3 Cover Letter Mistakes You Can Avoid Making Are you making these cover letter mistakes?
In today’s digital age, the importance of a well-crafted cover letter can sometimes be overshadowed by the convenience of platforms like LinkedIn and email. However, dismissing the significance of a cover letter can be a grave mistake, especially for job seekers aiming to make a lasting impression on potential employers.
Failure to include a compelling cover letter could lead to your CV being overlooked or discarded without a second glance, potentially denying you the opportunity to showcase your suitability for the role.
When taking a proactive approach in pursuing your dream job, a thoughtfully written cover letter can be the key to capturing the attention of hiring managers and setting yourself apart from other applicants.
Although some may believe that cover letters have become obsolete in the recruitment process, many job adverts still explicitly request one, underscoring its continued relevance in the job application process. Neglecting to submit a cover letter when required may leave you scrambling to put together a last-minute, subpar document that fails to effectively convey your skills and experience to potential employers.
3 mistakes to avoid making in your cover letter
It’s essential to acknowledge the importance of crafting an engaging cover letter that sets you apart in the job market. By avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively showcase your qualifications and professionalism.
These mistakes often include generic templates that fail to highlight your unique skills and experiences. Instead, personalising your cover letter for each application can demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
Moreover, steering clear of spelling and grammatical errors is crucial to making a positive impression. Attention to detail is key, as employers are likely to overlook applications that contain such mistakes. Demonstrating your attention to detail in your cover letter can signal to recruiters that you are a diligent and competent candidate. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can increase your chances of securing the job you desire.
1. Writing too much or too little
The first mistake to avoid in your cover letter is finding the right balance in the length. While it’s important to provide enough information to showcase your qualifications and interest in the job, going overboard with lengthy paragraphs can be counterproductive. Remember, hiring managers are busy individuals with numerous applications to go through, so keeping your cover letter concise and to the point is crucial.
Aim for one side of A4 as a good guideline for a compelling cover letter, ensuring you provide all necessary details without overwhelming the reader. Conversely, submitting a cover letter that’s too brief can also be detrimental to your application. A generic statement like, “I am applying for this vacancy, please find my CV attached,” lacks the personal touch and detail needed to stand out from other candidates. It’s essential to strike a balance between brevity and substance in your cover letter, demonstrating your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
By crafting a well-rounded cover letter that concisely highlights your relevant experience and motivations, you increase your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers.
2. Describing your life history
The second of my 3 cover letter mistakes you can avoid is describing your life history. Your future employer is not interested in everything you have done since you left school! They are interested in what you can do for them now.
Identify their main pain point or the biggest problem they have that you can solve and you’ve got their attention. Show them how you have dealt with this kind of situation in your previous/current role and they are beginning to get excited about meeting you!
3. Not creating a call to action at the end of your cover letter
The third of my 3 cover letter mistakes is forgetting to create a call to action at the end of your letter. Many cover letters tail off with a weak ending. This is not the best way to make a lasting impression.
Express your desire to connect with the employer by proposing a meeting. For a speculative application, suggest meeting for coffee to discuss potential opportunities. If you’re responding to a job posting, convey your excitement about the possibility of interviewing with them in the near future.
After learning about the common pitfalls to steer clear of in your cover letter writing, I’m confident you’ll nail it next time! If you need personalised advice for a particular job application, feel free to reach out for more tailored support. Best of luck with your future endeavors!
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Please let me know if you have any questions about this post or how you can improve your chances of getting hired. You can comment below or email me direct.
Louise Jenner is known as The Dream Job Coach and The Dream Biz Coach. She provides career coaching and business coaching, face-to-face in South Devon and online via video link if you’re further afield.
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