Finding a job is hard enough, but it can be downright impossible if you submit a cover letter full of mistakes. It is a good idea to have someone proofread your cover letter prior to submitting it with a job application so that you can find any mistakes you might have missed. We will discuss common cover letter mistakes in this post so you can avoid them as much as possible the next time you write a cover letter for your job search.
Not Addressing the Letter Appropriately
One of the most common cover letter mistakes is when the applicant does not address it appropriately. For example, you should take the time to find out who will be reviewing your application and documents and then address the letter to that person. Avoid using phrasing such as “Dear sir or madam” and “To whom it may concern.”
Length of the Cover Letter
The length of the cover letter is another common mistake made by applicants. When faxing or mailing a cover letter, be sure that it is anywhere from three to five paragraphs in length. When sending a cover letter via the body of an email, it should be no more than two paragraphs long.
Recapping Your Resume
You should avoid recapping your resume as much as possible when writing a cover letter. Instead, use the cover letter to discuss some of your skills and experiences that relate to the job for which you are applying. This is a great time to talk about any certifications, training courses or accomplishments from your career.
Forgetting Contact Info
Your cover letter must include contact information, even if you have already submitted it in the application or on your resume. These documents can get separated, which is another reason to have contact info on the cover letter. The cover letter is one of the first documents the employer will review, so be sure to include your name, email address, cell phone number and address.
Using Humor
Humor should never be included in your cover letter unless you are applying for a job as a comic, a humor writer or an actor. Humor has no place in the cover letter because you will come across as someone who does not take the job seriously.
Putting Too Much of a Focus on Yourself
It is a very bad idea to put too much of a focus on yourself in a cover letter. Even though you use the cover letter to sell yourself and your professional accomplishments, you must also discuss ways in which you can bring value to the company if hired.
Contact the staffing professionals at Halpin Personnel today to learn of the best ways to write a cover letter for your next job search.