously put a professional spin on it, but keep the company’s culture in mind.

4. Keep the focus on the company

Hiring managers assume that if you’re applying to a particular job, that must mean you really want that job. Thus, you don’t need to spend your entire cover letter reiterating how badly you want the job and how great the experience would be for you .

It’s okay to spend one or two sentences tops explaining your love for the company, but then it’s time to turn the tables.

The majority of your cover letter should be illustrating to a potential employer what hiring you would do for their company. Again, focus on the pain point: What talents and skills do you have that would help this organization tremendously?

5. Use your numbers

A big problem I’ve seen in lots of cover letters is that they tend to be very vague in describing any notable accomplishments or achievements.

For example, instead of saying that you have had “a great deal of success as an email marketer,” use your numbers: “I spearheaded an entire newsletter redesign that resulted in a 500% increase in our open rate, which proves…”

Numbers also add intrigue and leave hiring managers wanting to hear more!

Psst! This tip holds true for resumes! ( More here .) Adding numbers and statistics is a solid way to stand out!

6. Make your anecdotes short

While examples can make your cover letter super effective, many people make the mistake of including unnecessary or irrelevant information when using anecdotes that make them drag on and lose their umph .

My personal rule is to make any example or story no longer than three sentences so that you can avoid going overboard and wasting valuable space. Here’s how to break it down:

• Sentence 1: Introduce the skill you’re highlighting.
• Sentences 2: Explain the situation where you showed off this skill.
• Sentence 3: What was the end result? Explain what it did for the company and what it proves about your character.

7. Make your opening line memorable

If the big opener to your cover letter is “I’m applying for Position X at Company Y” or “My name is…” it’s time to press the backspace button. There are two things wrong with both of these phrases:

• They’re redundant, so you’re taking up precious space! A hiring manager is already going to know your name from your application as well as which position you’re applying for. No need to repeat it.
• They’re generic and unmemorable. Give your hiring manager something to get excited about or be intrigued by.

So, how can you start a cover letter with something that has a little more pizzazz? Try opening with a favorite short anecdote, a quote that best describes you as a professional, or your personal tagline.

8. Everything should relate to the job description

As you write (and then read through) every line of your cover letter, ask yourself: How does this sentence relate to the job description? If you find yourself going on tangents or including facts that don’t prove your ability to excel at the job or understand the company culture, take it out.

And if you need some help making sense of exactly what will prove you are qualified for the job at hand, check out these 10 Tips for Deciphering Tech Job Listings .

8 Tips for Putting the Finishing Touches on Your Cover Letter

1. Research whom to address your letter to

Scrap the “To Whom It May Concern” greeting and do some research to find out who will be reading your cover letter.

In some cases, employers will be super helpful and straight up tell you whom to address that cover letter to. If you aren’t so lucky, a quick Google search can help, or if you have a connection to a potential employer, have a professional contact ask around to see if they can get a name.

If all else fails and you really want to avoid the dreaded “To Whom It May Concern” line, feel free to shoot the company an email. I did this before when I was applying to a company that had a plethora of people on its editorial and HR teams and I had no idea who’d be hiring me.

Here’s the quick template I used:

I’m applying to [name of company]’s [name of job title] position, and I was having some trouble figuring out whom specifically to address the cover letter to. Is there a particular person or department I should direct it to?

Thanks so much for your time!

[Your name]

2. Be smart with hyperlinks

If you’re going to use hyperlinks in your cover letter, there are two important things to keep in mind. First, try not to include more than two or three links tops in a cover letter (like an online portfolio or personal website). All links should be relevant, and your cover letter shouldn’t be used as a dumping ground for everything you’ve ever created!

Second, make sure you add context to a hyperlink to both draw attention to it and to make the hiring manager understand that it’s worth his or her time to click on. For example, if you’re referencing a recent design project you did, add that said project can be found “in my online portfolio” and add a hyperlink.

3. Delete extra images, clipart, emoticons and emojis

This is a no-brainer: Regardless of how “chill” the company says it is, keep clipart, emoticons, emojis, cute pictures of your puppy, and any other images OUT of your cover letter!

Squeeze an emoji into a cover email if you’re SUPER confident it’s appropriate. Otherwise, steer clear.

4. Keep it short (like, really short)

I’ve seen dozens of cover letters in the past month, and the biggest issue across the board is that people make their cover letters way too long.

