cover letter wrong date

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Wrote wrong name AND date on cover letter, but still got the interview???

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Ok, so I was reviewing my upcoming interviews, and looking over what I sent them to make sure I have everything they could ask me covered. So I look at the cover letter I sent to Citigroup . First thing I see, its dated January 2006! Next, I see that I actually sent the WRONG cover letter to them, namely I sent the cover letter that I was supposed to send to UBS . So the name of the company/internship postion that I refer to throughout the cover letter are for the wrong company.

Yet I got the interview for Citigroup . Is this a sick joke on their part to fuck with me for half an hour, or do they simply not read cover letters, even though they were the ones that requested a cover letter?

Also, do you think this is going to bite me in the ass later, and if so, how serious? For example, lets say that they just didn't read my cover letter. And I interview, do ok, and get second rounds. Now the guy who does second rounds reads my cover letter. Is he going to cancel the interview right then and there for such a retarded mistake? How serious is fucking up your cover letters?

don't bring it up. they might have discarded your cover letter.

plan how to respond if they bring it up, but don't stress about it now. if they have asked you for an interview that means that you have what it takes on paper, at least.

they aren't going to aske you to interview just to waste their time and take the piss.

Rarely do people read cover letters...except this year when someone pointed out that someing was interested "in joining a premier Investment Band," then we started checking all the other letters for entertainment.

I agree with the poster above, they'll only bring your resume to the interview room. I think you're in the clear, but be prepared just in case they ask.

is it a waste of time to even write cover letters then? it makes sense, that with the large volume of applications, cover letters aren't read. however, i always see in postings "please send cover letter and resume", so i tend to write a cover letter. am i just wasting my time? should i send resume only?

No - not having one is different than having a bad one. If you're doing a big on-campus resume drop, then it 95% doesn't matter b/c there were probably 300+ resumes dropped and people just can't read the cover letters.

Just do it and do it reasonably well in case someone reads it. Also, each cover letter should be unique for each firm - not just the heading, but the actual letter content.

Someone will bring it up eventually.

In that case, if they ask, and I just say that I accidentally attached the wrong file when I was submitting online, would that be a sufficient excuse (its the truth too).

Maybe I should go the extra step and bring the cover letter that I would've sent to Citigroup too, just to prove to them that it is different and that I did actually write one?

Cross your fingers and hope for the best. If the bankers actually read your cover letter, you may be in trouble. Senior bankers tend to view it as a sign of sloppiness and lack of attention to detail. Analysts and associates love to catch it to show how attentive they are (and how superior they are to the people interviewing for their jobs). Some will forgive you for it, but others will seize upon it as the only evidence they need to kill your candidacy.

If someone does hit you for it, the best you can do is to say in your most candid, mea culpa voice: "Yes, I realized I attached the wrong file as soon as I sent it. Believe me, I've been kicking myself ever since. The only thing I can say is that making that mistake taught me to never take anything for granted, and triple check everything before hitting the send button. Given how sick I felt after that, I can promise you I'm never going to do anything that stupid again."

Then hope you're dealing with one of the kind, understanding ones.

I could control my laughter if you said something like that in an interview.

Whats wrong with that answer?

Or you just find it funny because you dont think any answer would suffice?

Chill out. The odds are greatly in your favor that you have nothing to worry about. I spelled the name of a bank wrong in one of my cover letters last year, and I was never asked about it (presumably because no one ever bothered to read my cover letter) and ended up receiving an internship offer there.

From talking last year with a friend who's an analyst at a bank, he told me that he had a "resume book" of all the analyst candidates that had submitted their resume from my school. The way he described it, there were just resumes in there, even though that particular bank had asked for both a transcript and cover letter. When the bank respresentatives come to your school to interview you, each interviewer has like 15 candidates to interview that day. You can bet that he/she just briefly looks at those 15 resumes before sitting down in the interview room; I can't imagine he/she reads all 15 cover letters and transcripts too (if he/she's even given these materials by HR in the first place). When I sat down to interview, one of the first questions I usually got was "walk me through your resume," as the interviewer began to read it himself.

The only time I ever even saw my cover letter during an interview was with a boutique, that had a book of the candidates that they were interviewing. Each person had their own tab, with their resume, cover letter, and transcript. I was asked both about my resume, cover letter, and why I got a B in one class lol. But this was a small boutique that was interviewing a very limited number of people, not a huge bulge bracket bank.

I think cover letters can be important in consideration for an interview if they're read, since it's very important to be able to logically express your interest in banking and your skills, and to just be generally literate. If I were reading resumes, I'd want to read the cover letter, particularly after reading some of my friends cover letters lol. But on a practical level, I think that often people who are screening resumes just don't have time to do this (at least at the bulge brackets ).

This is just my opinion, but I think a cover letter might be most relevant for applicants from non-native English-speaking countries or non-targets to ensure a high degree of general literacy and clarity of writing. I know that's how the essay portion of the GMAT works at least - supposedly it's only read if your native language isn't English.

I think you can rest easy. You lucked out, so don't worry about it anymore. If by some chance someone actually does read your cover letter now and asks about it, just apologize and say it was a mistake, and offer to send them the cover letter that you actually wrote for Citigroup (trust me, they won't want it).

oh man that's sth that i have never heard of...

Put wrong date on all of my cover letters... How much will this hurt? ( Originally Posted: 01/11/2013 )

I put the wrong date on about 6 cover letters dropped through On Campus Recruiting, and I can't go back and change them. Instead of putting 2013, I put it as 2012. How much is this going to hurt me, if everything else (resume, content of my cover letter) is ok?

I mean this is pretty minor, but I guess it is something that I could be auto-dinged for. I was just so used to putting 2012 as the date that I didn't realize it was 2013

I've got good news for you player... we don't read those things.

Good for you we recently started talking about resume and interview processes but the big thing for you is that it really wont matter much if it was only 6 drops as well.

If the company reads the cover letters of each candidate... get ready for a train wreck of a work place. You'll be working with some seriously scum bag people.

Anyway, just correct it and move on. No use worrying about it, worrying leads to zero results.

If this was on your resume though... you'd be hurt. Resume is scrutinized with a trained eye... Multiple times.

haha alright thank you, I really appreciate it. Thankfully my resume is polished and has been looked over by at least 3 people. Note to self though - pay more attention to details

I did this last year. it's such a stupid mistake but i really doubt it matters

I did this too and got the job.

I did this as well, should I email the HR contact for my school and explain the problem or just leave it be?

Absolutely DO NOT EMAIL HR.

You guys are inspiring a very long post on how to not mess up in your first year but the basic principal is to look at your options.

• Let it "slip" and chances are 99/100 they will not catch the mistake because we don't read those things anyway!
• Call out the mistake... Now we KNOW you messed up.

Basically why would you highlight a bad point that will likely slip. In all seriousness, this even happens sometimes on pitchbooks etc at the beginning of the year and practically no deal in the history of man kind was lost on a typo that does not change valuations around. Seriously.

