Common Cover Letter Mistakes
Posted in Cover Letters
Cover letters have become an essential part of the job search. It is most likely required nowadays when sending out job resumes and CV's to companies. Hiring managers and employers feel the need to look over cover letters first before an applicant's job resume in order to get a brief impression of one's skills and qualifications.
Some job applicants take time in order to make their job resumes as impeccable as possible. But there are times that the same attention may not be given to their cover letters. And most applicants seem to commit many common mistakes when it comes to writing their cover letters.
Weak Opening
For being such an important letter that most hiring managers initially read before the job resume, many job applicants make the mistake of capturing attention through their cover letters. Starting a cover letter with a weak opening would more than likely make hiring managers and employers pass up on even checking more deeply on an applicant's job resume or CV.
One of the important objectives of the cover letter is not only to offer its readers a brief summary of an applicant's intentions, capabilities and qualifications but also to capture the reader's attention enough to keep their interests up.
Too Short or Long Cover Letters
Some people may make the mistake of writing their cover letters either too short or too long. Although there isn't quite an accepted rule on how long cover letters should be, the way they are presented should be taken into consideration. For example, if the cover letter is to be sent through email, brevity should be considered. Emailed cover letters should be limited from one to two paragraphs. If the cover latter is to be faxed or mailed, writing one with three to five paragraphs is considered acceptable.
Underselling Skills and Talents
Many job applicants make the mistake of not trying to sell themselves better through their cover letters. Many applicants are content enough to list down their skills and talents when hiring managers and employers would rather like to see how those skills and talents were used to help improve things in previous employments.