Here’s the general rule of thumb to follow: Your cover letter should be a single page (no more!) and around 300-350 words. If you’re writing a cover email, three to five sentences works (since you usually have attachments or links for a hiring manager to click on).

5. Keep your font professional (and normal)

True story: I once received a cover letter from a friend where he’d had kept his writing to one page—but it was in eight-point font. Yikes.

Your cover letter font size should be normal (aim for between 10-point and 12-point), and your font should be straightforward and professional. Favorites include Arial, Times New Roman, and Georgia. Just say no to Curly Q or Comic Sans.

Skillcrush: 8 Free Font Pairings You Have to See

6. Break up your paragraphs

Nothing provokes fear in people faster than a wall of text. Hiring managers get a visual of your physical cover letter before they ever read it, and if their first reaction is, “Oh god, it’s all one paragraph!” that’s not a good sign.

Instead, break up your cover letter into smaller paragraphs of three or four sentences each. It’s so much more aesthetically pleasing, and the person reading your cover letter will thank you.

7. Cut the vague professional jargon

As with in a resume, using phrases like “team player,” “self-motivated,” or “results driven” only makes your cover letter generic and unmemorable. Use more lively language, or better yet, use specific examples to prove your point.

8. Re-read your cover letter over (and over and over)

Editing is the most tedious but also the most necessary part of any cover letter writing you do. Start by printing your cover letter out and reading it aloud. I also recommend reading the cover letter starting with the last sentence and working your way up.

Another pro tip: Definitely get someone else to read your cover letter. In many cases, you might think your writing is pristine, but a friend will find at least a couple typos and point out some places where your wording is a little clunky.

Getting that perfect cover letter doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process. Use these tips and you’ll be snagging the job (and impressing potential employers with your savvy) in no time!

Skillcrush: The Ultimate Guide the Perfect Email Cover Letter

Lily is a writer, editor, and social media manager, as well as co-founder of The Prospect , the world’s largest student-run college access organization. She also serves in editorial capacities at The Muse, HelloFlo, and Her Campus. Recently, she was named one of Glamour’s Top 10 College Women for her work helping underserved youth get into college. You can follow Lily on Twitter at @lkherman

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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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5 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Your First Job

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5 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Your First Job was originally published on Vault .

Applying for your first job can be intimidating. Luckily, there’s a way to significantly improve your chances of getting hired: including a cover letter in your application whether it’s required or not. Doing so shows a level of professionalism that employers are looking for.

Here are five common mistakes to avoid when writing your first cover letter. 

1. Including unnecessary details about your experience

Recruiters go through many applications in a day, so they’re not going to want to spend too much time reading one cover letter. Note that the average hiring manager spends only about six seconds per cover letter before determining if it’s worth reading further or skipping entirely. By keeping your letter meaty but streamlined, you’re more likely to capture recruiters’ attention from the get-go.

Your cover letter is not a chance for you to tell your entire life story. Instead, a cover letter should be concise, straightforward, and related to the job that you’re applying for. For someone who hasn’t had previous work experience, you can mention any relevant internship positions you’ve held or extracurricular activities that highlight how you’re fit for the job. Any extra fluff you want to talk about can wait until your interview when recruiters have more time to spend per applicant.

2. Stating your salary expectations

A cover letter is essentially one of your first touchpoints with an employer. It’s a way to make a good impression and introduce yourself. You don’t want to make yourself look greedy by discussing your salary expectations immediately. Although salary transparency is recommended when job hunting, there’s a time and place for it, and your cover letter is not it. Instead of asking how the company can benefit you, use the cover letter to discuss what value you can bring to your employer and the job.

3. Not putting effort into personalization

It’s so easy for first-time applicants to fall into the trap of using templates for cover letters. They simply look up the most basic version and send it in without making it their own. This doesn’t add anything substantial to your application whatsoever. It can even backfire, with recruiters immediately disqualifying you for the role. It’s essential to research the company and the job and write about how you fit into the equation. By making it unique and personalized, recruiters are likely to remember you and your application.

4. Neglecting to mention your applicable skills

Without a lot of previous work experience in your resume, employers won’t have a lot of references to evaluate you with. The cover letter can be the last push that urges them to give you a chance. However, only writing down your personal information and background won’t tell them what kind of worker you are. It’s especially important now, with many companies conducting skills-based training, where degrees and school grades aren’t prioritized. In your cover letter, make sure to talk about the applicable skills and strengths that make you the ideal candidate for the job.