It's a funny fine line in finance but the point is this... If you get caught

1) Don't lie and own up to the mistake say something along the lines of "Apologize for the typo" or if they are really liking you say something funny like "Oh wow typical rookie mistake bet the multiples on the refreshed comp sheet would look messed up!" 2) If you don't get caught... You're FREE.

So when you guys all get your offers remember that rule of thumb, the last thing you want to do is be the analyst "calling out his mistakes" after the books have been Printed/Shipped/Sent. There is nothing you can do! All you would be doing is making them think you're bad.

To think about it, this is similar to "checking" to see if you answered your final exams correctly or not after the test, this is Inefficient because you cannot change the Results of your performance. Make sense?

Good luck players.

It's not a big deal. It's not going to hurt you. Most probably your cover letters won't be rear. It's the resume that matters.

Cover Letter Addressed to wrong person ( Originally Posted: 04/14/2014 )

In a freak event I managed to get an interview despite the fact that I addressed it to the wrong person, in fact someone who doesn't even work at the firm. Should I attempt to go on to the HR site to swap out, or come prepared with an excuse come interview time? I guess this just goes to show how irrelevant cover letters are in most cases, and how I should triple check everything I send out. Lesson learned.

I made a similar mistake at a firm and I ended up still getting the offer. If they saw it and you still got the interview then obviously they were willing to let it slide. When it came up during my superday I didn't make excuses for it, but owned up to my mistake and said that I realized that putting a mistake like that in front of a client would be inexcusable and that it wouldn't happen again.

Similar to what cooldurg said, just take responsibility if they brought it up. Figure out a good reason as to why you made the mistake, ignore it if they ignore it.

One of my favorite quotes from WSO , hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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Do you need to put a date on a cover letter in 2024?

A cover letter is a document that accompanies a resume and introduces the job seeker to a potential employer. It is typically one page in length and highlights the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and interest in the job.

Importance of Cover Letter in Job Application Process

While a resume provides a summary of a person’s work experience, education, and skills, a cover letter allows job seekers to communicate their motivations and reasons for wanting to work for a particular company. It also gives candidates an opportunity to showcase their writing style and demonstrate their attention to detail.

A well-written cover letter can make the difference between getting an interview or not. In fact, a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 90% of employers consider cover letters to be important in the hiring process.

The Role of Cover Letter in Job Applications

As a job applicant, you may have heard about the importance of submitting a well-written cover letter, but you might be unsure about what exactly a cover letter is and why it matters. In this section, we will explore the definition of a cover letter, its role in job applications, and the importance of crafting a successful one.

A. Definition of Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It is usually a one-page letter that introduces you to your potential employer and highlights your qualifications and skills. Unlike your resume, which is a summary of your job history, a cover letter is an opportunity to explain why you are the perfect fit for the position you are applying for.

B. Role of Cover Letter in Job Applications

The role of a cover letter in job applications is to provide additional context and information about your qualifications and experience to the employer. While the resume is a structured document that presents your work history and achievements, the cover letter is your chance to showcase your personality, interests, and passion for the job.

In addition to introducing yourself, a well-written cover letter will demonstrate your knowledge about the company and position you are applying for. It should also address any specific requirements in the job posting and explain how you are uniquely qualified to meet those requirements.

C. Importance of a Well-Written Cover Letter

Submitting a well-written cover letter is crucial to making a positive first impression with potential employers. It is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, attention to detail, and communication abilities.

A successful cover letter will help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting a job interview. On the other hand, a poorly written cover letter can harm your chances of being considered for the role you are interested in.

A cover letter plays a critical role in job applications, especially when submitting an application online. As a job seeker, it is important to craft a well-written cover letter that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. So, to answer the question, yes, you need to include the date in your cover letter, and ensure that it is well-written and tailored to the job you are applying for.

The Purpose of Including Dates in a Cover Letter

A. Explanation of why dates are included

Dates are important in a cover letter as they provide a clear timeline of when the letter was written and sent. It helps both the employer and the applicant keep track of correspondence and deadlines. The inclusion of dates can also help demonstrate the timeliness and relevance of the information presented in the letter.

In addition, including dates can also show the employer that the applicant has put thought and effort into the application process, as it highlights a level of organization and attention to detail.

B. Importance of dates in a cover letter

The importance of including dates in a cover letter cannot be overstated. It helps to establish a sense of professionalism and organization from the outset of the application process.

From the employer’s perspective, having clear dates on the cover letter can help them to quickly and easily sort through applications and prioritize responses. This is particularly important when there is a tight timeline for the hiring process.

For the applicant, including dates can demonstrate a level of commitment and engagement with the hiring process. It shows that they are invested in the position and are taking the necessary steps to ensure that their application is in order.

Including dates in a cover letter is a best practice that should be followed by all applicants. Not only does it provide a clear timeline of communication, but it also demonstrates organization and attention to detail. As such, it can positively impact the applicant’s chances of receiving a call back and advancing in the hiring process.

When to Include Dates in a Cover Letter

When preparing a cover letter, many job seekers often wonder whether or not to include dates in their application. The truth is that including dates in a cover letter can make a significant difference, as it helps to convey a sense of urgency and provides a reference point for the employer. However, there are times when adding dates is mandatory and others when it may not be that important.

A. The Scenarios When Adding Dates is Mandatory

There are a few specific scenarios where adding dates to your cover letter is absolutely mandatory. If the job listing states an application deadline, including the date in your cover letter serves as a crucial reminder to the employer. This will demonstrate that you are aware of the deadline and have taken the time to get your application in on time.

If the job posting indicates that the position is available for a limited time, it may also be important to include dates. Showing your awareness of this timeline demonstrates your attention to detail as well as your ability to work under pressure.

Additionally, adding dates can be important in situations where your employment history requires some explanation. For instance, if you have gaps in your work history, explaining those gaps shows that you have given careful thought and consideration to your job search. It also helps counter any assumptions the employer may make on their own about why you had a gap in your employment.

B. When May it Not Be Important to Include Dates?

While adding dates to a cover letter can be beneficial, there are times when it may not be necessary or even advantageous. If you are applying for a position where you have a personal connection or the job posting doesn’t specify any deadline or timeline, you may want to reconsider including dates. In such a case, adding dates may make it seem like you are only concerned about meeting the deadline, rather than focusing on why you are the best fit for the position.

Moreover, if the job is a remote job, gig work, or part-time work, you may not need to include dates in your cover letter. Remote jobs or gig work may not be tied to a specific timeframe or deadline, and since part-time jobs may not be considered as a primary career, you can get away with not adding dates in these cases.

There are situations where including dates in a cover letter is mandatory, such as when there is a specific deadline or limited timeframe. However, there are other situations where it may not be important or even necessary to mention dates. It is important to exercise your discretion and assess the job you are applying for properly before deciding whether or not to include dates in your cover letter.

