One of the biggest misconceptions when applying to a job is that you don’t need to include a cover letter. After writing an outstanding resume and answering a multitude of questions on a job application, it’s understandable that the last thing you want to do is to repeat yourself all over again in letter format.
However, while some employers don’t find cover letters necessary, there are plenty who do. You have no way of knowing what the employer prefers until they’ve received your application, so it’s best to play it safe. Alongside this, there’s a minefield of cover letter mistakes to avoid.
A cover letter can really give your application the competitive edge it needs to get you an interview, so we’ve devised a five point guide to stop you from making common cover letter mistakes:
1. Trying to Squeeze in Everything From Your Resume
A resume is great for outlining all your qualifications and work experience. However, one of the biggest benefits of a cover letter is that it acts as a summary of your relevant accomplishments. The employer already has your work history in your resume. There’s no need to repeat it all!
To make sure you’re addressing the key skills and experience that the employer requires, it’s useful to note down the job specification. Decide which sections of your resume most suit each specification. Whatever you’re left with is what you should include in your cover letter.
2. Talking Too Much About Yourself
This social taboo also applies to the world of work. Instead of talking about what you expect from the job role, spend more time on what you can bring to the table. With so much competition in the job market nowadays, employers can afford to be choosy.
Begin your cover letter by asking yourself some key questions. Why does the organization need you for this role? What gaps have appeared in the company structure? Why are you the solution?
Focusing on the employer’s demands also means carrying out research about the current climate of the company. This can be made simple by following them on social media or Googling for any news updates.
3. Using a Generic Template
Employers are also likely to have viewed hundreds of cover letters in their time. There’s no point sending an employer a rigid cover letter where you’ve simply filled in the blanks. You want to ensure that you stand out. This cover letter will contribute to what your future employer already knows about you before you even meet.
When wondering how to go about avoiding cover letter mistakes, it can be convenient to use a template. Yet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of sending out cover letters which repeat the same, monotone message. So, you need to get smart about using templates to write a resume cover letter.
It’s okay to follow the template structure, but your cover letter should make an impression on the company about who you are. Make it personable and ensure that it flows. At the end of the day, there’s only one of you. This is your key selling point.
4. Not Addressing the Employer
A template may tell you to include ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘To Whom It May Concern’ at the top of your cover letter. Be warned – this is one of the biggest cover letter mistakes. An employer might take one look at this and cast your resume aside.
It’s good practice to research the company beforehand and find out who your audience is. Usually, this is the person who has posted the job. If you really can’t decide who to address your cover letter to, then get creative.
Look at the company’s website and find the most closely matched contact. Alternatively, email the organization’s customer service team to find your answer.
There is one exception to this rule. This is when the company and recruiter details are withheld. In this case, a generic greeting is permissible.
5. Not Proofreading
Congratulations, you’ve overcome all the obstacles and finished your cover letter! There’s one more task to complete – proofreading. Ideally, a cover letter shouldn’t be more than a page, so you won’t have too big of a job to tackle.
This includes checking your spelling and grammar. Simple spelling errors or grammatical issues can instantly ruin a carefully constructed cover letter.
Once you feel like your cover letter’s ready to go, it’s worth taking a step back from it. Have a cup of coffee and watch an episode of your favourite Netflix series. Return to your cover letter with a fresh set of eyes. Lastly, have a friend or member of your family proofread for you as well. Hopefully by this point they’ll be asking you for cover letter tips!
Don’t Make These Cover Letter Mistakes
If you’ve been struggling to get past the application process and land yourself some interviews, it could be because you’re making these cover letter mistakes. Once you’ve perfected your cover letter with this guide, sign up to Resume-Library to choose a career from over 50 different industries!
