Did you know that according to a survey, 60% of businesses need a cover letter?
Your cover letter is your first impression. It’s your time to impress an employer and overcome the competition. That’s why putting much effort and care into it is so important.
If you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task. You want to put your best foot forward, but it’s unclear what that is.
To help you get ahead of the competition, here are some common mistakes people make when writing cover letters.
1. Avoiding Necessary Information
Not including all necessary information can lead to employers rejecting the applicant without even considering their job application further.
It’s, therefore, essential to ensure all relevant contact details, a concise summary of your experience and qualifications, and a brief explanation of why you are the best fit for the new job in the cover letter.
2. Committing Grammar Mistakes
In this case, it is essential to carefully read and proofread your cover letter to ensure it will not be given a formative answer. Still, no matter how carefully you read and proofread it, some grammar mistakes might go unnoticed.
Therefore, having a friend or relative review your letter to catch and fix grammar slip-ups is best. Remember, even the slightest grammar mistake can ruin the overall impression you are building with your letter and diminish your chance of getting hired.
3. Omitting a Professional Greeting
Starting a letter with a simple “hello” or skipping the greeting altogether can give a sense of unprofessionalism to potential employers. This is their first impression of you, and you want to ensure it’s memorable.
Instead of leaving out the greeting, it’s essential to address the recipient by name and with an appropriate salutation like “Dear [Name]” or “Hi [Name].”
Addressing the recipient by name creates a more inviting and personalized tone that shows the employer that you have taken the time to research their name and are seeking an opportunity to connect.
4. Not Tailoring the Letter
By writing a generic letter, the employer will not know why you are the best candidate for the position.
Suppose the cover letter isn’t tailored, and you ignore the employer’s requirements. In that case, your application will be significantly disadvantaged compared to those who took the time to tailor their letter.
5. Being too Generic and Vague
It is essential to use specific language and avoid overused buzzwords. You want to appeal to the hiring manager as an individual, so copy-and-paste cover letters don’t typically work.
You should also avoid sounding too desperate or overly confident. Avoiding generic language and demonstrating your relevancy to the profession is critical to standing out.
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Guidelines for Writing a Cover Letter
Despite the common mistakes, writing a great cover letter is possible with effort and attention to detail.
Make sure to take the time to proofread and review it for any mistakes before you submit it. Start writing your cover letter today and be one step closer to landing the job of your dreams!
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