Common Cover Letter Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Most cover letters fail for the same reasons. They're too long, too generic, or full of obvious mistakes that suggest you didn't care enough to proofread. The good news? These problems are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

Here are the most common cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Starting with a Generic Opening

"I am writing to express my interest in the position" is the most overused opening line in cover letter history. It tells the reader nothing useful. They already know you're interested. That's why you applied.

Fix: Start with something specific. Mention the role, the company, or something you admire about what they do. For example: "Your company's approach to sustainable product design caught my attention, especially the recent launch of your zero-waste packaging line."

Mistake 2: Repeating Your Resume

Your cover letter is not a summary of your resume. Hiring managers already have your resume. They don't need you to list every job you've ever had.

Fix: Use your cover letter to tell a story or highlight one or two key achievements that show why you're a great fit. Give context that your resume can't. Explain why you're interested in this particular role and how your experience connects to what they need.

Mistake 3: Writing Too Much

If your cover letter is more than half a page, it's too long. Hiring managers don't have time to read essays. They want the highlights. Keep it to 3 or 4 short paragraphs.

Fix: Be ruthless with editing. Cut anything that doesn't directly support why you're a good fit for this job. Every sentence should earn its place. If it's not adding value, delete it.

Mistake 4: Using the Same Letter for Every Job

Sending the exact same cover letter to every company is a waste of time. Generic letters get ignored. Employers can tell when you're mass-applying without bothering to customize anything.

Fix: Customize at least your opening paragraph and one key example for each job. Mention the company by name. Reference something specific about the role or the team. It doesn't take long, but it makes a huge difference. Tools like CoverSnipps make this easier by letting you build a library of reusable paragraphs you can mix and match.

Mistake 5: Focusing on What You Want

"This position would be a great opportunity for me to grow my skills" puts the focus on you, not the company. Employers care about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

Fix: Frame everything in terms of how you'll help them. Instead of talking about what you'll learn, talk about the value you'll bring. "I'd love to help your team increase customer retention using the strategies that drove a 30% improvement at my last company."

Mistake 6: Including Typos and Grammar Errors

A single typo can ruin your chances. It suggests you're careless or that you don't take the opportunity seriously. Mistakes are especially bad in the company name, the hiring manager's name, or the job title.

Fix: Proofread multiple times. Read your letter out loud. Use a spell checker. Ask a friend to review it. Take a break and come back to it with fresh eyes. Whatever it takes, don't let a careless mistake cost you the job.

Mistake 7: Being Too Humble or Too Arrogant

Saying "I think I might be a good fit" makes you sound unsure. But saying "I'm the best candidate you'll find" sounds arrogant. You need to strike a balance.

Fix: Be confident without being cocky. State your qualifications clearly. Use phrases like "I'm confident I can" or "My experience with X makes me well-suited for this role." Back up your confidence with examples.

Mistake 8: Not Addressing the Hiring Manager by Name

"To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Hiring Manager" is generic and impersonal. If you can find the actual name of the person who'll read your letter, use it.

Fix: Check the job posting, search LinkedIn, or look at the company's website. Sometimes the hiring manager's name is right there. If you can't find it after 5 minutes of searching, "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine, but at least try.

Mistake 9: Ending with a Weak Closing

"Thank you for your consideration" is polite but forgettable. It doesn't give them any reason to take action.

Fix: End with confidence and clarity. Express enthusiasm for the next step. For example: "I'd love to discuss how my background in digital marketing could help your team increase online engagement. I'm happy to speak at your convenience."

Mistake 10: Sending It Without a Final Check

You've spent time writing and editing. You're ready to hit send. But before you do, take one more look. Check the company name, the job title, the hiring manager's name. Make sure you're attaching the right version of your resume.

Fix: Create a final checklist. Proofread. Confirm the recipient. Check the attachments. Make sure everything is correct before you send it off. This extra minute can save you from an embarrassing mistake.

Mistake 11: Not Following Application Instructions

If the job posting asks you to include specific information, like salary expectations or answers to certain questions, do it. Ignoring instructions is an easy way to get filtered out immediately.

Fix: Read the job posting carefully before you start writing. Highlight any special instructions. Make sure your cover letter addresses everything they asked for.

The Bottom Line

Most cover letter mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for. Keep it short, make it specific, and proofread carefully. Focus on what you can do for the company, not what they can do for you. Customize each letter for the job you're applying to.

A strong cover letter doesn't have to be perfect, but it does need to show that you care. Avoid these common mistakes and you'll be ahead of most other applicants. Put in the effort to do it right, and you'll see better results.