Some of the most common (and glaring) cover letter mistakes include:

  • Repeating your resume
  • Relying too heavily on AI
  • Using clichés or weak language 
  • Not tailoring your letter to the job
  • Skipping proofreading

When it comes to cover letters, even the smallest issues can make employers question your professionalism or attention to detail. Read this guide to learn how to avoid 20 common cover letter mistakes, see weak vs strong examples, and improve your chances of landing interviews.

20 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these 20 cover letter mistakes and learn how to write a stronger, more effective letter:

  • 1.

    Not Following the Application Instructions

    One of the fastest ways to get your application overlooked is by failing to follow directions in the job posting. Many of these instructions are also automatically validated in applicant tracking systems (ATS), meaning errors can lead to immediate rejection before a human ever sees your application.

    Employers may ask applicants to include specific documents, answer questions, use a certain subject line, submit PDFs, or address the letter to a particular person. Or, they may specify that you should or shouldn’t include a cover letter at all. 

    Ignoring those instructions can make it seem like you lack attention to detail or can’t follow directions.

    What to do instead: Carefully review the job posting before submitting your application. Double-check formatting requests, required attachments, file names, and any specific instructions the employer includes.

  • 2.

    Using an Unprofessional Email Address

    An outdated or unprofessional email address can create a poor first impression before an employer even opens your cover letter. Addresses that include nicknames, slang, jokes, random numbers, or inappropriate language may come across as immature or unprofessional.

    Additionally, including birth years or graduation years may unintentionally reveal your age and could contribute to age bias during the hiring process.

    What to do instead: Use a simple email format that includes your name, such as firstname.lastname@email.com.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    queen67shelby@gmail.comshelby.whittacker@gmail.com
    jessie1997@yahoo.comjessiebaum@yahoo.com
  • 3.

    Using a Generic Greeting Like “To Whom It May Concern”

    Generic cover letter greetings can make your document feel impersonal and outdated. While hiring managers won’t always reject an application over this alone, it can signal that you didn’t take the time to research the company or role.

    What to do instead: Whenever possible, address your letter to the hiring manager or recruiter by name. If you can’t find a name, use a more modern alternative, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Marketing Team.”

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “To Whom It May Concern,”“Dear Ms. Ramirez,”
    “Dear Sir or Madam,”“Dear Hiring Manager,”
  • 4.

    Failing to Research the Company

    Many cover letters sound interchangeable because candidates don’t reference the company, role, industry, or mission in a meaningful way. Employers want to see that you understand what they do and why you’re interested in working at this specific company.

    What to do instead: Review the company website, recent news, social media, and job description before writing your letter. Mention specific details that connect your experience or interests to the company. This can also help you identify the hiring manager’s name.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I’m interested in working for your company because it seems like a great opportunity.”“I’m especially interested in your company’s commitment to sustainable packaging initiatives and would be excited to contribute my operations experience to that work.”
    “I would love to join your team and grow professionally.”“After reading about your recent expansion into telehealth services, I’m excited to apply my healthcare administration experience to support your growing patient operations team.”
  • 5.

    Not Tailoring Your Cover Letter to Each Job With Relevant Keywords

    Sending the same cover letter to every employer is a common mistake. Generic letters often fail to highlight the skills, qualifications, and relevant keywords employers are actually looking for.

    What to do instead: Customize your cover letter for every application. Use language from the job description naturally throughout your letter and focus on the experience most relevant to the role.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I have experience in many areas and believe I’d be a good fit for this position.”“My background in project coordination, calendar management, and client communication aligns closely with the qualifications listed in your job posting.”
    “I’m excited to apply for this opportunity and think my skills would transfer well to your company.”“My experience supporting client accounts and coordinating onboarding processes prepared me well for this type of role.”
  • 6.

    Repeating Your Resume

    Your cover letter and resume aren’t interchangeable, so your cover letter shouldn’t simply restate everything already listed on your resume. Hiring managers can already see your work history and qualifications there. Instead of repeating job titles and responsibilities, your cover letter should add context, explain accomplishments, and connect your experience directly to the role.

