You’ve prepared a great resume, chock-full of evidence of your qualifications for the position you’re seeking. Now it’s time to write a cover letter. Writing a cover letter can seem easy enough in practice but can be difficult to do well—if it’s done at all. Don’t let mistakes mar your resume. . . Track down these tricky cover letter mistakes and let secure your job. Read on to learn:
Avoid using “I”
Your cover letter should be businesslike but not dull. Avoid the perception of being self-centered by minimizing your use of the word “I,”, especially at the beginning of a sentence. Strike a balance between telling the employer what you can do for him or her and explaining why you’re the right person for the job. Details that show how your work experience relates to the job help build your case.
Using a Weak Opening
No matter what you’re writing, it’s important to start strong. That goes double for something like a cover letter, where you have to make an excellent impression in just a few hundred words.
If you’re having trouble starting your cover letter, here are a couple of pointers:
- Avoid generic statements like “Please consider me for your sales representative opening.”
- Choose a more specific statement about how your background matches the needs of the job. For example, “Your need for a top-performing sales representative is an excellent match to my three-year history as a top-ranked, multimillion-dollar producer.”
Omitting Your Top Selling Points
A cover letter is a sales letter. Like your resume, it should be compelling and give the main reasons you should be called for an interview. Winning cover letter tips include emphasizing your top accomplishments or creating subheadings culled from the job posting.
For example Your ad specifies:
- You are the one with a positive attitude who can work independently.
- You have excellent communication skills and strong attention to detail.
- You have exceptional time management skills and can handle multiple projects at once. And many more.
Making It Too Long
If your cover letter exceeds one page, you may be putting readers to sleep. At wikijob.co.uk, we provide some general rules of thumb on what constitutes a great cover letter and how Making It Too Long (And How To Avoid It!).
Repeating Your Resume Word for Word
One of the most common mistakes candidates make when writing a cover letter is simply regurgitating what’s on their resume. Don’t fall into this trap. Reword your statements and focus on your accomplishments and achievements, highlighting the aspects of your experience that set you apart.
Being Vague
Blank resumes and cover letters fail to persuade employers. The secret of successful job searching is knowing how to effectively communicate who you are and why you’re qualified for the job. Your resume should be focused, customized, and easy to read. Your cover letter should provide evidence of your ability to meet the company’s specific needs. It is best to read the CV or resume margins before writing your own for a good impression.
Ending on a Passive Note
It is best to end your cover letter on a passive note. Instead of the reader calling you, it is best to write: I will follow up with you soon. It has a positive effect on the reader’s mind.
