Cover letters are an important facet of your professional portfolio. They are often read as closely and scrutinized with the same intensity as a resume. That is why it is so vital to avoid these hindering, yet common mistakes while drafting these documents.
- Making It All About You
A cover letter should briefly explain your story and why you would be a perfect fit for the job or position for which you are applying. It would help if you analyzed how you will fit into the company to which you are writing. Describing how your skills and goals will benefit a future position at their company is much more appealing to a recruiter than a discussion about your hopes and dreams. - Being Too Modest
Now it's understandable to say that this mistake is contradictory to the previous statement. However, bragging about your achievements should be done, but in moderation. Failing to include positive facts about yourself isn't giving the reader a true representation of who you are. - Rewriting Your Resume
A cover letter is not a variation of your resume; it should be complimentary. Here is your chance to come across as a real person. Infuse your personality into your writing to show the reader who you are. - Not Including Contact Information
Contact information, both your own and that of the person to whom you are writing, are necessary to include in your cover letter. Some people like to leave it out because they feel that their resume contains all of their information. However, you can't assume that the employer will always view this page in conjunction with your resume. - Failing To Grab Attention
The first paragraph of the letter needs to draw the reader in and make them want to read more. If you fail to hook the recruiter, they may pass you by and move on to the next applicant. - Neglecting Specifics
It is not beneficial to send the same document to more than one institution. You are supposed to write these documents to impress whichever prospective company you are contacting specifically. We have a guide on how to write a cover letter. - Forgetting to Proofread
This mistake carries through to every document you will ever write. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to check your spelling and grammar throughout the letter. Although our creator has built-in spell checking and grammar checking features, it is best to verify the correctness manually to be sure.
In addition to avoiding the mistakes listed above, here are some tips of which you may take note that you should implement in your writing style. These tips may make you appear to be an adept writer.
- Tell your own story in a way that is both captivating and relevant to the company with which you are dealing. Showing an employer that you have proficient written communication skills will prove your competence and properly express your interest in the company.
- Don't write technically. Even if you are applying for a job in a field that is scientifically or mathematically based you will want to appear as an intelligent, yet down to earth person.
