10 Common Mistakes Job Seekers Must Avoid in Writing Cover Letters

Your cover letter needs to be written to impress the reader. It is an invaluable tool to arouse curiosity about you and compel readers to read your CV carefully, paying attention to detail. Making mistakes in your cover letter undermines its effectiveness.

One of the biggest mistakes Sri Lankan job seekers make when applying for a job is not sending a tailored cover letter with each application. To learn more, read 12 Essential Elements to Include in Your Cover Letter.

When applying for jobs, avoid these common mistakes in drafting your cover letter. Work on tailoring your cover letter so that it improves your chances of success.

1. Using a Generic Cover Letter Template

It is very common to send cover letters without tailoring them to each specific job. Job seekers do this for convenience, but when potential employers recognize that you have cut and pasted a common cover letter, they may see it as a lack of genuine interest in the job.

Tailor a cover letter for each job. While entry-level job seekers can get away without a cover letter, everyone else should take time to draft tailored cover letters. Even entry-level job seekers can stand out by sending an impressive cover letter.

2. Overly Long Cover Letters

Long cover letters don't do you any favors. Make your cover letter focused and concise. Ideally, limit it to one page in length. Avoid including too much information or using complex sentences. A clear and concise writing style is best.

3. Focusing Too Much on Yourself

When an applicant makes the entire cover letter about themselves, their qualifications, experiences, and career goals, potential employers may see this as a danger sign. A well-written cover letter needs to also address the employer's needs or the requirements of the job as specified in the vacancy advertisement.

Strike a balance between highlighting your own attributes and demonstrating to the employer how you can add value to the position.

4. Duplicating the Information in Your CV

Avoid duplicating your CV in your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter should complement the information on your CV. It should give context, examples, and insights that show how the experiences and achievements listed on your resume can be valuable for the job role.

5. Ignoring Application Instructions

Most vacancy advertisements include specific instructions about submitting applications. These may include closing dates, whom to address the application to, and the format of the resume and cover letter. Ignoring these instructions signals disrespect and a lack of attention to detail.

Send in your application early and follow the instructions to ensure your application and resume have a chance of being read and considered.

6. Sending an Overly Generic or Formal Cover Letter

Avoid overly formal and generic cover letters because they are uninspiring and impersonal. Instead, write a cover letter with a professional tone that conveys your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the company and the job.

7. Not Addressing the Hiring Manager by Name

Not addressing the hiring manager by name is considered a mistake in some parts of the world. In Sri Lanka, the general practice is to address it to whoever the vacancy advertisement specifies. If you want to impress, research the company website to find out who to address the letter to.

8. Neglecting to Proofread the Cover Letter

Sending a poorly formatted letter with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors undermines your professionalism. Always proofread your cover letter carefully. You can also ask a friend or mentor to review it before sending it.

9. Not Customizing the Cover Letter for Each Job

It is important to tailor each cover letter for each specific job application and company. This draws attention to relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that are directly related to the vacancy. Customizing your cover letter shows that you understand the company and the job requirements.

10. Failing to Include a 'Call to Action' at the End

A clear call to action (CTA) is a necessary element in a cover letter. It could be expressing your interest in an interview, offering to follow up, or stating that you look forward to hearing from them. A CTA shows that you are positive and proactive, encouraging the reader to move to the next step in the hiring process.

By avoiding these common mistakes and crafting well-written, tailored cover letters, you can significantly improve your chances of making a good impression on potential employers and landing interviews.