5. Not proofreading

Often, job seekers focus more on what they’re trying to say than how they say it. But this is a mistake, since a poorly crafted cover letter can cancel out however many impressive points you’re trying to show off. For example, emailing a cover letter littered with spelling and grammatical errors is a quick way to disqualify you from consideration for the job. Keep in mind that even the smallest typo can ruin your opportunity to land a position. It shows a lack of attention to detail that gives recruiters the impression that this is the kind of work you do. Instead, make sure to reread your cover letter multiple times to check the flow and find any mistakes. You can also use the help of spell-check to pinpoint any errors you may have overlooked.

Roseann James is a writer who specializes in business practices like recruitment strategies, company culture, and proper management. When she’s not working, she likes to spend time with her dogs and catch up on current events.

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Dos and Don’ts of Cover Letter Writing (with Examples!)

Most jobseekers make the mistake of writing their cover letters in a hurry, making them sound insincere or disinterested in the job role..

Does anyone read my cover letter?

The answer: Yes! While your resume documents your past experiences and achievements, a cover letter is a great way to showcase your enthusiasm and personality and highlight why they should hire you.

Most jobseekers make the mistake of writing their cover letters in a hurry, making them sound insincere or disinterested in the job role. Here are five dos and don’ts of cover letter writing to help your job application stand out.

(Tip 1) Don’t: Use generic salutations

Nothing makes your cover letter sound more insincere by using a generic “To whom it may concern.”

Example: “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Sir/Mdm”

Do: Address the hiring manager

Cover letters need to be personalised to the person reading it. Try to identify the Hiring Manager (or Head of Department). Using a name in your cover letter conveys your sincerity and effort in researching the job role.

(Tip 2) Don’t: Cut and paste your resume

Don’t just repeat your resume. Jobseekers often make the mistake of highlighting the tasks and duties they did on the job.

Example: “Planned, supervised and coordinated the daily activities of the 3 junior analysts.”

Do: Showcase relevant experiences, achievements and skills

Use the job description and pick out relevant skills and experiences that match with the job role. Try to elaborate on your work experiences and show why you are the right fit for the job.

Example: “As the marketing manager of XYZ company, I helped to deliver 15 email campaigns a month, growing new leads by 75%.

(Tip 3) Don’t: Be overly formal

Using formal and bombastic words can sound forced and insincere. Try reading it aloud to see if there are areas of your cover letter that sound unnatural.

Example: “I wish to convey my interest in filling the vacancy at your esteemed establishment at ABC company.”

Do: Be conversational and professional

A friendly and conversational tone shows your sincerity and personality.

Example: “I believe that my passion for cybersecurity and commitment to learning new intelligence systems will make me an ideal candidate to join ABC company.

(Tip 4) Don’t: Use clichés / generic phrases

Everyone can claim to be “motivated”, a “ team player” and a “hard worker”. Without substantiating with examples, these overused phrases appear as claims rather than facts.

Example: “I am a driven and conscientious worker who greatly values in being a team-player.

Do: Use power words and support with results

Use power words like “achieved”, “improved”, “managed” to show evidence of your skills, instead of merely listing them. You can download a list of action verbs from the resume and interview starter kit .

Example: “I took the initiative to streamline the records and file systems, which led to an improvement in the administrative office by 30%.”

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(Tip 5) Don’t: Make it all about you

The cover letter is not about you. Hiring managers are not interested in what the company can do for your career and resume.

Example: “The location is near my home, the salary is what I’m looking for, and I have always dreamed about working in your company.”

Do: Share what you can offer the company

The hiring manager is evaluating if your skills and experiences can value add to the business. Talk about what you can do for the company and link it to the job description.

Example: “I am confident that my rich experience in web development for F&B and retail apps would be an asset to your organisation.”

When written correctly, a cover letter strengthens your job application and compels the hiring manager to read your resume. As a final tip, remember to keep your cover letter concise (1 page) and proofread your cover letter before sending it out!

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application

Including a cover letter with you job application takes a little extra time, but it can mean the difference between getting an interview and your CV being discarded.

Learn how to write an effective cover letter as part of your job application to maximise your chances of getting an interview.

