5 Common Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Crafting a standout cover letter is essential in today’s competitive job market. A strong cover letter complements your resume, personalizing your application and demonstrating why you fit the role. However, many job seekers make certain cover letter mistakes that can hurt their chances of success. From overused templates to simple but critical errors, these mistakes can make or break your application. Understanding what to avoid is just as vital as knowing what to include. Here, we address five of the most common cover letter mistakes, along with how to avoid them.

1. Using a Generic Template Without Customization

A generic cover letter template can undermine your chances of impressing hiring managers. Templates often lack the personal touch to show genuine interest in the role and the company. Customizing your letter for each job is important to demonstrate how your skills align with the specific position. For example, a generic opening like “Dear Hiring Manager, I’m excited to apply for this job” lacks impact compared to a tailored introduction mentioning the company’s name and goals. Personalization reflects effort and research, which employers value. Tailored cover letters show you’re not just applying but genuinely interested in contributing.

2. Focusing Too Much on Yourself Instead of the Employer

Focusing too much on yourself in a cover letter can be self-centered and unengaging. Employers are primarily interested in how you can solve their problems and meet their needs. Aligning your skills with the job description is a more effective strategy. For example, instead of saying, "I have strong communication skills," explain how those skills can improve team collaboration or customer satisfaction at their company. Use the employer’s perspective by referencing goals they want to achieve or specific challenges they face.

3. Overloading the Letter with Irrelevant Details

Including irrelevant details in a cover letter can distract from your qualifications and weaken your application. Avoid adding information that doesn’t relate to the job. For example:

• Personal hobbies unrelated to the role
• Long stories about unrelated past experiences
• General statements that lack specific outcomes

To stay concise, highlight achievements demonstrating your fit for the position. Use clear, impactful examples, such as measurable accomplishments or skills that address the job description. A focused letter shows professionalism and ensures the employer quickly sees your value as a candidate.

4. Failing to Proofread for Typos and Errors

Typos and errors in a cover letter will almost certainly hurt your credibility and create a negative impression. Small mistakes suggest a lack of attention to detail, which may cause hiring managers to doubt your professionalism. Use spell-checking software and grammar-checking applications to spot errors, but avoid depending on them entirely. Reading your cover letter out loud can reveal clunky wording or overlooked issues. For additional confidence, have a trusted friend or mentor review your letter to catch anything you might have missed. A polished, error-free letter demonstrates that you take the application process seriously and care about presenting yourself professionally.

5. Ignoring the Importance of a Strong Conclusion

A strong closing in a cover letter leaves a lasting impression and reinforces your interest in the role. Without it, your application may feel incomplete or passive. Effective closings should include a confident call to action, such as requesting an interview or expressing eagerness to discuss how you can contribute. For example, “I look forward to discussing how my skills align with your team’s goals.” Show enthusiasm for the role, but remain professional and avoid appearing overly eager. 

A Final Note: Pro Tips to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

A thoughtful, well-written cover letter highlights your qualifications and enthusiasm—and, most importantly, represents the best version of yourself. To truly stand out from the crowd of other applicants, start with a strong hook that grabs attention, such as a notable achievement or a connection to the company. Then, focus on specific and impactful details. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact, like increasing sales by 20% or managing a team of 10. Also, try to incorporate industry-specific language. It shows familiarity with the field and reinforces your expertise. Doing all of this, while avoiding the common mistakes above, will help position you as a confident and qualified candidate who can add value to the organization.

Minnie Damon is a moving consultant at Hendra Moving and Storage, a company renowned for its expertise in residential and commercial relocation services. With a background in Human Resources and years of experience guiding clients through life transitions, Minnie brings a unique perspective to crafting professional documents like cover letters. Her insights combine practical advice with understanding what employers value, helping individuals stand out in competitive job markets.