    What to do instead: Use your cover letter to add context, explain accomplishments, highlight personality, and connect your experience directly to the position.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “From 2021 to 2024, I worked as a Customer Service Representative at Solvent Sales Co.”“Working in high-volume customer support for 3+ years taught me how to stay calm under pressure while resolving complex client issues quickly.”
    “My resume shows that I managed scheduling, handled customer inquiries, and prepared reports.”“Managing scheduling and client communication in a fast-paced office environment strengthened my organization and multitasking skills.”
  • 7.

    Overusing Clichés & Buzzwords

    Phrases like “hardworking team player,” “go-getter,” “detail-oriented professional,” and “think outside the box” are overused and often lack substance. Buzzwords without examples can make your writing feel generic. These phrases are especially damaging when they appear without specific evidence or when combined with generic, AI-generated language.

    What to do instead: Focus on specific accomplishments and skills instead of relying on vague descriptors. Show employers how you work through examples and results.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I’m a hardworking go-getter who thinks outside the box.”“In my previous role, I created a new client tracking system that reduced response times by 20%.”
    “I’m a detail-oriented professional with strong synergy skills.”“I managed scheduling, reporting, and client communication across multiple departments while consistently meeting deadlines.”
  • 8.

    Relying Too Heavily on AI

    AI tools can help generate ideas or improve wording, but relying on them too heavily can lead to cover letters that sound robotic, repetitive, generic, or disconnected from your experience. The risk isn’t AI use itself, but the lack of personalization and real-world detail.

    What to do instead: Use AI as a starting point, not the final product. Edit heavily, personalize the content, and make sure the tone and examples reflect your real experience and voice.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I am writing to express my sincere enthusiasm for the opportunity to leverage my diverse skill set within your esteemed, ever-evolving organization.”“I’m excited to apply my customer support and project coordination experience to your growing operations team.”
    “As a highly motivated, results-oriented professional with a proven track record of driving innovative solutions and fostering cross-functional collaboration, I am confident in my ability to deliver meaningful impact within your dynamic organization.”“My background in client communication and workflow coordination would allow me to quickly make an impact in this role.”
  • 9.

    Discussing Irrelevant Experience or Skills

    Including unrelated jobs, hobbies, or skills can distract from the qualifications most important to the employer.

    What to do instead: Prioritize experience, accomplishments, and transferable skills that directly support your ability to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “In high school, I played varsity soccer and volunteered at multiple fundraising events.”“My experience coordinating schedules and communicating with clients prepared me for this customer-facing administrative role.”
    “In my free time, I enjoy doing yoga and visiting museums with my family.”“My background managing customer inquiries and resolving issues in fast-paced environments prepared me to support clients effectively in this role.”
  • 10.

    Including Too Much Personal Information

    A cover letter should help employers understand your qualifications and interest in the role, not your entire personal story.

    It can be acceptable to briefly mention motivations connected to your career path, but sharing unrelated details about family situations, finances, medical issues, relationships, or personal hardships can distract from your qualifications and shift attention away from your professional value.

    Oversharing can also unintentionally create bias or make hiring managers uncomfortable because they’re unsure how to respond to deeply personal information in a professional setting.

    What to do instead: Keep the focus on your qualifications, professional interests, and fit for the role.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “After going through a difficult divorce and struggling with childcare, I really need a stable remote job.”“I’m seeking a remote role where I can apply my customer service and project coordination experience in a fast-paced environment.”
    “I’ve dealt with anxiety for years, which is why I left my previous role.”“I’m looking for a role that better aligns with my long-term career goals and strengths.”
  • 11.

    Focusing Too Much on What You Want Instead of What You Offer

    Some cover letters focus heavily on what the applicant hopes to gain from the role without explaining why the employer should hire them. While employers understand candidates are looking for opportunities that benefit them, the primary focus of your cover letter should be the value you bring to the company.