When applying for a job, more often than not, you will need to include a cover letter. Consider your cover letter your sales page, giving an introduction to yourself and an invitation to the recruiter to read your CV or application. It’s not always clear whether you need a cover letter or not when studying a job advert, so if you’re unsure, always include one. A good cover letter could be the difference between the hiring manager reading your CV, or discarding your application and moving on. 

Get your facts together

Writing a cover letter for the first time can seem a daunting prospect. With so much that could be included, it’s hard to know where to start. The best place is by getting your facts together and deciding what you want to include. 

Think of all your accomplishments to date that are relevant to the role and make a list. Try not to use anything that comes directly from your CV. Your cover letter is the place to elaborate on the points in your CV to provide more detail and to really highlight what you can do, rather than repeating points.

Also do some research on the company. Find out what its values are, its mission, and any defining features. This will help you tailor your experience and skills to the company culture and give you some background to explain why you are a good fit. 

Address the criteria

It’s important that you don’t include anything and everything. Less is more with a job application cover letter. You will be scored on how well you meet the selection criteria, so use that as a guide for what to include. Link everything you write back to the criteria, and try to find relevant examples where possible. 

If you don’t have an industry related example to hit a criterium, use something else, but make it very clear what it is demonstrating. There are many ways to demonstrate soft skills. For example, learning a language can demonstrate your communication skills, and being part of a sports team can show that you know how to work well with others.

When you know what you want to include, put a plan in place for the structure of the letter, and writing it will be much easier. 

Start with a strong opening

If you want a recruiter to read the entirety of your cover letter and consequently move on to your CV, the opening is what you need to focus on. You want to draw the reader in and impress them enough to keep their attention. This means addressing the letter properly and giving a clear reason for writing. 

In the case of a job application cover letter, you will need to state what you are applying for and what makes you the ideal candidate. This will be covered further in the bulk of the letter, but the first paragraph can be a summary of your experience, skills, and accomplishments, linked clearly to why this makes you the ideal candidate and giving a taste of what’s to come in the rest of the letter.

Make connections

Your research on the company will be beneficial in helping you to tailor the cover letter for a job application. Generic cover letters don’t do well. Job application cover letters that have been tailored to the role perform best. Aside from ensuring you evidence how you meet the job criteria, you can also make it clear that you know the company you’re applying to and value what it does. 

Mention something in your cover letter that particularly draws you to the position or company and aligns with your values, experience, or way of working to show that you have done your research and have picked this company specifically as a result. 

Be confident about your achievements

The body of your cover letter is where you highlight your relevant achievements in relation to the role you’re applying for. Don’t be vague here. Clear, evidence-based examples do best when communicating your value, so be confident in citing what you’ve accomplished throughout your career and how that relates to what you can do in the role in question. 

Use numbers 

To back up your accomplishments, use numbers to really highlight your results. Rather than stating you increased a company’s ROI, how much did you increase it by? If you have a percentage value, this adds clout to your examples. Similarly, use figures when talking about how many people you manage or how many delegates you got through the door at an event you organised. Adding a measurable gives your achievements more weight. 

Use keywords

To ensure that you're really tailoring your job application cover letter, it’s helpful to use the job description to pick out keywords. Using the exact wording used in the advert, job description, and person specification, will mean you have the best chance of passing ATS screening systems, which scan your application for keywords to determine whether you are a good match. 

Be positive and enthusiastic

Give your cover letter for a job a positive, enthusiastic tone. Use future tense to show how you will use your skills and experience to benefit the company you’re applying to and show how keen you are to take on a new role and new challenges. 

If you are lacking experience in some areas, don’t highlight it. Always find a way to compensate for it, without implying it is a negative factor. For example, if you don’t have experience in project management, but you have a qualification in Scrum, write about your qualification and all the benefits that brings, without pointing out your lack of experience. 

Call to action

Your cover letter should always end with a clear call to action. In your last paragraph, sum up your skills and experience and make it apparent that you would welcome discussion around your application and the role. You can be bold and propose your availability or simply tell the reader that you will look forward to hearing from them regarding an interview. 

Cover letter structure

Taking on board all of the advice above, you can consider the following structure for your cover letter for a job application. This can of course be varied to suit your needs but is a great outline. Look to write no more than a page, unless you are writing a cover letter that is a part of the application process and you need to address all of the essential criteria. In this case, take the space you need.

Dear …………………………………

I’m writing in application of the role of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX which I saw advertised on XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. - Approx 10-20 words.

