The old saying goes, “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” However, when you are planning on sending in a job application, the entire process matters.
A good introduction to your job application is vital, and that’s why you need to write an excellent cover letter.
💡Protip: It is always the wise choice to include a cover letter unless the job posting specifies otherwise.
A cover letter shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position, and it gives you an extra opportunity to sell yourself.
Your letter is the first thing a prospective employer sees. It is your chance to grab their attention and make a positive first impression. It should be clear, concise, and snappy. To get this right, you need to know what to write and how to write it.
It’s essential to understand the cover letter dos and don’ts before starting to write your letter.
You may not think about it, but that also includes understanding what not to put in a cover letter.
Remember that employers receive hundreds of resumes and cover letter samples and generally scan them very quickly.
You need to make sure that yours stands out, and doesn’t look like a few generic lines thrown together without care if you want to progress through to the first interview stage.
A common mistake many job applicants commit is trying to stuff way too much information in their cover letters.
There are a number of other common cover letter mistakes that many candidates make that severely hurt their chances of landing an interview.
Below is a list of things you should never include in a cover letter.
What not to include in a cover letter
A thoughtful, well-written cover letter can compliment your resume. Many candidates get it wrong as they don’t know how to format a cover letter. What not to put in a resume cover letter? There are a number of things.
One of the most important concerns is the length as it needs to be concise and snappy. Read these cover letter tips on how long a cover letter should be. Make sure you avoid the following cover letter don’ts.
Spelling mistakes
For any job position you may be applying for, this is a cardinal sin.
By submitting a job application with spelling or grammar mistakes, you are demonstrating you have a lack of attention to detail.
Making silly mistakes such as typos on your cover letter gives a poor first impression. It looks sloppy and unprofessional.
Make sure you proofread your cover letter at least a few times and give it to someone else to look at too, as spotting your own mistakes can be difficult.
Personal information
Employers are not interested in your personal life. Keep your cover letter format professional and avoid too many personal details. Focus on your strengths as a worker and the key job requirements.
You don’t need to say your marital status, religion, ethnicity, age, hobbies, or anything else unrelated to your ability to do the job.
Save any personal discussions or humor for once you get the job.
Salary expectations
Maybe you want to discuss your potential salary, however, this should wait. During the interview process or once you receive an offer would be a much better time.
Only include this if the job posting specifies that you should. And even if you’re required to, be vague and give a very wide salary bracket.
You don’t want to give the impression that your money is your primary motivation for applying, and you also want to put yourself in a strong position to negotiate your salary when the time comes.
Too much information
This is one of the most important cover letter mistakes to avoid. You should be clear, concise, and snappy cut to the chase.
This is one of the most common mistakes when writing a cover letter. Many applicants include skills or work experience that has nothing to do with the vacancy.
You can avoid this by carefully reading the job description, and that will allow you to create a great cover letter.
The same applies to your resume, using a resume template can also help you avoid putting too much unnecessary information.
You should focus on a few key strengths and not simply reword your entire resume in the form of a letter. It Your cover letter should be a short summary that is kept under a single page.
Negative comments
Complaints about past or present employers are things your cover letter should never say.
Doing this reflects poorly on your attitude and doesn’t explain how you will help your potential new employer.
Apart from bringing negativity to your job application, it is also irrelevant information to include that could lead to a hiring manager ending your candidacy.
Stay positive and focus on what you can bring to the role you’re applying for. You want to make a positive first impression, not a negative one.
Lies or exaggerations
Facts can easily be checked and lying on your resume or cover letter can put you in a difficult position.
Don’t include qualifications that you don’t have or made up past job positions. With improving technology it is now easier than ever to fact-check and many candidates get caught out.
Sooner or later, the truth will come out, because you show you aren’t capable of performing the tasks you say you can do, or because your employer fact-checks your previous experience.
Empty claims
Don’t be modest by hiding your talents but if you do make a claim, back it up with evidence. You can’t expect an employer to just take your word from it.
Provide examples of when you’ve shown your strengths in past positions.
Your resume will help to support the claims you make in the cover letter. Make sure it’s up-to-scratch by using a resume builder.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll have a much better chance of landing an interview and getting hired for the job you want.
