5 Cover Letter Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
We read hundreds of cover letters every month. These five mistakes appear again and again — and they're almost always the reason an otherwise strong candidate gets passed over. The good news? They're all easy to fix once you know what to look for.
1. Opening with "To Whom It May Concern"
This screams "I didn't research your company." Find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn, or address the team directly: "Dear Acme Product Team." Personalized openings get 40% more responses than generic ones.
2. Repeating your resume verbatim
Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Use it to tell the story behind your biggest achievement — the context, challenge, and impact that bullet points can't capture. Think of your resume as the evidence and your cover letter as the argument.
3. Making it all about you
"I'm looking for a role where I can grow..." focuses on your needs. Flip it: "Your team's focus on sustainable supply chains aligns with my five years leading ESG initiatives at..." Show them what you bring, not what you want.
4. Using a generic template
Recruiters can spot a mail-merge cover letter instantly. Reference something specific about the company — a recent product launch, a value from their About page, or a mutual connection. Even one specific detail signals genuine interest.
5. Writing a novel
The ideal cover letter is 250–400 words. Three tight paragraphs: hook, evidence, close. Respect the reader's time and they'll reward you with theirs. Hiring managers spend an average of 30 seconds on a cover letter — make every word count.
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