There are certain universal truths in life: never wear white to a spaghetti dinner, always keep your wits about you when someone says "Trust me,"and, most importantly, never underestimate the power of a cover letter to make or break your job application.
Yet, for reasons beyond comprehension, cover letters continue to be the Achilles' heel of many a qualified candidate. Some are painstakingly crafted masterpieces, while others are, well, the literary equivalent of a toddler's art project.
So, if you're looking to torpedo your chances of landing that dream job in record time, look no further. Here are ten cover letter mistakes that are practically guaranteed to have potential employers reaching for the "Rejected"stamp faster than you can say "I've got a bad feeling about this."
1. The Generic Template Extravaganza
Ah, the generic cover letter. It’s about as exciting as a beige wall in a windowless room.
Opening with something like "Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to express my interest in [JOB_TITLE] at [COMPANY_NAME]"is a surefire way to ensure your application is immediately relegated to the rejection pile.
Pro tip: A little personalization goes a long way. Find out who will be reading your letter and tailor it to the company and role. Just don't end up sending your heartfelt ode to the wrong employer.
2. The Sob Story Symphony
While everyone loves a good underdog story, your cover letter is not the place for a melodramatic tale of woe.
Statements like "I really need this job because my goldfish died, and I'm in a deep existential crisis"might evoke sympathy but won't score you professionalism points.
Keep it professional and focused on what you bring to the company, not your latest personal drama.
3. The Overconfident Braggart
Confidence is key, but arrogance will have hiring managers rolling their eyes so hard it could become a medical emergency.
Avoid bold declarations like "I am the best candidate you will ever meet, and hiring me is the smartest decision you'll ever make."
Instead, provide concrete examples of your achievements and how they relate to the role you're applying for.
4. The Lengthy Novel
Your cover letter is not the place to channel your inner Tolstoy.
If your cover letter reads like "War and Peace,"it's time to edit. Hiring managers are busy people. They don't have the time—or patience—for your epic tale.
Keep it concise, relevant, and to the point. Aim for no more than one page.
5. The Attention to Details Disaster
Sending a cover letter addressed to the wrong person or mentioning the wrong company is an excellent way to look careless.
Take a moment to double-check these details before hitting send. Precision shows you're attentive and serious about the position.
6. The Buzzword Blitzkrieg
Using every buzzword under the sun might seem like a good idea, but it often ends in disaster.
Phrases like "synergistic thought leader"or "proactive paradigm shifter"are more likely to elicit groans than interest.
Instead, use clear and simple language to communicate your strengths.
7. The Skills Mismatch
Applying for a role you're wildly unqualified for is a quick way to disappointment.
Claiming expertise in nuclear physics when your background is in interpretive dance won't land you a job—it'll land you a spot as a cautionary tale.
Focus on roles that align with your skills and experiences.
8. The Humor Attempt Gone Wrong
Humor is subjective, and what you find hilarious might not tickle the hiring manager's funny bone.
Lines like "I’m the kind of employee who will bring donuts on payday as a bribe"are more likely to confuse than amuse.
Keep it professional. Save the jokes for after you’ve gotten the job.
9. The Grammar and Spelling Catastrophe
Nobody wants to read a cover letter riddled with typos and grammar errors. "I have excelent atention to detail"is a glaring red flag.
Always proofread your cover letter before sending it. Spellcheck is your friend, and a fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
10. The Missing Call to Action
Your cover letter should have a clear purpose. Don’t end it with a limp handshake.
Avoid leaving the reader hanging with a vague ending like "Thanks for considering my application."
Instead, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to the company. Make it easy for them to want to follow up with you.
Looking to Recruit People Who Can Craft a Stellar Cover Letter?
If you've waded through cover letter disasters and are in search of candidates who know how to make a great first impression, you're in luck.
At Coburg Banks, we find qualified candidates who can communicate effectively and professionally—without any sob stories or buzzword binges.
Ready to hire talent that stands out for all the right reasons? Get in touch with us today. We promise you won't regret it.