Opening paragraph: Cover why you are writing (what you are applying for), why you are interested in this company and role, and why you are a great fit (giving an overview of your relevant skills and experience). - Approx70-100 words

Middle paragraphs: Depending on what you need to cover, this could vary between one and three paragraphs. This is essentially the most important part of the cover letter, where you detail your skills, experience and accomplishments, in evidence of the selection criteria. Pick out the most important requirements from the person specification and evidence your ability to meet them. - 100 - 250 words in total.

Closing paragraph: Include a brief summary of why you are the ideal candidate for the role and include a strong call to action. - Approx 25- 50 words

Get started

Use this guide to write a cover letter for a job that can help you get you noticed and land an interview. For advice on how to write cover letters for specific roles, you can take a look at these articles. If you are looking for further support, you can take a look at cover letter courses on Coursera as a starting point.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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The 18 Do’s and Don’ts of Cover Letters Every Job Seeker Should Know

Posted: May 8, 2024 | Last updated: May 8, 2024

Most job seekers don’t spend nearly enough time working on their cover letters, assuming that their resume is enough to get them an interview. But when there is competition, a great cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and getting passed over. 

Your cover letter is your first impression when you’re applying for a new job, and it should be a good one. It’s also an opportunity to show your personality and demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit for the role.

Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, but you can do a few simple things to make the process easier. Here are some easy do’s and don’ts that can help you write a great cover letter that will impress employers.

Sell Yourself

Like your resume, your cover letter is your chance to brag (professionally) about why they should hire you. Be proud of your skills and accomplishments, and use them to explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

When you sit down to write a cover letter, think about what will grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. What can you say about your skills and experience that will set you apart from the other candidates?

If you can, include specific examples of times when you have excelled in a similar role.

Answer the Question: Why Do You Want to Work Here?

You can be more human and personable in your cover letter than in your resume. So be sure to tell the reader why you want the job . This is especially true if you are making a career change or have been out of work for a while. 

Briefly explain your situation so that the hiring manager doesn’t have any questions about why you’re applying. 

For example, you can say something as simple as: “After ten years of working in office administration, I am interested in finding new challenges in the marketing industry.” 

Address How You Meet the Needs of the Organization

There’s a reason most job applications require a resume and a cover letter. A cover letter gives you a chance to communicate with the organization and elaborate on your resume. It’s your opportunity to explain how you meet the organization’s needs and why you should be selected for an interview.  

When writing a cover letter, it’s important to focus on how you can help the company reach its goals. You need to do your research to do this.

Find out the company’s goals and plans for achieving them. Then, craft a cover letter that demonstrates how your skills and experience can help the company succeed. 

You can also use your cover letter to address some of the other job needs that may be difficult to include on your resume. These are things like having a driver’s license and access to a vehicle or details about your availability, such as when you can start.

Personalize Each Letter

Each employer should receive a personalized cover letter, but don’t worry! You can create one or two cover letter templates and tailor them for each job, just like you should do for your resume.

People still expect your cover letter to follow the formal letter format that includes the date, your name and contact information, and the company’s contact information. Be sure to update each cover letter so that it has the correct details and is addressed to the right person. Addressing your cover letter to the wrong person or sending the wrong letter with your resume probably won’t get a second look. 

If you can’t find who to address the letter to, it’s better to use something generic like “hiring manager” or “hiring team” than the wrong name.

Keep it Short

Almost everyone will tell you that your cover letter must be one page. In most cases, this is great advice. Limiting yourself to one page helps you avoid repetition and really focus on what the hiring manager needs to know.

But the truth is, your cover letter should be as long as it needs to be. 

I have been successful in submitting a two-page cover letter in the past. In this case, I was applying for a position that was actually two part-time jobs combined into one full-time job. The two roles were related but required different skills, so there was no way to address them all with a single-page cover letter.

Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Use Grammarly (which is free) to catch spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and other language issues that you may overlook. This attention to detail will show the employer that you are taking the time to make sure that your letter is professional and that you are taking the job seriously. 

Proofreading your own cover letter (and resume) can be difficult because you have likely read it so many times that you no longer see the mistakes. Having someone else take a look at it with fresh eyes can be helpful. In addition, they may be able to offer suggestions for improvements or point out information that is missing.

Get Their Attention Right Away

Almost every cover letter starts in the same boring way: “I am writing to apply for the [position] job at [company].” This does not tell the employer anything about you or why you are qualified for the job. 