Advantages of Adding Dates in a Cover Letter

A. benefits of adding dates.

Including the date in a cover letter can provide a number of benefits. First and foremost, it shows that the job seeker is on top of their communication and organizational skills. It gives the impression that the applicant is proactive and takes their job search seriously.

Another advantage of adding dates is that it provides context for the reader. The hiring manager can see exactly when the cover letter was written and can assume that the applicant is following up within a reasonable timeframe.

B. How adding dates may impact your application

Although adding dates may seem like a small detail, it can actually have a big impact on your application. For one, it can make the applicant stand out from the crowd if other applicants have neglected to include a date.

Furthermore, if a job posting has a specific deadline or start date, including the date on the cover letter can show that the applicant is aware of these details and is ready to start working at the appropriate time.

However, if the applicant misses the deadline or if the date is already passed when they submit their application, it could have a negative impact on their candidacy. This shows that they are not paying attention to details or are not managing their time effectively.

C. Best practices for including dates on a cover letter

When including a date on a cover letter, it is important to do so in a professional and consistent manner. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Use the same format for the date every time you submit a cover letter. For example, if you choose to include the day of the week, make sure to do so consistently.

Choose a clear and easy-to-read format. Common formats include “August 5, 2021” or “5th August 2021.”

Always include the date at the top of the cover letter, either aligned with the left margin or centered.

If the job posting specifies a deadline or start date, make sure to include this information along with the date on your cover letter.

By following these best practices, applicants can ensure that they are presenting themselves in the best possible light and making a good first impression with the hiring manager.

Potential disadvantages of including dates in a Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter, you may question whether or not to include dates. There are situations where dates may harm your application and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to include them.

A. Situations where dates may harm your application

Employment gaps: If you have an extended period between jobs, including dates may draw attention to employment gaps and potentially raise red flags for the hiring manager.

Age discrimination: Including dates on your cover letter may reveal your age and potentially lead to age discrimination during the hiring process.

Unrelated experience: If you have work experience that is unrelated to the job you’re applying for, including dates may highlight this and create doubt about your ability to perform in the role.

Short-term employment: If you’ve had multiple short-term positions or job hopping, including dates may give the impression that you’re not reliable or committed.

B. Pros vs Cons of including dates in a cover letter

Shows career progression: Including dates on your cover letter can demonstrate your career progression and highlight your relevant experience in the industry.

Helps with organization: Dates can help the hiring manager keep track of your work history and accomplishments.

Demonstrates work ethic: Including dates on a cover letter can showcase your work ethic and dedication to your professional pursuits.

May cause bias: As mentioned, including dates can lead to age discrimination and other biases.

Draws attention to short-term employment: If you’ve had multiple short-term positions, including dates can draw attention to this and potentially harm your application.

May reveal gaps: Including dates may reveal gaps in your work history, which could potentially harm your application.

The decision to include dates on a cover letter should be made based on the individual’s specific situation. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider how including dates may impact your chances of getting the job. Ultimately, the focus should be on the qualifications and experiences that make you the best fit for the role, regardless of whether or not you choose to include dates on your cover letter.

Alternatives to Including a Date on a Cover Letter

When it comes to writing a cover letter, including a date may seem like a given. However, there are some situations where you may want to take a different approach. Here are some alternatives to using a date in your cover letter:

A. Other Approaches to Using Dates in a Cover Letter

• Using a Season or Month Instead of a Date

If you are concerned about appearing too specific with a date, consider using a season or month instead. For example, instead of saying “I graduated in May 2015,” you could say “I graduated in the spring of 2015” or “I graduated in May.” This can still give the employer an idea of your timeline without providing an exact date.

• Using Years Only

Another option is to use only the year in your cover letter. This can be helpful if you have a longer history of experience and do not want to list every date on your resume. For example, instead of saying “I worked at XYZ company from January 2016 to October 2018,” you could say “I worked at XYZ company from 2016-2018.”

B. How to Handle Gaps in Employment When the Date is Ambiguous?

If you choose not to include dates on your cover letter or resume, you may encounter a situation where there is a gap in your employment history that is not immediately apparent. Here are some tips for handling this situation:

If there is a gap in your employment, be upfront about it. Employers appreciate honesty and transparency, and it is better to address the gap in your cover letter than to wait for the employer to ask about it later.

• Focus on Transferable Skills

If you have been out of work for some time or have gaps in your employment history, focus on the transferable skills you gained during that time. For example, if you took time off to care for a family member, you may have developed strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Highlight Professional Development

If you have been out of work, use your cover letter as an opportunity to highlight any professional development you have undergone during that time. This could include taking classes, attending workshops, or volunteering in your field.

Including a date on your cover letter is not always necessary. By using alternative approaches to dates and being honest about any gaps in your employment history, you can still present yourself as a qualified and professional candidate for the job.

Examples of Cover Letters with and without Dates

A. sample cover letters with dates.

Here is an example of a cover letter that includes a date:

As you can see, the date is included at the top of the letter, just under the contact information. This is a common way to format a cover letter that includes a date.

B. Sample Cover Letters without Dates

Here is an example of a cover letter that does not include a date:

While this cover letter does not include a specific date, it is still clear and professional in its tone and content.

C. Analysis of Cover Letters with and without Dates

The question of whether to include a date on a cover letter is one that many job seekers face. While it can be helpful to include a date to provide context and show that your application is timely, it is not always necessary or expected.

Cover letters with dates, like the sample above, can be useful in situations where you are responding to a specific job listing or have a connection to the company or position that you are applying for. In these cases, the date can help demonstrate that you have taken the time to research and tailor your application to the specific opportunity.

However, there are also times when it may be more appropriate to leave the date off of your cover letter, as shown in the second sample. For example, if you are submitting an application through a general job board or website, or if you are applying to a company without a specific job opening in mind, including a date may not be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to include a date on your cover letter should be based on the specific circumstances of your application. Consider the context of the job listing, the expectations of the company or hiring manager, and the nature of the position you are applying for. By being mindful of these factors, you can craft a cover letter that is professional, targeted, and effective at making a strong first impression.

Practical Tips for Writing a Strong Cover Letter

A. how to make your cover letter stand out.

Your cover letter is your first opportunity to impress a potential employer. Here are some tips to make sure it stands out:

• Personalize it: Address the hiring manager by name and include details about the company and position you’re applying for.
• Be concise: Keep your cover letter to one page and use bullet points or short paragraphs to break up blocks of text.
• Highlight your accomplishments: Use specific examples of how you’ve contributed to previous companies or organizations to demonstrate your skills and experience.
• Use keywords: Tailor your cover letter to the job posting by including important keywords and phrases.

B. Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that can make your cover letter less effective. Here’s what to avoid:

• Being generic: Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your cover letter to each job posting.
• Focusing too much on yourself: Your cover letter should focus on how you can help the company, not just on your own career goals.
• Using cliches: Avoid overused phrases like “team player” or “detail-oriented”. Instead, use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
• Making errors: Proofread your cover letter carefully for spelling and grammar mistakes.

