Avoid Common Cover Letter Mistakes — that’s the goal. A simple, clear cover letter helps you stand out. A messy one hides your strengths. Below are the common mistakes and simple fixes you can use right now.
🧾 Start Clean
Use a readable font and normal margins. Keep it to one page. If you must cut, cut the fluff.
❌ Mistake 1 — You Copy the Job Description Word-for-Word
Why it hurts: It reads like every other application.
Fix: Pick two skills the job actually needs. Show a short example of when you used them. One sentence each.
Example:
Bad: “I have strong communication skills and attention to detail.”
Better: “I led weekly client calls and reduced follow-up questions by 40%.”
🔁 Mistake 2 — You Repeat Your Resume
Why it hurts: It adds no new value.
Fix: Use the cover letter to explain why you’re a fit. Tell a quick story or highlight one result the resume can’t capture.
🏢 Mistake 3 — You Write for Everyone, Not for the Company
Why it hurts: It feels generic. Hiring managers notice.
Fix: Mention one specific thing about the company—product, mission, or challenge—and explain how you’d help.
Example: “I saw your recent product update and would focus on simplifying onboarding for new users.”
👋 Mistake 4 — You Start with “To Whom It May Concern”
Why it hurts: It feels distant.
Fix: Find a name. If you can’t, use “Hello [Team]” or “Hello Hiring Team.” Short and human works.
🚀 Mistake 5 — You Bury Your Strongest Point
Why it hurts: Readers skim. If the best part is in paragraph three, it might be missed.
Fix: Put your main selling point in the first two sentences. Make it specific and measurable when possible.
Example: “I increased sales by 18% in six months by redesigning the email sequence.”
🎯 Mistake 6 — You’re Vague About Accomplishments
Why it hurts: Vague = forgettable.
Fix: Use numbers or clear outcomes. Even small numbers help.
Bad: “I improved processes.”
Better: “I cut reporting time from two days to half a day.”
💬 Mistake 7 — You Use Weak, Passive Language
Why it hurts: It sounds uncertain.
Fix: Use active verbs. Keep sentences short.
Bad: “I was responsible for managing the team.”
Better: “I managed a team of five.”
🙅♀️ Mistake 8 — You Apologize or Sound Unsure
Why it hurts: It lowers confidence.
Fix: Skip apologies like “I’m sorry to bother you” or “I don’t have much experience.” Focus on value.
📩 Mistake 9 — You Forget to Ask for the Next Step
Why it hurts: You leave the conversation open-ended.
Fix: End with a clear, polite call to action.
Example: “I’d welcome 20 minutes to discuss how I can help simplify your onboarding.”
🧹 Mistake 10 — Typos and Format Errors
Why it hurts: They signal carelessness.
Fix: Read aloud. Use spellcheck. Ask one person to skim it.
🧱 Quick Structure to Follow
- One-line opener: who you are and why you’re writing.
- One short paragraph: your top result or skill with a quick example.
- One short paragraph: why you want this job and how you’ll help.
- One-line close: clear call to action + thanks.
📝 Short Sample (Use as a Template)
Hello [Name],
I’m a product marketer with three years of B2B experience. I grew trial-to-paid conversions by 22% at my last role by simplifying onboarding emails.
I’m excited about [Company] because of your focus on clear user flows. I’d like to help reduce new-user drop-off by improving the first-week experience.
Could we set 20 minutes to talk about your onboarding goals? Thanks for your time.
Best,
[Your name]
✅ Final Checklist — Run This Before You Hit Send
- One page.
- Addressed to a person or team.
- First two sentences include your main value.
- One specific example with a number or clear outcome.
- Shows knowledge of the company.
- Short, active sentences.
- No apologies or weak language.
- Spelling and format checked.
- Clear closing with next step.
Keep it simple. Be specific. Show one clear reason they should pick you. Do that, and you’ll avoid common cover letter mistakes — and get noticed.