Instead, use the first paragraph to grab the employer’s attention and make them want to read more. 

You can do a few things to make your first paragraph truly stand out: 

• Tell them right away why you are qualified for the position. If you have work experience that matches the required qualifications, mention it first. 
• Use strong, active language to engage the employer and show that you are enthusiastic about the position. 
• Talk about your transferable skills, such as those you gained from previous jobs, volunteering, leadership roles, or your side hustle. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have used these skills in the past and how they will help you succeed in the position you are applying for.

Starting your cover letter with a strong hook will immediately set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your dedication and enthusiasm for the role.

Use Action Words

Use strong action words on your cover letter, such as: created, managed, oversaw, and implemented. These words will demonstrate your ability to take charge and get things done. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who can take the initiative and get the job done, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills by using descriptive words .

Address Employment Gaps or Potential Concerns

Your cover letter is also an opportunity to explain any gaps in your employment history or to address any concerns that the employer might have about your candidacy. For example, if you took a few years off to raise your children, use your cover letter to explain how this has prepared you to return to the workforce and be an even better employee.

If you are out of work, don’t try to hide it. Employers may eventually discover the truth, so it’s better to be honest with them from the start.

Explain your situation briefly and focus on the positive – what you have been doing to stay busy and how you are excited to put your skills to use in a new role. Honesty is always the best policy, and employers will appreciate your transparency.

Don’t Repeat Your Resume

Now that you know what you should be doing on your cover letter, let’s talk about some of the things you need to avoid. 

Your cover letter is meant to elaborate on your resume, not repeat it. If it doesn’t tell us anything more than your resume already does, why are you even bothering to write one?

Hiring managers don’t want to read the same information twice. They want to see how you can add value to their organization, not just a list of your past accomplishments.

Use your cover letter to talk about your skills and experience in a more natural way. Expand on what you want an employer to know about yourself and your application. 

Don’t Be Negative

If you are applying for a new job, you are either unemployed or underemployed, hate your current job , or are worried that you may be about to lose it. None of these situations are fun to be in, but you can’t let that show in your cover letter. You have to keep it positive!

You want to show the employer that you are excited about the opportunity and are confident in your ability to do the job. 

If you hate your current job, focus on how you are looking for a new challenge and how you believe this job will be a better fit for you. Or, if you are worried you may lose your job, focus on how you are proactive and are already looking for new opportunities. 

Don’t Discuss Why You Need the Job

Everyone knows that you need a job to make money to support yourself and your family. You don’t need to explain this or the details of your specific situation in your cover letter. Mentioning that you are hoping to buy a new house next year doesn’t matter to an employer. 

What does matter to an employer is what you can do for them. They want to know how you will:

• make their company more money
• save them money
• make their company more efficient
• help them to avoid potential problems

In your cover letter, focus on what you can do for the employer, not on what they can do for you. 

Don’t Make Excuses

Making excuses will only draw more attention to your weaknesses or make you sound like a difficult person to work with.

If you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications they are looking for, that’s okay – just don’t point it out! Let them decide if it’s a deal-breaker or if they are willing to train you in that specific area. They might not even notice!

Avoid making excuses for past job experiences or choices that might negatively reflect on you. If you were fired from a job, for example, simply state that the job wasn’t a good fit and move on. Don’t try to justify your actions or make excuses—this will only make you look bad.

Don’t Lie Or Exaggerate

Many people feel the temptation to lie or exaggerate their skills and experience when applying for a new job. Although lying on your application may seem like a harmless way to make yourself look more qualified, it can lead to serious consequences.

When an employer is interested in hiring you, they will conduct a background check and call your references. If you’re caught lying on your job application, you will likely be immediately disqualified. In some cases, you may even be banned from applying to that company in the future.

Lying on your application can also be a form of fraud, which is a crime in many jurisdictions. Depending on the severity of the lie, you could lose your job, be sued, or even be prosecuted for falsifying documents.

Lying or exaggerating about your experience or education can also lead to problems down the road if you are hired for a position based on false information. For example, if you claim you are proficient at using a specific program that you don’t really know much about, you will struggle in your new role. Not being able to do your job will be stressful and raise questions with your employer. Unless you’re a quick learner, you will probably find yourself job searching again within a few months. 