C. Suggestions for Improving Your Cover Letter

To improve your cover letter, try these tips:

• Keep it focused: Stick to the most important details and avoid unrelated information.
• Show your personality: Use your cover letter to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the job.
• Proofread: Read your cover letter out loud to catch errors or awkward phrasing.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a friend or mentor to review your cover letter for feedback.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression. Use these tips to make sure it catches the hiring manager’s attention and demonstrates why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions about Including Dates in a Cover Letter

When it comes to creating a cover letter, many job seekers wonder whether or not they should include the date. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about date handling in a cover letter to help clear up any confusion.

A. Answers to Some Common Questions About Date Handling in a Cover Letter

Do I need to include a date on my cover letter?  There is no hard and fast rule about whether or not you need to include the date on your cover letter. However, many job seekers choose to do so as a way of showing that their application is up-to-date.

If I do include a date, where should it go?  If you choose to include a date on your cover letter, it should be positioned at the very top of the letter, either aligned with the left margin or centered.

What format should I use for the date?  The date should be written in full (e.g., May 26, 2021) and be free of any abbreviations or shorthand.

If I’m sending my cover letter via email, do I still need to include the date?  If you’re sending your cover letter via email, it’s not strictly necessary to include the date in the body of the message, since your email program will usually timestamp the message automatically. However, it’s still a good idea to include the date on your cover letter as a way of showing that your application is current.

B. Misunderstandings That Job Seekers Regularly Have About Putting a Date on a Cover Letter

Misunderstanding:  If I don’t include the date, my application will look more recent than it actually is.  Correction:  While it’s not strictly necessary to include the date on your cover letter, omitting it won’t make your application appear more recent. In fact, it may have the opposite effect, since employers may perceive your application as incomplete or out-of-date without a timestamp.

Misunderstanding:  The date format doesn’t matter as long as it includes the month, day, and year.  Correction:  While it’s true that you should include the month, day, and year in the date, it’s also important to make sure that you follow the standard format for dates in your region. For example, in the United States, dates are typically written as Month/Day/Year (e.g., 05/26/2021), while in Europe, they are often written as Day/Month/Year (e.g., 26/05/2021).

Misunderstanding:  I should use the same date format that I use on my resume.

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8 min read · Updated on March 10, 2022

Make sure your cover letter helps your candidacy by avoiding these all-too-common mistakes.

Once you've updated your professional resume , it's time to prepare your job applications for submission to hiring managers. This usually involves making some small tweaks to your resume and creating a cover letter to accompany your application.

But aren't cover letters a thing of the past?

Yes and no. While 74 percent of recruiters don't find the cover letter to be an important factor when evaluating candidates, the remaining percentage do. And since you have no way of knowing which type of recruiter will receive your application, it's best to cover your bases and include a cover letter with every job application. As an added bonus, a reported 53 percent of employers admit they prefer candidates to send a cover letter when applying for a job.

However, not just any cover letter will do. If you're going to take the time to craft this document, make sure it helps, not hurts, your candidacy, by following cover letter dos and don'ts. Below are 10 common and costly mistakes to avoid when writing your next cover letter .

Cover Letter Mistake #1: Lack of research

Thanks to the Internet, there's little excuse to not personalize your cover letters. Whenever possible, research the name of the hiring manager or recruiter (if it's not listed on the actual job post) and the company who's filling the position, and use this information to customize your opening document.  If you skip this step, you're sending the message to the reader that you don't really care enough about the position to do your homework. In a world where employers are inundated with applications, any excuse to eliminate candidates along the application process will do. Don't let this cover letter mistake give them a reason to cut you from the pile.

There are some exceptions to this rule. If you're responding to an anonymous job posting, you're not expected to include the name of the company or the hiring manager in the cover letter. When a company goes out of its way to keep its name and the names of its employees confidential, you can assume the hiring manager won't take off points if you use a generic opener.

Cover Letter Mistake #2: Overly formal or casual greetings

Whenever you're applying for a position or preparing for an interview, take the company's culture into account. You can get a better sense of the employer's brand by checking out its Careers section online, reading reviews on Glassdoor, searching for its profile on The Muse , following the social media accounts the company set up for recruitment purposes, and talking to your networking connections who've worked at the organization. This will help you decide if you're better off going with a “Hello Jeff” or a “Dear Mr. Berger” type of greeting.

If you're unable to address your cover letter to a specific person, steer clear of incredibly formal introductions, such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as they are not conversational and can be considered off-putting. The same goes for super casual openers like “Hi!” Even if you're dealing with a startup that prides themselves on being non-traditional, this cover letter greeting is a little too laid back for your first communication and may have the reader questioning your professionalism.

Play it safe and stick with a gender-neutral opener such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter.”

Cover Letter Mistake #3: Talking all about me, me, me

Think of your cover letter as your sales pitch to the hiring manager. Instead of spending the entire time talking about yourself and your wants and needs, consider the needs of your prospective employer. Your potential boss is the one who will (hopefully) read your cover letter, after all.

Review the job description again and check out the latest news on the company. Ask yourself why the organization is hiring for this role. In other words, what pain point will this position solve? When you can relate to the hiring manager's concerns and position your skills as the solution to his or her needs, you have a better chance of avoiding cover letter mistakes and capturing the reader's attention.

Cover Letter Mistake #4: Repeating your entire resume

Remember, the recruiter already has your resume - there's no need to rehash your entire job history when writing your cover letter. In fact, I believe this is why so many employers disregard the cover letter; they've read so many bad cover letters that merely summarize their candidates' resumes, that they see no need to read them.

One cover letter tip is to surprise the hiring manager by using your opening to demonstrate your understanding of the company's position in the marketplace and its needs and then highlight your work experience and accomplishments that speak to these requirements.

Avoid these common cover letter mistakes.  Hire a TopResume writer today .

Cover Letter Mistake #5: Generic messaging

Even if you're applying to an anonymous job listing, a common cover letter mistake is using boilerplate text. While your introduction may not be as specific as it would be for a position where the employer is known, this doesn't give you license to use a generic template for the main sections of your cover letter.

Based upon the job description, make a list of the top 3-5 requirements for the role. This may have to do with your knowledge, skills, and experience of a certain topic or an industry, your experience performing a particular task, or your education and other credentials. Then, brainstorm how you possess each prerequisite, referencing a specific contribution, accomplishment, or experience from your work history that illustrates these qualifications. Summarize this information in a paragraph or a set of bullets. This is a great way to customize your cover letter and grab the reader's attention.

Cover Letter Mistake #6: Not following instructions

As I previously mentioned, some employers, especially those in the healthcare, education, and legal sector, still value a cover letter and will request one in their job description. Do yourself a favor and re-read the job description carefully to provide context to your cover letter dos and don'ts. Oftentimes the employer will request certain information to be included in the cover letter. The last thing you want to do is ignore this request, as the reader will assume you are not detail-oriented and unable to follow the simplest of instructions.

