8 Common Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid

Nowadays, your cover letter is kind of like a spare tire. You want to have it with you just in case you need some backup.

We live in a world where 90% of hiring managers dont read cover letters , yet 53% of employers admit that they prefer candidates who send a cover letter. Meaning, your cover letter is positively acknowledged, but it probably wont get read.

So if nobody's reading it, why bother?

Because anything that sets you apart from the candidates you're up against is an absolute must.

For example, if a company is wavering on your application, they may read your cover letter as an effort to get more background on you. This could mean theyre passing your resume up the chain and want to learn more about you before they decide to give you the green light Or it could mean they have a small stack of resumes on hand and are looking for a way to weed someone out, in which case theyd read a select few cover letters to see if theres any stark errors that permit them to throw a candidate out of the running. 48% of hiring managers will throw out a cover letter thats not customized, and 49% will toss out a cover letter with spelling errors. Youve got to weed people out somehow.

That being said, it's important to know which cover letter errors could cost you the interview. Here are a few common cover letter mistakes to avoid.

1. Focusing too much on yourself

The company you're applying to is hiring because they need someone to do something for them. Meaning that above all else, they want to know what it is that you can do for the company. While it's key to share your accomplishments, get in touch with why youre able to fill the void that they have in place. Then make your achievements known in a way that lends well to the duties of the position.

2. Sharing all the details of every single job youve ever had

Depending on your job history, this could translate into a very crowded and confusing cover letter. Instead of focusing in on each position you've ever held, ask yourself: What experience do I have thats relevant to the job I'm seeking? Tailor your cover letter to speak to those skills instead of giving a full synopsis of your time at each position.

3. Writing about something uncomfortable

Your cover letter is not the place to tell your potential new boss about the recent struggles you've faced. Dont go into why you were laid off or fired from a job, or why you recently relocated to a new city. Candidates need to focus on the now. Employers want current information. Why you were laid off or quit is not important, and will be seen as a red flag. Your intention to address an issue can and will come across more as shining a spotlight on your insecurities. Focus on achievement and the job at hand.

4. Writing a novel

Nothing is worse than a long, novel-like cover letter that makes the hiring manager tired just looking at it. Almost 70% of employers prefer a cover letter that's half a page or less. Keep your cover letter concise and to the point.

5. Rehashing your resume

The hiring manager has already read your resume in order to pre-qualify you as someone whose cover letter should be read. Do not just vomit your resume out entirely. They'll know, and they'll hold it against you.

6. Being too trite

Phrases like, Id like to apply for a job at or I believe I am the perfect candidate for this position, will make people cringe. Avoid trite comments like calling yourself a team player. Instead, be more specific and provide examples of how you work well as part of a team.

7. Being a superfan of the company

Dont waste your cover letter talking about how much you love the company in an over the top way. Use your cover letter to tell the company how youll serve them. Its great to flatter them, but don't go overboard and get all Swimfan on them.

8. Typos

This one sounds simple enough, but when you're applying to many jobs or are just exhausted, mistakes can happen that end up costing you the interview. In fact, 70% of hiring managers say they'd automatically dismiss a cover letter with a typo. Triple check that you've addressed your cover letter to the right person, and that everything is spell checked and grammar correct.

Not sending a cover letter is as irresponsible to your career as driving without a spare tire is to your well-being.

You wouldnt take a road trip without having a spare tire. Dont set out on your job search without having all the back up you need to get you to where you want to be.