So, the next time you’re tempted to fudge the truth on your application, remember the potential consequences. Be honest on your applications, and you’ll be much better off in the long run.

Don’t Send a Generic Letter

As mentioned, your cover letter should be unique to each employer and job opportunity. Don’t simply copy and paste the same letter for every job application. A few small tweaks are all you need to make your cover letter specific to each job and increase your chances of getting an interview. 

If it’s obvious that you’ve created one cover letter and are using it repeatedly to apply to dozens of jobs, it gives the impression that you don’t really care if you get this job or not – you just want any job. And while that may be true, you don’t want to create any apprehension with an employer. 

Don’t Use Clichés or Slang Terms

Avoid using clichés, slang, and overly casual language when writing a cover letter. Such language can come across as unprofessional and may not convey the message you are trying to get across in the best way possible. 

Clichés include phrases like “I’m a people person” or “I’m a go-getter.” These phrases are overused and do not add anything unique to your letter. 

Using slang can give the impression that you are not taking the process seriously. It can also make it difficult for the reader to understand what you are trying to say. Instead, focus on using clear and concise language, which will get your point across in a way that is both professional and respectful.

While it is important to be friendly and personable in your letter, being too casual can make you seem unprofessional and could hurt your chances of getting the job.

Don’t Include Unnecessary Personal Information

There are a few reasons why you should not include personal information in your cover letter. First, it is not necessary. The employer is only interested in your qualifications and not your personal life.

Second, while it may seem like a good idea to make yourself seem more relatable, including personal information can actually have the opposite effect. It can make you appear unprofessional.

Third, including personal information on your cover letter can be a privacy concern. If an employer knows too much about your personal life, they could potentially use this information against you. For example, if you mention that you have young children, the employer may assume that you will need to take time off for childcare. As a result, you may be passed over in favor of a candidate without the same responsibilities.

Lastly, sharing personal information in your cover letter could also lead to identity theft. If you include your home address or phone number, a savvy thief could use this information to steal your identity. By including personal information in your cover letter, you could be putting yourself at risk.

Overall, you should always err on the side of caution to protect your privacy. Stick to the facts and let your qualifications speak for themselves.

Cover Letters Are Tricky But Beneficial

It can be difficult to strike the right tone in a cover letter. You want to sound enthusiastic and professional without coming across as desperate or pushy. The goal is to show that you’re a good fit for the company, so focus on that. 

If you’re not sure how to get started, plenty of cover letter examples are available online. Just make sure to tailor the letter to the specific company and position you’re applying for, and only include the skills and experience that you actually have.

With these tips, you should have no problem creating a cover letter that will stand out and help you get hired.

Quick Resume Tips

If you want to make a good impression and stand out from the competition, here are 20 resume do’s and don’ts . Following these simple tips, you can be sure that your resume will make a great impression on employers.

Add Your Side Hustle to Your Resume

Job seekers are told they need to stand out if they want to get hired. But how? One of the easiest ways is to include their side hustle on their resumes . Your side hustle is teaching valuable job skills that can make you a stronger candidate. Not mentioning this on your resume or cover letter is a mistake! 

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• Frequently Asked Questions

What if I Notice a Typo After I Send My Cover Letter?

So you emailed your perfect cover letter and then noticed an error… You’ll have to act fast. Send out a letter explaining your mistake, plus an updated version of the document. 

While some recruiters might disregard a minor typo, others would reject the letter immediately. If the error is more crucial (like misspelling the hiring manager’s name), the success rate will drop drastically. It’s no surprise that “Proofread!” is a typical step in any guide explaining how to write a cover letter .

Here’s what you should do if you notice a typo in your cover letter after sending it:

• Breathe. Humans make mistakes. 
• Draft a new email apologizing for your oversight, and mention that it has been corrected. 
• Send out a modified version of your cover letter. This time, use spell check or a trusted online cover letter builder that will highlight the weak spots. 
• Call the hiring person if you’ve been in touch via phone as an alternative. Say you’ll send the revised version ASAP. 

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

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Zety offers comprehensive guides on writing all the popular types of cover letters. Construct an efficient relocation cover letter , see an example of a good entry-level cover letter , or make a cover letter for an internship to land the position you want!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Check Other Frequently Asked Questions

• 35+ Successful Cover Letter Tips & Advice (With Examples)
• What Should a Cover Letter Say in 2024
• What to Include in a Cover Letter (Examples for 2024)

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