Cover Letter Mistake #7: Typos

When you're competing against a large pool of candidates for one role, the smallest cover letter mistakes could be used to eliminate you from the pile. These days, we've grown all too reliant on spell-check and autocorrect to edit our communication. It's easy to overlook the small mistakes, such as using “higher” when you really meant to say “hire.” Don't let these silly details derail your job application.

Follow this simple cover letter tip: Reread your cover letter. Then read it again. Then hand it over to a trusted friend. You know, the one that majored in English. If you're looking for some resources to improve your grammar and punctuation, check out Lynne Truss' book, “ Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation ,” and “ Woe is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English ” by Patricia T. O'Conner. They're great reads!

Cover Letter Mistake #8: Writing a novel

If recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning your resume before deciding if you're a fit, how long do you think they'll spend reading your cover letter? Here's another set of cover letter dos and don'ts: your cover letter shouldn't be any longer than is necessary to get your points across. And it definitely shouldn't exceed one page.

Also, keep its readability in mind. Similar to your resume, try to create white space in your cover letter by avoiding dense blocks of text.

Cover Letter Mistake #9: Going off brand

Whether you're searching for a new job or managing your career path, it's important to pay close attention to how you present your professional brand to others — online, on paper, and face to face. To that end, another cover letter tip is to give it the same look and feel as your resume. If you're uploading your cover letter as a separate document to an online application, ensure it uses the same header as your resume. Also, make sure the font type, color, and size, the contact information you provide, and even the name you use on both documents remain consistent.

Cover Letter Mistake #10: TMI

While you can use a cover letter to explain an employment gap or your interest in relocating to a new city, don't overshare your personal details with a prospective employer. The recruiter doesn't need to know the gory details of your back surgery or how you had your heart broken and need to find a new city to call home. These extraneous details can't be used as selling points and will only detract from your qualifications and candidacy.

Your resume should be mistake free as well. Is yours? Find out with a free resume review .

Recommended Reading:

• Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?
• How to Be a Great Candidate Even if You're Under-Qualified for the Job
• How to Write a Catchy Cover Letter

Related Articles:

What to Say in a Cover Letter: 5 Things You Should Include

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

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15 Cover Letter Mistakes You Might Not Realize You’re Making

• How To Write A Cover Letter
• When Is A Cover Letter Necessary
• Free Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
• Cover Letter Tips
• How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter

Find a Job You Really Want In

Writing a cover letter can be difficult, but how good yours is can determine whether or not you get the job. To make matters worse, you could be making a bunch of mistakes that are getting you screened out of the hiring process — and you might not even realize you’re making them.

So now you’ve got to write a cover letter that’s good enough to make an employer want to call you in for an interview. Lucky for you, you’ll find it’s easy to make sure that your cover letter is convincing and mistake-free. Here are 15 common cover letter mistakes to avoid so you can land an interview and get the job.

Key Takeaways:

Cover letter mistakes are fast way to have your job application ignored.

Common cover letter mistakes include forgetting to proofread, adding irrelevant information, and not addressing the company’s needs.

The best way to avoid cover letter mistakes is to spend time editing your letter.

If possible have someone you trust read your cover letter before you submit it.

15 cover letter mistakes

Frequently asked questions about cover letter mistakes, final thoughts on cover letters.

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Forgetting to Proofread. Sending a cover letter that’s full of typos and errors is a quick and easy way to get yourself screened out of a possible interview.

We all know that writing a cover letter can be a painful process, but do yourself a favor and just proofread. Use free editing software like Grammarly or spell-check in Microsoft Word to catch the obvious mistakes.

For more nuanced changes, try reading your cover letter backwards — it’ll minimize the risk of reading over the same mistake over and over without noticing it.

If you can, ask a friend to look over your cover letter and point out any mistakes before you send it in. A second pair of eyes is great for finding errors you might not realize you’ve made.

Sending a Generic Cover Letter to Every Job You Apply For. This mistake is so common that employers will be able to tell right away if you’re using a one-size-fits-all cover letter when applying for jobs.

Make sure you mention the specific position you’re applying for in your first paragraph, address the company’s specific concerns and desired qualifications, and explain how your skills and experiences make you the best fit for the job.

A good way to optimize your cover letter is to start by reading the job description closely . Highlight all the action verbs in one color, all the hard skills in another, and the adjectives in a third color. Then, look for ways to incorporate some of those words into your cover letter, paying special attention to keywords that get used multiple times in the job description.

Not Getting Basic Company Facts Right. Getting basic information incorrect, like referencing the wrong company or addressing your cover letter to the wrong person, basically tells employers “I literally could not care less about this job opportunity and I’m using this same letter to apply for 20 other jobs right this second.”

Double check your cover letter greeting and make sure that you list the right company and the right contact, and mention the company name a few times throughout your letter.

Also, have a basic sense of what the company does , who their target audience is, what competition they face, and the challenges they are currently up against. When you can communicate like an insider, the hiring manager or recruiter will have a much easier time envisioning you as a member of the company.

Using an Outdated Greeting. Save the “ Dear Sir or Madam ” cover letter greetings for the grave. Instead, just use gender neutral terms like “Dear Hiring Manager,” when you’re unsure of who’s going to be reading your cover letter.

If you know exactly who’s going to be reading your letter, mention their name specifically, and always address women with the title “Ms.” rather than “Mrs.”

You should always do your best to find the name of the hiring manager . Check the job posting, the company’s career page on their website, or LinkedIn to find a name. If all else fails, simply call the company and ask who the hiring manager is for the given position.

If you can’t find a name and don’t want to use “ Dear Hiring Manager ,” try another greeting that’s a bit more specific like:

Dear [Department] Manager

Dear Hiring Committee

Dear [Title of Person You’d Report To]

Dear [Department] Hiring Team

Making Your Cover Letter Too Short. Submitting a cover letter that’s less than half a page will send the wrong message to employers about your work ethic or your interest in the job at hand. Plus, you’re completely blowing off the opportunity to highlight your skills and experience and show off why you’re the best person for the job.

Making Your Cover Letter Too Long. A good cover letter shouldn’t be any longer than one page . Unless you’re applying for a managerial or executive position, there’s really no reason why your cover letter should be any longer. Plus, you risk burdening the employer and losing their interest.

Hiring managers read about a million cover letters and resumes everyday, and you’ll want to make sure yours is concise to avoid wasting their time. Keep your cover letter brief, and only include the most important information need to make an employer want to invite you in for an interview.

Including Too Much Information or Over-Explaining. Don’t include more information than the employer needs to know. Address their concerns and let them know that you have all of the necessary qualifications.

Some people feel the need to explain career changes or why they’re applying for a job from somewhere far away. Keep your explanations short to make sure that the employer is able to focus on your skills and experiences.

Not Giving Concrete Examples. The skills and qualifications you claim to have in your cover letter are meaningless if you can’t back them up. Support your statements by giving examples of jobs or roles where you used these strengths.