    What to do instead: Explain how your skills, experience, and accomplishments can help the company solve problems, support goals, or meet business needs.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I’m looking for a role that offers better flexibility and career growth opportunities.”“My experience managing cross-functional projects and improving workflow efficiency would allow me to contribute quickly in this role.”
    “I want a position where I can continue learning and growing professionally.”“I’m excited about the opportunity to apply my data analysis and reporting skills to support your team’s decision-making efforts.”
  • 12.

    Not Backing Up Claims With Examples or Proof

    Many candidates describe themselves using vague terms like “hardworking,” “organized,” or “results-driven” without offering evidence to support those claims. Employers hear these phrases constantly, so unsupported statements blend into the background. This is especially important because vague claims often overlap with cliché-heavy language.

    Specific examples and quantified results help hiring managers understand how you work, what you’ve accomplished, and what results you can deliver.

    What to do instead: Include specific examples, measurable accomplishments, or brief stories that demonstrate your skills in action.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I’m a strong leader with excellent communication skills.”“In my previous role, I led a five-person team that completed a client onboarding project two weeks ahead of schedule.”
    “I’m very organized and detail-oriented.”“I managed scheduling and reporting for more than 20 client accounts while consistently meeting deadlines.”
  • 13.

    Using Weak or Passive Language

    Your cover letter should communicate confidence (but not arrogance), as passive phrasing can make you sound uncertain, hesitant, or lacking confidence in your qualifications. Words like “think,” “feel,” “hope,” “try,” or “might” can unintentionally weaken otherwise strong statements.

    What to do instead: Use direct, confident language that clearly communicates your qualifications and value.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I think I could be a good fit for this position.”“My background in sales and customer relationship management makes me a great fit for this position.”
    “I hope to have the opportunity to contribute to your team.”“I’d welcome the opportunity to contribute my project management and communication skills to your team.”
  • 14.

    Being Too Formal or Too Informal

    An overly formal cover letter can sound stiff, robotic, or outdated, while an overly casual one may appear unprofessional. This often happens when candidates try to imitate templates instead of writing in a natural professional voice. Some candidates swing too far in one direction by using language that feels either overly corporate or too conversational.

    What to do instead: Aim for a professional but conversational tone. Write clearly and naturally while maintaining professionalism.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “Please accept this correspondence as formal expression of my candidacy for the aforementioned role.”“I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at your company.”
    “Hey there! I’d totally love to work with your team.”“I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and support your goals.”
  • 15.

    Being Negative About Past Employers or Jobs

    Complaining about former employers, coworkers, managers, or workplace experiences can create concerns about professionalism and attitude. Even if you had valid reasons for leaving a previous role, negativity in a cover letter can make hiring managers wonder how you may speak about their company in the future.

    What to do instead: Keep the tone positive and forward-focused. Emphasize what you’re looking for next rather than what you disliked previously.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I left my last job because management was disorganized and frustrating to work with.”“I’m looking for an opportunity where I can continue growing my leadership and collaboration skills.”
    “My previous company had a toxic environment with poor communication.”“I’m excited to join a collaborative team environment where I can contribute and continue developing professionally.”
  • 16.

    Mentioning Salary or Benefits Too Early

    Bringing up salary, benefits, vacation time, or remote flexibility too early can make it seem like your main focus is compensation rather than the role itself. Unless the employer specifically requests salary expectations, these discussions are better saved for later stages of the hiring process.

    What to do instead: Focus your cover letter on your qualifications and interest in the position. Compensation discussions typically happen later in the hiring process.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I’m mainly interested in roles with strong benefits and flexible PTO.”“I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my customer support and communication experience to your team.”
    “I’m seeking a position that pays at least $80,000 annually.”“My background in operations and client management aligns closely with the qualifications outlined in the job description.”
  • 17.

    Writing Dense Paragraphs With Poor Formatting

    Cover letters can become difficult to read when they include long, dense paragraphs. Hiring managers often scan applications, and walls of text can make important information harder to find. This is especially problematic in online applications where hiring managers are quickly reviewing dozens of submissions.

