8 worst cover letter mistakes to avoid in 2022

Your cover letter is the first professional document that will affect your candidacy for that dream job. Knowing how to avoid common cover letter mistakes will be a huge advantage for you. Though most people consider cover letters to be outdated, hiring managers often read the cover letter of a candidate before they even take a look at the resume. That is why your cover letter needs to be perfect.

74% of recruiters don't really care about the cover letter when evaluating candidates. However, the remaining portion considers it to be of the utmost importance. 53% of employers prefer candidates to send a cover letter with a job application.

Just like your resume, you need to invest a certain amount of time and effort to create an impressive cover letter. Here are some things that you must never do when writing your cover letter in 2022:

1. Showing a lack of research

If you do not do your homework on the company before writing your cover letter, the employer will notice how your cover letter is cookie-cutter. Always research the hiring manager's name and gather details about the company culture before you start writing your cover letter.

2. Being too formal or too casual with your greeting

Always get a sense of the company culture using a simple online search. You can also talk to people from your network who work at the company or know about the company to get an idea of their values. This will help you write the perfect greeting that is not on the verge of being too formal or too casual.

3. Talking only about yourself

Sure, the employer wants to know about your best abilities. But mentioning only the benefits you get from this job will not convince the hiring manager that you are the right fit for the position. Take care to mention what the company will gain by hiring you also.

4. Repeating your entire resume in the cover letter

You are already sending out your resume to the same hiring manager. Therefore, there is no need to repeat every little detail of your resume on the cover letter. Use your cover letter to elaborate on achievements and skills that you feel make you the perfect fit for the position.

5. Not sticking with the instructions

The employer will almost always provide instructions for sending your cover letter and resume. Sometimes, the job description will mention certain information to be included in your cover letter. Always consider this when you start drafting.

6. Having a ton of typing errors

Your employer won't judge you for not having perfect English. However, if your cover letter is ridden with spelling errors, the employer might consider it as a sign that you are not careful or attentive to detail. Always use a spell and grammar checker to spot errors before you send out your cover letter.

7. Writing a too-long letter

A cover letter should be a concise document that gets the point across in less than 400 words. If your cover letter exceeds one page, you should start deleting stuff off of it right now. Just like your resume, your cover letter also needs to have ample white space.

8. Including too much information

The cover letter is a chance for you to elaborate on things. But you do not need to include insignificant and irrelevant details on it. Stick to what is important and try to base your cover letter around the requirements mentioned in the job description.