15 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid: Common Errors That Cost You Interviews

Your cover letter could be the reason you are not getting interviews. Even qualified candidates make avoidable mistakes that send their applications straight to the rejection pile. Learn what hiring managers consider deal-breakers and how to fix these common errors.

Critical Mistakes That Get You Rejected

1. Addressing It to the Wrong Person or Company

The mistake: Using the wrong company name, hiring manager name, or job title – often from copying a previous cover letter.

Why it matters: This signals carelessness and lack of genuine interest. It is an instant rejection for most employers.

The fix: Triple-check every application. Search the company name in your document before sending. Create a checklist.

2. Being Too Generic

The mistake: Using the same generic letter for every application without customization.

Why it matters: Generic letters show you did not take time to understand the role. Hiring managers can spot them instantly.

The fix: Reference specific job requirements, company initiatives, or why you want THIS job at THIS company.

3. Repeating Your Resume

The mistake: Simply listing your work history in paragraph form.

Why it matters: The cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. You waste valuable space restating known information.

The fix: Use the cover letter to provide context, tell stories, and explain the “why” behind your achievements.

4. Focusing on What You Want

The mistake: Writing about what you hope to gain from the job rather than what you offer.

Why it matters: Employers want to know how you will solve their problems, not how they will advance your career.

The fix: Frame everything in terms of value you bring. Replace “I want to learn” with “I will contribute.”

5. Starting with “I”

The mistake: Beginning your letter with “I am writing to apply…” or similar I-focused openings.

Why it matters: It is predictable, boring, and misses the chance to grab attention immediately.

The fix: Lead with your strongest qualification or a compelling hook about the company.

Content Mistakes

6. Being Too Long

The mistake: Writing more than one page or including unnecessary details.

Why it matters: Long letters do not get read. Recruiters have seconds, not minutes.

The fix: Keep it to 250-400 words. Cut ruthlessly. If a sentence does not add value, remove it.

7. Not Including Specific Achievements

The mistake: Making vague claims like “I am a great communicator” without evidence.

Why it matters: Claims without proof are meaningless. Every candidate says they are hardworking.

The fix: Back up every claim with a specific example. “My presentation skills helped close a $500K deal.”

8. Using Clichés and Buzzwords

The mistake: Overusing phrases like “think outside the box,” “synergy,” “passionate,” or “team player.”

Why it matters: These phrases are meaningless from overuse. They make you sound like everyone else.

The fix: Use concrete language and specific examples instead of buzzwords.

9. Negativity About Past Employers

The mistake: Criticizing previous employers, managers, or colleagues.

Why it matters: Negativity raises red flags. Employers assume you will speak poorly of them too.

The fix: Stay positive. Focus on what you are moving toward, not what you are leaving behind.

10. Mentioning Salary Too Early

The mistake: Discussing compensation expectations in your cover letter.

Why it matters: It makes you seem more interested in money than the opportunity. Save it for later stages.

The fix: Only mention salary if the job posting specifically requests it. Otherwise, wait for the interview.

Technical Mistakes

11. Typos and Grammar Errors

The mistake: Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or typos anywhere in your letter.

Why it matters: A single error can disqualify you. It suggests carelessness and poor attention to detail.

The fix: Proofread multiple times. Read aloud. Use spell-check. Have someone else review it.

12. Wrong File Format

The mistake: Sending in formats that cannot be opened or read properly.

Why it matters: If they cannot open it, they cannot read it. You lose the opportunity entirely.

The fix: Use PDF unless otherwise specified. It preserves formatting across all systems.

13. Unprofessional Email Address

The mistake: Using email addresses like “partygirl@…” or “cooldude123@…”

Why it matters: It appears unprofessional and immature.

The fix: Use a professional email with your name: firstname.lastname@email.com

Strategic Mistakes

14. Not Following Instructions

The mistake: Ignoring specific application instructions in the job posting.

Why it matters: Failure to follow directions is often used to screen out candidates quickly.

The fix: Read the entire job posting carefully. Follow every instruction exactly.

15. No Clear Call to Action

The mistake: Ending with a weak closing that does not encourage next steps.

Why it matters: You miss the chance to show initiative and move the process forward.

The fix: End with confidence. “I look forward to discussing how my experience can contribute to your team.”

Before You Send Checklist

• Correct company name throughout
• Correct job title
• Hiring manager name spelled correctly (if used)
• No typos or grammar errors
• Under one page / 400 words
• Specific achievements included
• Customized for this specific role
• Professional email address
• Correct file format
• All instructions followed

Avoid Mistakes with AI Assistance

Our AI Cover Letter Builder helps you avoid these common mistakes by generating properly structured, error-free cover letters customized for each application.

The AI ensures proper length, professional tone, and ATS optimization while you focus on adding your personal touch and specific achievements.