    Poor spacing, inconsistent formatting, and oversized paragraphs can also make your cover letter look overwhelming or unpolished.

    What to do instead: Use shorter paragraphs, clear spacing, and clean formatting to improve readability.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “I’ve worked in customer service, sales, and administrative support for several years and handled scheduling, client communication, reporting, onboarding, and problem-solving responsibilities while also supporting managers and helping improve workflows and customer satisfaction across multiple departments.”“In my previous customer service role, I managed scheduling and client communication for more than 50 accounts.

    I’m excited to bring my organization and problem-solving skills to your administrative support team.”
    “I’m applying for this position because I’ve always been interested in marketing and social media and have experience creating content, helping customers, working with teams, managing calendars, handling email communication, and learning new software quickly while balancing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.”“My background in content creation and customer communication would allow me to contribute quickly to your marketing team. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to support social media campaigns and audience engagement.”
  • 18.

    Writing a Cover Letter That’s Too Short or Too Long

    A cover letter that’s only a few sentences long may seem rushed or low-effort, while one that exceeds a page can lose the reader’s attention. Hiring managers (and ATS that scan applications before them) spend limited time reviewing submissions, so clarity and conciseness matter.

    The length of your cover letter should be enough to provide enough detail to explain your fit for the role without overwhelming the reader.

    What to do instead: Aim for a concise, focused cover letter that’s typically around half a page to one full page in length. A strong cover letter should be easy to scan in under a minute.

  • 19.

    Forgetting to Include a Call to Action

    Many cover letters end abruptly without a clear next step, missing an opportunity to guide the hiring manager toward an interview. While you don’t want to sound demanding, a weak or abrupt closing can make your letter feel unfinished and less confident.

    A strong call to action encourages continued communication by expressing interest in an interview, discussion, or next step in the hiring process. It also reinforces enthusiasm for the role and leaves employers with a stronger final impression.

    What to do instead: Close your letter by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity and inviting further discussion in an interview.

    Weak ExampleStrong Example
    “Thanks for reading my application.”“Thank you for considering my application. I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your team’s needs.”
    “I hope to hear from you.”“I look forward to the opportunity to speak further about how I can contribute to your organization.”
  • 20.

    Skipping the Final Proofread

    Strong cover letters can be undermined by typos, grammar mistakes, formatting issues, incorrect company names, or ATS parsing errors, which can make employers question your attention to detail and professionalism.

    What to do instead: Proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it. Reading it aloud or asking someone else to review it can help catch mistakes you may miss on your own.

Weak vs Strong Cover Letter Examples

A weak cover letter often sounds generic, overly focused on the applicant, or disconnected from the role itself. A stronger version clearly connects relevant experience to the employer’s needs while sounding specific, confident, and professional.

Compare the examples below to see how small adjustments can make a major difference.

Weak Cover Letter Example

The weak cover letter below combines several common mistakes that can significantly reduce your chances of getting an interview, including a generic greeting, overly personal details, vague buzzwords, resume repetition, poor formatting, and one long block of text that’s difficult to read.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my sincere enthusiasm for the opportunity to apply for this position at your esteemed company. I believe I would be a perfect fit because I am a hardworking, detail-oriented team player with excellent communication skills and a passion for helping people. From 2021 to 2024, I worked as a Customer Service Representative at Solvent Sales Co., where I answered customer questions, responded to emails, handled scheduling, completed reports, managed accounts, and communicated with clients daily. Before that, I worked in retail, where I assisted customers and operated the cash register. I also played varsity soccer in high school and enjoy yoga and visiting museums with my family in my free time. I’m currently looking for a role with better work-life balance, stronger benefits, and more flexibility because my previous company had poor management and created a stressful environment. I feel my skills could transfer very well to this position, and I think I would be a valuable addition to your organization. Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Sarah Miller

Strong Cover Letter Example

This stronger version improves the greeting, formatting, tone, personalization, and focus. Instead of repeating resume information or focusing on personal wants, it highlights relevant skills, specific experience, and value to the employer in a clear, professional way.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m excited to apply for the Administrative Coordinator position at PharmaBright. After reading about your company’s focus on improving client support operations, I was especially interested in the opportunity to contribute my customer service and organizational experience to your growing team.

