Top 10 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid - Careeriva
Common Mistakes Guide

Top 10 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Your cover letter is often the first impression you make on a recruiter — and it can be the difference between getting an interview or getting ignored. Learn the critical mistakes that cause recruiters to skip applications and how to stand out from the competition.

Top 10 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid - Careeriva

Mistakes Often done

Many candidates repeat the same mistakes, causing recruiters to skip their application entirely. To help you stand out from the competition, here are the top 10 cover letter mistakes you must avoid, along with tips to strengthen your application.

The 10 Critical Mistakes

1

Using the Same Generic Cover Letter for Every Job

Mistake: Sending one generic cover letter to multiple companies
Why it's bad: Recruiters can instantly tell when a cover letter isn't personalized.
What to do instead:
  • Tailor the letter to the job description
  • Mention the company name
  • Show specific reasons why you want that role
2

Repeating Your Entire CV

Mistake: Cover letters that simply copy and paste your CV
Why it's bad: Recruiters want new insight, not repetition.
What to do instead:

Highlight:

  • Key achievements
  • Motivation
  • Specific value you bring

Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your CV.

3

Writing Long Paragraphs With No Structure

Mistake: Cover letters that are too long, unstructured, or hard to read
Why it's bad: Recruiters skim — not read word by word.
What to do instead:

Use a simple structure:

  • Introduction
  • Why you fit the role
  • Your key achievements
  • Why you want the company
  • Call to action

Keep it short and impactful.

4

Talking Too Much About Yourself — Not Enough About the Company

Mistake: Only writing "I want… I need… I'm looking for…"
Why it's bad: Companies want to know how you will help them, not the other way around.
What to do instead:

Show how:

  • Your skills solve their problems
  • Your achievements align with their goals
  • You bring measurable value
5

Using Weak or Vague Language

Mistake: Sentences like "I think I'm a good fit…" or "I believe I can do this job…"
Why it's bad: This sounds unsure and lacks confidence.
What to do instead:

Use strong language:

  • "I have experience in…"
  • "I successfully achieved…"
  • "I will bring value through…"

Confidence matters.

6

Focusing on Duties Instead of Achievements

Mistake: Listing what you were responsible for instead of what you accomplished
Why it's bad: Recruiters want results, not tasks.
What to do instead:

Use numbers:

  • "Increased sales by 20%"
  • "Reduced errors by 30%"
  • "Led a team of 5"

Achievements make your application memorable.

7

Making It Too Long

Mistake: A cover letter longer than one page or more than 300–400 words
Why it's bad: Recruiters don't have time for long letters.
What to do instead:

Aim for:

  • 3–4 short paragraphs
  • 250–350 words
  • Clear, concise messaging
8

Poor Formatting and Unprofessional Layout

Mistake: Bad formatting, fancy fonts, uneven spacing, or inconsistent alignment
Why it's bad: It looks sloppy and unprofessional.
What to do instead:

Use:

  • Simple fonts (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman)
  • Clear spacing
  • Professional layout

Your cover letter must be clean and easy to read.

9

Forgetting to Customize the Greeting

Mistake: Starting with "To Whom It May Concern"
Why it's bad: It feels impersonal and outdated.
What to do instead:

Use:

  • The hiring manager's name (if available)
  • "Dear Hiring Manager" if you can't find a name

Avoid generic greetings.

10

Not Ending With a Strong Call to Action

Mistake: Ending with a weak or passive closing line
Why it's bad: It misses the opportunity to show interest and take initiative.
What to do instead:

Close with:

  • Enthusiasm
  • Confidence
  • A polite call to discuss further

Final Thoughts

A cover letter is your chance to communicate personality, motivation, and value. Avoiding these common mistakes will immediately make your application stronger and more compelling.

Master it — and you dramatically improve your chances of landing the interview.

Professionally formatted
Personalized
Confident
Achievement-focused

Need Help Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter?

Let Careeriva's expert team create a compelling cover letter that showcases your strengths and gets you noticed by recruiters.

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