For example, instead of just saying “I have great organizational skills and I’m a hard worker,” say something like, “I personally organized our annual fundraiser and increased employee participation by 30%.” Much more convincing.

Notice how the above example also quantifies the writer’s accomplishments. Whenever you can, include numbers to make a bigger impact with your statements. Recruiters and hiring managers love to see verifiable proof of your deeds, so make it easy to see how you’ve added value in the past.

Starting Your Introductory Paragraph With Your Name. Nothing says “rookie mistake” like opening your cover letter with “My name is Joe Schmo.” Your name should be listed in the sign off of your cover letter, in your resume, and elsewhere in your application materials.

Making Your Cover Letter a Written-Out Version of Your Resume. Your cover letter shouldn’t be your resume in paragraph form. Your resume is the first thing most employers look at, so you’re just wasting everyone’s time if you use your cover letter to write out everything that’s already on your resume.

Use your cover letter to focus on one or two examples of your work experiences that show what you can bring to the table. Help employers picture you doing the work by explaining what you’ve done in your previous positions.

Using the Wrong Format. There’s no one-size-fits-all format for every cover letter , and how you write yours depends on your experience and what you have to offer.

If you’re describing one or two particular relevant experiences, it may make sense to go with the standard three-paragraph format . On the other hand, if you’re listing your skills or detailing your career path , a more creative approach like bullet points may be more suitable.

Always include these sections in your cover letter:

Your contact information

An opening paragaph that grabs the reader’s attention

2-3 body paragraphs that highlight your relevant professional achievements and interest in the company/job

A closing paragaph with a call-to-action and a thank-you

A professional sign-off

Focusing Too Much on Education and Training. We’re all super proud that you finally finished that college thing and got your degree, but what employers really care about is your relevant experience and what you can bring to the table on day one.

Briefly mention education if it’s relevant to the job, but make the main focus of your cover letter your relevant experiences. If you’re new on the job scene and your education is your most relevant experience, describe projects you worked on and the skills you gained, instead of just the course content .

Sharing Completely Irrelevant Information. If you have a good idea of the company’s culture, it makes sense to show your compatibility in your cover letter.

Instead of describing your weird hobbies or your booming social life, talk about your values and how they align with the core values of the company. Check their website to get a good feel for their culture and values and use that information to show you’re the perfect fit.

Not Showing Any Actual Interest in the Job. If you don’t sound genuinely interested or excited for the job opportunity, you’re probably not going to land an interview. Show enthusiasm for the job so the hiring manager knows that you’re highly motivated, and not just looking for a paycheck.

Forgetting to Address the Employer’s Concerns. While you’re talking about how awesome and qualified you are, make sure to do so in the context of the job requirements and the company’s needs. If the hiring manager can see that everything about you is perfect for the specific job, you’re bound to land an interview.

Are there weaknesses to a cover letter?

Yes there is a big disadvantage to a cover letter if it has too many mistakes. If you send a cover letter that has a lot of mistakes, you care going to give the hiring manager a bad impression of yourself. Whether or not you’re a good candidate will no longer matter if you cannot ably present your qualifications. That is why it is important to review your cover letter before you submit it.

What are the advantages of a cover letter?

Cover letters have to advantage of explaining your qualifications in more detail while adding a personal touch. A cover letter will also underscore how serious you are about the position, especially if you have done your research and show how your skills will fulfill the needs of the position. Just make sure to use specific examples that directly connect back to the job description.

Is it OK to use “Dear Hiring Manager”?

Yes, it is OK to use “Dear Hiring Manager” if you do not have a specific name to address your cover letter. Obviously it is always better to address a specific person, which is why you should do your research before you send the letter, however sometimes it is impossible to know the name of the person. In this case, the generic “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.

One of the first things employers notice about a job candidate is their cover letter. A good cover letter shows that you’re an effective communicator and that you have what it takes to get the job done, so you’ll want yours to be effective and error-free.

Many cover letters don’t get the attention they deserve, and a lot of people just write one at the last minute, attach it to their resume , and hope that it gets the job done — and these cover letters happen to be full of these common errors.

Make sure to check through your resume and make sure you don’t make any of the mistakes we’ve mentioned in this article, and you’re sure to get called in for an interview!

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Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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9 Biggest Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• October 6, 2023
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

Avoiding common cover letter mistakes can quickly boost your chances and convince the hiring manager that you are the right fit for the position. After all, you’ve only got three paragraphs to tell the employer what makes you the perfect addition to their team. Because of that, you need to prioritize the most critical information and work effectively within the limited space. So, let’s look at how you can avoid common cover letter mistakes and motivate the employer to choose you out of all the candidates.

Common cover letter mistakes and how to fix them

Writing a cover letter is an important part of the job application process. However, there are common mistakes that many people make when crafting their cover letters. In this response, we will discuss some of these mistakes and provide tips on how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Not analyzing the job description

Mistake 2: using the wrong cover letter format, mistake 3: highlighting duties instead of accomplishments, mistake 4: repeating your resume, mistake 5: focusing on yourself too much, mistake 6: sharing irrelevant experience, mistake 7: using the same cover letter template for multiple jobs, mistake 8: including too much information, mistake 9: making spelling or grammar mistakes, how to avoid cover letter mistakes.

In this day and age, there’s no excuse for failing to do your research. So, before you start writing your cover letter, take a moment to read through the job description carefully. While doing this, focus on the top 5 requirements for the role. These may be related to experience, education, skills, or other qualifications. Once you’ve found these perquisites, brainstorm examples of when you’ve used them in your career. Then, summarize your experience with successfully using these top qualifications in one paragraph. This will grab the hiring manager’s attention and show that you aren’t using a generic template.

Avoid trying to catch the reader’s attention with intricate design at the expense of readability. Your cover letter can be unique and use a similar design to your resume but don’t get too artistic with it. By using an easy-to-read font, you will ensure that the content of your cover letter will stand out. To improve the readability, remember to break up text into shorter, concise paragraphs. Above all, keep your cover letter to one page at most, and leave space between the paragraphs.

Leave the list of job duties in your resume. In your cover letter, focus more on your professional accomplishments and times when you have exceeded the goals. For example, highlight any awards or recognition you have earned throughout your career. If you don’t know which ones to include, choose the ones that are most impressive and relevant to the position you’re applying to.

There’s no need to write out the content of your resume in your cover letter. In fact, it can quickly put the hiring manager off if you reiterate what they’ve already read in your resume. Your cover letter should expand on the information that is in your resume. For example, discuss specific accomplishments you achieved in your past jobs using the skills that you mention on your resume.

Remember that your cover letter is essentially your sales pitch. In it, you should address the employer’s needs and how you could fulfill them. So, stay away from describing your wishes and wants in length. Instead, ask yourself what you can offer to the company. What challenges are they facing right now? What pain points can you help them solve? By looking at the position from the employer’s point of view, you will better relate your skills and qualifications to their needs.

