Cover Letters - 10 Errors to Avoid

The cover letter is your first point of contact. It is seen as an important indicator of whether or not you’ve read the job advertisement properly and that you are genuinely interested in the role that’s offered.  Ergo, any mistakes you make, will prejudice your chances.

To make a lasting first impression that compels the recruiter to read on, here are 10 common errors you should avoid.

1. Not even sending a cover letter
   Cover letters not only sell you to the recruiter, but they also give the recruiter snapshot insights into how you prefer to be presented to potential employers.


2. Opening with an inappropriate salutation
   Do your homework: check who your letter is going to. Once you have the contact person’s name, you can address them as Mr or Ms. Otherwise, use a gender-neutral salutation.


3. Ignoring grammar and spelling mistakes
   Use your computer’s facilities and have a clever friend or two proof your letter before it goes out.


4. Leaving out the job title or job reference
   Failing to quote the job title or job reference in your cover letter suggests an inability to follow instructions. It could result in your application not being processed.


5. Addressing the wrong person or company
   Before dispatching your job application, check the contact details on your cover letter against those in the job ad.


6. Being too casual or familiar
   Watch your language, Stiff and formal is as daunting as sloppy and over-casual. Be professional and concise without using too much industry jargon. Style and personality will make you be noticed – and that’s what you want.


7. Attaching an informal photo
   Don’t!


8. Spamming multiple recruiters
   No way!  Always customise each message and take meticulous care with ‘overtyping’.


9. Using an unprofessional email address
   A personal email address of fallingdowndrunk@yahoo.com or sexyfoxx@bigpond.com is not good. At least for the purpose of your job hunt, please set up something more professional that shows your full name.
   
   Also avoid any address with an underscore. nothing is more often misinterpreted.


10. Not revising an old cover letter
    Customise. Customise. Customise. And never forget to update!