Cover letter mistakes that get you ignored is the focus of this expert guide. Cover letters do not often get people hired on their own. But they regularly get people eliminated. Here are the most common cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them.
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Copying the job description back to them
The most common cover letter mistake is restating the job requirements as if listing them proves you have them. “Your posting listed a need for strong communication skills and I have strong communication skills” says absolutely nothing. Show evidence, do not echo requirements.
Starting with a generic opener
Beginning with “I am writing to express my interest in the X position at Y Company” is such a common opener that it registers as noise. Lead with something specific about your background and why it connects to this role. For more on this, see our guide on cover letter vs. no cover letter.
Making it all about you, not them
The best cover letters are about the intersection of what you bring and what they need. A cover letter that is purely a self-description without acknowledging what the company does or what they are trying to accomplish reads as self-centered.
Forgetting to proofread
A typo in a cover letter for a role that requires strong written communication is disqualifying. Proofread twice, use a spell checker, and ideally have someone else read it before you submit.
Read next
- How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter That Works
- Cover Letter for a Recent Graduate: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Write a Cover Letter That Actually Gets Read
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always include a cover letter?
Include one when requested, when writing ability is core to the role, or when you need to explain context your resume cannot. For high-volume technical roles, it is often not read.
How long should a cover letter be?
Three to four short paragraphs, 200-300 words maximum. If you are writing more, you are probably repeating your resume.
What should the first sentence of a cover letter say?
Start with something specific. “I have spent four years doing exactly what this role requires” beats “I am excited to apply for this position.”
What should I leave out of a cover letter?
Do not restate your resume, explain why you need the job, apologize for gaps, or use clichés. Every sentence should add information not already in the resume.
Most cover letters fail because they summarize the resume rather than add to it. A recruiter reading your cover letter already has your resume in hand. They do not need you to recap it. What they want to know is why this role, at this company, is one you are genuinely excited about, and what specific experience makes you a stronger candidate than the other 150 applicants who also ticked all the required boxes. For more on this, see our guide on cover letter mistakes that get you rejected immediately.
The best cover letters I have seen treat the format like a brief business proposal. They open with a specific observation about the company or role, connect that observation to a relevant achievement, and close with a clear next step. This structure respects the hiring manager’s time while demonstrating that you have done real research rather than sending a mass application.
Length matters here, too. A cover letter should be between three and four paragraphs. Any shorter and it feels dismissive of the opportunity. Any longer and you are asking a busy hiring manager to read a document they typically spend less than thirty seconds on. Every sentence should either demonstrate fit, show enthusiasm, or move the reader closer to wanting to meet you.
One technique that consistently works is the mirroring approach. Take three words or phrases directly from the job description that describe the ideal candidate, then reflect them back using examples from your own experience. This shows attentiveness to what the employer actually wants while demonstrating that you meet those criteria without copying their language verbatim. For more on this, see our guide on write an internship cover letter that stands out.
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