Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid in 2023

Not Customizing Your Cover Letter

The most common mistake job seekers make when it comes to cover letters is not customizing them for each job they apply for. That is, they often just send the same, generic cover letter to all the different employers they apply to. While this may seem like a time saver, it’s actually a surefire way to ensure your application is overlooked. Employers want to know you’ve taken the time to understand their job and their company, and when you don’t customize your cover letter to their specific needs, they’ll assume you’re just not interested.

Writing Too Much

Another mistake job seekers make when crafting their cover letters is writing too much. Your cover letter should be concise, clear, and to the point. Don’t include any unnecessary information. Employers don’t have a lot of time to read through long cover letters, so stick to the basics and make sure you’re making your points as clearly and concisely as possible.

Not Speaking to Your Qualifications

Your cover letter should be more than just a summary of your resume. It should also serve as an opportunity for you to speak to the specific qualifications and skills that make you the best candidate for the job. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications in your cover letter, and explain how they make you the right person for the job.

Not Proofreading

An often-overlooked mistake job seekers make is not proofreading their cover letters. It’s important to make sure your cover letter is free of typos, grammar and punctuation errors, and any other mistakes. After you’ve written your cover letter, take the time to go through it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure it’s as perfect as can be.

Not Asking for an Interview

Finally, don’t forget to ask for an interview in your cover letter. Make sure you state clearly that you’d like the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in greater detail in an interview. This will show the employer that you’re confident in your abilities, and that you’re eager to take the next step in the hiring process.