You might be in a position where you know that your experience is not relevant to the job. As a result, you may want to explain this in your cover letter. But before you do so and alert the hiring manager to this fact, pause. Instead of explaining why your experience is irrelevant, focus on how it prepared you for the job at hand. Discuss transferable skills and knowledge you gained during your career and how you would apply them in your new position to become a valuable employee.

While the formatting of your cover letter can stay the same, the contents should always be unique and tailored to the position. A good cover letter addresses the specific requirements of the role and company you’re applying to. Thus, you should always edit or rewrite your cover letter before applying for a new job. Some of the key things to focus on include the hiring manager’s name and the exact title of the position you’re applying to. Of course, you should also highlight the most relevant skills, qualifications, and values that align with what the company is seeking.

Before sending your cover letter, ask yourself whether the information is relevant to the job. For example, you might want to explain why you are changing careers or relocating. On the other hand, the employer doesn’t need to know the personal details. Those are unlikely to add to your qualifications and could even seem like a red flag. So, only include the information that enhances your application and highlights the positives.

Even a tiny cover letter mistake can land you in the ‘no’ pile in today’s competitive job market. So, never skip over proofreading your cover letter multiple times. First, use spell-check in your word editing program. Then, go over the cover letter again and read through it carefully to catch any mistakes that might have slipped past. You can also try reading it out loud or from the bottom to the top to detect errors. Ask a friend, colleague, or family member to proofread it for you and get their feedback on the overall tone of the cover letter.

To avoid cover letter mistakes, consider the following tips:

• Personalize your cover letter: Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying to. Avoid using generic templates and make an effort to address the hiring manager by name, if possible.
• Avoid being too formal or informal: Strike a balance between being professional and personable in your writing. Avoid overly formal language and clichés, but also avoid being too casual or using slang.
• Focus on the employer’s needs: Instead of solely talking about yourself, highlight how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the job. Show the employer how you can add value to their organization.
• Keep it concise: A cover letter should be clear, concise, and to the point. Avoid rambling or including unnecessary details. Stick to the most relevant information that showcases your qualifications.
• Proofread for errors: Thoroughly proofread your cover letter for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Read it multiple times or ask someone else to review it for you. Mistakes can create a negative impression and harm your chances of getting an interview.
• Avoid discussing salary expectations: Unless specifically requested, it’s generally best to avoid discussing salary expectations in your cover letter. Save this discussion for later stages of the hiring process.

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How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

• What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
• How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
• How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
• What excellent cover letter examples look like

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

• Header - Input contact information
• Greeting the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
• Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
• Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
• Formal closing

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your blog.

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

• Your Full Address 
• Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph .

The #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

• Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional email
• Relevant Social Media Profiles

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements?
• Did you successfully convey how your experiences help you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of your competence
• A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
• Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
• There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
• Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

• How to Write a Motivational Letter
• How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
• Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

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Cash-strapped Trump is now selling $60 Bibles, U.S. Constitution included

Rachel Treisman

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op.

Former President Donald Trump is bringing together church and state in a gilded package for his latest venture, a $60 "God Bless The USA" Bible complete with copies of the nation's founding documents.

Trump announced the launch of the leather-bound, large-print, King James Bible in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday — a day after the social media company surged in its trading debut and two days after a New York appeals court extended his bond deadline to comply with a ruling in a civil fraud case and slashed the bond amount by 61%.

"Happy Holy Week! Let's Make America Pray Again," Trump wrote. "As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless The USA Bible."

Consider This from NPR

Why trump's persecution narrative resonates with christian supporters.

The Bible is inspired by "God Bless the USA," the patriotic Lee Greenwood anthem that has been a fixture at many a Trump rally (and has a long political history dating back to Ronald Reagan). It is the only Bible endorsed by Trump as well as Greenwood, according to its promotional website .

The Bible is only available online and sells for $59.99 (considerably more expensive than the traditional Bibles sold at major retailers, or those available for free at many churches and hotels). It includes Greenwood's handwritten chorus of its titular song as well as copies of historical documents including the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Pledge of Allegiance.

"Many of you have never read them and don't know the liberties and rights you have as Americans, and how you are being threatened to lose those rights," Trump said in a three-minute video advertisement.

"Religion and Christianity are the biggest things missing from this country, and I truly believe that we need to bring them back and we have to bring them back fast."

'You gotta be tough': White evangelicals remain enthusiastic about Donald Trump

Trump critics on both sides of the aisle quickly criticized the product, characterizing it as self-serving and hypocritical.

Conservative political commentator Charlie Sykes slammed him for "commodifying the Bible during Holy Week," while Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota critiqued him for "literally taking a holy book and selling it, and putting it out there in order to make money for his campaign."

Trump says the money isn't going to his campaign, but more on that below.

Klobuchar added that Trump's public attacks on others are "not consistent with the teachings of the Bible," calling this "one more moment of hypocrisy." Tara Setmayer, a senior adviser for anti-Trump Republican PAC the Lincoln Project, called it "blasphemous ."

And former Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, trolled Trump with a social media post alluding to his alleged extramarital affairs.

"Happy Holy Week, Donald," she wrote. "Instead of selling Bibles, you should probably buy one. And read it, including Exodus 20:14 ."

Christianity is an increasingly prominent part of his campaign

Trump has made a point of cultivating Christian supporters since his 2016 presidential campaign and remains popular with white evangelicals despite his multiple divorces, insults toward marginalized groups and allegations of extramarital affairs and sexual assault.

And his narrative of being persecuted — including in the courts — appears to resonate with his many Christian supporters.

Trump has increasingly embraced Christian nationalist ideas in public. He promised a convention of religious broadcasters last month that he would use a second term to defend Christian values from the "radical left," swearing that "no one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration."

He made similar comments in the Bible promotional video, in which he warned that "Christians are under siege" and the country is "going haywire" because it lost religion.

What to know about the debut of Trump's $399 golden, high-top sneakers

"We must defend God in the public square and not allow the media or the left-wing groups to silence, censor or discriminate against us," he said. "We have to bring Christianity back into our lives and back into what will be again a great nation."

Trump himself is not known to be particularly religious or a regular churchgoer. He long identified as Presbyterian but announced in 2020 that he identified as nondenominational .

A Pew Research Center survey released earlier this month found that most people with positive views of Trump don't see him as especially religious, but think he stands up for people with religious beliefs like their own.

Trump said in the promotional video that he has many Bibles at home.

"It's my favorite book," he said, echoing a comment he's made in previous years. "It's a lot of people's favorite book."

The Impact Of Christian Nationalism On American Democracy

Trump's relationship to the Bible has been a point of discussion and sometimes controversy over the years.

In 2020, amid protests over George Floyd's murder, he posed with a Bible outside a Washington, D.C., church, for which he was widely criticized. U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops had tear-gassed peaceful protesters in the area beforehand, seemingly to make way for the photo-op, though a watchdog report the following year determined otherwise .