In my previous role at Solvent Sales Co., I managed scheduling, client communication, and account support for more than 50 customer accounts in a high-volume environment. Working directly with customers strengthened my ability to solve problems quickly, stay organized under pressure, and maintain positive client relationships while balancing competing priorities each day.

I’m particularly drawn to this role because of its emphasis on communication, coordination, and customer support. My experience managing competing priorities and supporting daily operations aligns closely with the qualifications outlined in your job posting.

Thank you for considering my application. I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and organizational skills could support your team’s goals.

Sincerely,
Sarah Miller

Key Takeaways

  • Generic, repetitive, or overly AI-generated cover letters can hurt your chances of getting an interview.
  • Strong cover letters are tailored to the specific role and include relevant keywords, accomplishments, and examples.
  • Your cover letter should complement your resume by adding context and demonstrating fit, not simply repeating job duties.
  • Avoid common mistakes like poor formatting, weak language, oversharing personal details, and discussing salary too early.
  • Keep your tone professional but natural, and focus on the value you can bring to the employer.
  • Always proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it to catch typos, formatting issues, or incorrect company names.
  • End with a confident call to action that expresses interest in discussing the role further.

Land Interviews With a Spotless Cover Letter

Even highly qualified candidates can lose opportunities because of cover letter mistakes that could be avoided. Small issues like generic language, weak formatting, obvious AI writing, or failing to tailor your letter can make employers question your professionalism and attention to detail.

Before submitting your next application, take time to personalize your cover letter, highlight specific accomplishments, and proofread carefully. A polished, focused cover letter can help you stand out, strengthen your application, and improve your chances of landing interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are five common cover letter mistakes?

Five common cover letter mistakes include using a generic greeting, repeating your resume, failing to tailor your letter to the job, relying too heavily on AI, and skipping proofreading. These are some of the most frequent issues that reduce interview chances.

What do you do if you make a mistake on your cover letter?

If you make a mistake on your cover letter before submitting it, correct the error and proofread carefully before sending. If you notice a major mistake after submitting, such as the wrong company name or attached file, you can send a short follow-up email with the corrected version. Minor typos typically aren’t worth resubmitting.

Do I need a cover letter for internal positions?

Yes, you may still need a cover letter for internal positions if the application requests one. It helps highlight your accomplishments within the company and explain your interest in the new role. Even when optional, it can demonstrate professionalism and initiative.

Can I use AI to write my cover letter?

Yes, you can use AI to help write your cover letter, but you shouldn’t rely on it entirely. AI is useful for generating ideas and improving wording, but employers can often detect overly generic or robotic writing. Always personalize AI-generated content with your own experience and voice.

What’s the difference between a resume cover page and a cover letter?

A cover letter is a personalized document that explains your qualifications, interest in the role, and fit for the company. A resume cover page, on the other hand, is typically just a simple front page or title page attached to a resume or application packet. In most job applications, employers expect a cover letter rather than a separate resume cover page.

How do I write a cover letter with no experience?

To write a cover letter with no experience, focus on transferable skills, education, volunteer work, internships, coursework, extracurricular activities, or personal projects relevant to the role. Highlight qualities like communication, organization, problem-solving, or willingness to learn, and explain why you’re interested in the position.

Tailoring your letter to the job description can also help show employers you’re a strong potential fit despite limited experience.

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Kirsten Chorpenning Career Advice Expert

Kirsten Chorpenning is a career advice writer who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers find rewarding jobs in today’s dynamic work environment.Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in writing, Kirsten combines academic knowledge with five years of career industry experience to provide practical job search guidance. She focuses on the nuances of the modern job market and effective strategies for job applications. Her work, which focuses on providing actionable advice on how to secure interviews and achieve long-term career success, has been featured in Forbes, Money Talks News, MSN, and FlexJobs.

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