Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

John Krautzel
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The cover letter you send in support of a job application can make or break your chance of getting an interview for your dream role. To maximize your chance of making a good impression, double-check your cover letter for these common mistakes.

The most basic mistakes that can drag down the standard of your cover letter are typographical errors. You need to proofread your cover letter carefully, looking out in particular for errors that spell-checkers typically miss. It's also a good idea to get someone else to read your cover letter for you, as most people find it difficult to spot mistakes in their own writing.

The worst spelling error you can make is to misspell the name of the company or the person to whom your letter is addressed. Double-check these details on the company's website before you send in your job application.

If you are using the same cover letter to apply for multiple roles, make sure you use the correct company name and job title in each application. Making this basic mistake shows a shocking lack of attention to detail that will not impress a potential employer. Similarly, if you include any facts about the company in your cover letter, make sure they are correct.

Besides these basic errors, the biggest mistake that most job seekers commit is not making their cover letter focus tightly enough on the role for which they are applying. The purpose of a cover letter is to explain why you would be a good fit for the position as clearly and as concisely as possible. Most recruiters do not have time to read through pages and pages of information, so keep your cover letter short and to the point. There is no need to repeat all the information that appears in your resume; instead, use this space to explain why you are applying for the job and what you have to offer.

Always be truthful when writing a cover letter; don't pretend that you have experience if you don't. Interviewers will likely ask you to expand on what you wrote in your cover letter, so make sure you are prepared to talk about the experiences you mention in detail.

Finally, forgetting to enclose the documents that go along with your cover letter, such as your resume or a portfolio of work is a mistake that is all too easy to make. Job seekers are particularly prone to forgetting to attach their resume or other supporting documents when they send cover letters by email. Before you press the button to send your cover letter to a potential employer, double-check that you have attached all the relevant files.

By writing a great cover letter that avoids making any of these mistakes, you can increase your chance of being invited for an interview. This could be the opportunity you need to land your dream job.

 

Photo courtesy of Keerati at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


 

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    Joanne S.

    Informative

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    Carolyn P.

    yes

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    Terry Harvey

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