That same year, a clip of a 2015 Bloomberg interview, in which Trump declines to name his favorite — or any — Bible verse resurfaced on social media and went viral.

Bible sales are unlikely to solve Trump's financial problems

An FAQ section on the Bible website says no profits will go to Trump's reelection campaign.

"GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign," it says.

However, the site adds that it uses Trump's name, likeness and image "under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC."

Trump is listed as the manager, president, secretary and treasurer of CIC Ventures LLC in a financial disclosure from last year.

Here's what happens if Trump can't pay his $454 million bond

Trump's sales pitch focuses on bringing religion back to America.

"I want to have a lot of people have it," he said at one point in the video. "You have to have it for your heart and for your soul."

But many are wondering whether Trump has something else to gain from Bible sales while facing under mounting financial pressure.

There's his presidential reelection campaign, which has raised only about half of what Biden's has so far this cycle. Trump acknowledged Monday that he "might" spend his own money on his campaign, something he hasn't done since 2016.

There's also his mounting legal expenses, as he faces four criminal indictments and numerous civil cases. Trump posted bond to support a $83.3 million jury award granted to writer E. Jean Carroll in a defamation case earlier this month, and was due to put up another $454 million in a civil fraud case this past Monday.

Trump is on the verge of a windfall of billions of dollars. Here are 3 things to know

His lawyers had said last week that they had approached 30 companies for help making bond, but doing so was a "practical impossibility" — prompting New York's attorney general to confirm that if Trump did not pay, she would move to seize his assets . On Monday, the appeals court reduced the bond amount to $175 million and gave Trump another 10 days to post it.

Trump has evidently been trying to raise money in other ways.

The day after the civil fraud judgment was announced, he debuted a line of $399 golden, high-top sneakers , which sold out in hours . The company behind his social media app, Truth Social, started trading on the Nasdaq exchange on Tuesday, which could deliver him a windfall of more than $3 billion — though he can't sell his shares for another six months.

• Donald J. Trump
• sales pitch
• Christianity

What to Know About Donald Trump’s New $60 Bible

“all americans need a bible in their home, and i have many. it’s my favorite book.”.

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Mother Jones illustration; Shealah Craighead/White House/ZUMA

One month after releasing a line of gilded high-tops for $399, Donald Trump revealed on Tuesday a new item: the Bible. “All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I have many,” the former president explained in a video promoting the country singer Lee Greenwood’s version of a King James translation, the “God Bless the USA Bible.”

“It’s my favorite book,” Trump added.

Throughout the rest of the clip, as if daring us into a collective disgust, Trump swerved through random opportunities to rail against bureaucrats and a country under threat—all while hawking a holy text.

But his latest sales pitch also prompted some legitimate questions. Such as: What the hell is going on? And: Excuse me? Here, we try to answer some of the queries.

So, that first question—what the hell—but more formally: What exactly is Trump promoting and how much will it cost me to shell out for this? 

Trump is encouraging his supporters to buy a Bible endorsed by himself and Lee Greenwood. It costs $59.99, without taxes or shipping included. That seems to sit on the more expensive end of Bibles on sale at Barnes & Noble . But those books presumably don’t include copies of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the handwritten lyrics to the chorus of Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”

The “God Bless the USA Bible” does include these items .

Trump is in a serious cash crunch . So is he going to make money with this Bible?

According to the book’s official site , the God Bless the USA Bible has nothing to do with Trump’s campaign. It is “not owned, managed, or controlled by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, CIC Ventures LLC, or any of their respective principals or affiliates.” Instead, Trump’s “name, likeness, and image” are being used “under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC.”

Wait, what is CIC Ventures LLC, though?

Okay, so CIC Ventures LLC is, according to the  Washington Post , basically a pipeline to Trump:

In [Trump’s] financial disclosure released last year, he’s identified as the [CIC Ventures LLC’s] “manager, president, secretary and treasurer” and the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust is identified as a 100 percent owner of the business. The same entity also receives royalties from his book “A MAGA Journey” and speaking engagements.

In case it’s not already obvious: if you look at the company’s documents, you’ll find the principal address for CIC Ventures LLC is 3505 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida. That is a Trump golf course . Moreover, in a 2022 disclosure, Nick Luna is listed as a manager. Luna was Trump’s personal assistant and body man.

So, I’m sorry, but let me ask again: Is Trump making money off this?

The New York Times reports that “according to a person familiar” (classic) Trump will receive royalties from sales.

You could have just said that.

I wanted to tell you about the other stuff I found. Any other questions?

Yes. Who is Lee Greenwood?

The country singer who wrote “God Bless the USA.” Greenwood is a fierce MAGA guy who otherwise made news after pulling out of an NRA concert in response to the Uvalde, Texas, mass shooting.

Does Greenwood have a Christmas album with an oddly sexual cover?

Yes. Look at this .

Perfect sweater. Anyway, I feel like I’m experiencing deja vu. Hasn’t Trump made headlines before with a Bible?

You’re probably recalling that despicable photo-op when Trump held up a Bible in front of St. John’s Church, which had been a location of racial justice protests in the days prior. There was a complicated saga, afterward, about whether or not Trump deployed the police to clear protesters to get to the church. An Inspector General’s report ultimately concluded that he did not.  

Man, it’s pretty rough remembering all the awful shit we went through with him as president.

Yep. If you ever want to wallow in political depression, check out this quick compilation .

But wait. Wasn’t there another time Trump and the Bible made waves for something far more stupid?

Christian nationalists adore Trump, so there have probably been many times that Trump has referenced the Bible. But you might also be thinking of this incredible clip of Trump attempting to name his favorite verse .

Has a presidential candidate ever partnered on a holy text sale with a country musician?

Not to my knowledge. But this is from a dude who just last week seemed to compare his current legal jeopardy with the persecution of Jesus Christ. Happy Easter!

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NASA tests snow cover measuring technology on largest mesa in the world

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. ( KKCO /Gray News) - Snow scientists from NASA and Boise State University were up on the Grand Mesa testing new radar technology to monitor snow cover Thursday, which is a part of NASA’s SnowEx campaign.

NASA said that no single satellite-borne sensor has yet been demonstrated to accurately measure the planet’s snow water equivalent.

Mapping the amount of snow on a mountain range can give an accurate idea of how much snow melt will go into rivers and streams, necessary for water management, flood forecasting, hydro-power forecasting, avalanche-related problems and much more.

Grand Mesa is one of 20 field sites where the technology is being tested.

The team of snow scientists gathered on the Grand Mesa, the largest mesa in the world, from their base of operations, the Grand Mesa Lodge, to work with an aircraft that took off from Grand Junction Regional Airport.

The aircraft used an instrument featuring radar sensors developed by the University of Massachusetts.

The team on the ground launched from the lodge to a testing site around 40 minutes away.

Hans Peter “HP” Marshall explained why Grand Mesa was an ideal location to test snow-measuring radar technology.

“Having a place like Grand Mesa that’s at 11,000 feet gives us a much better chance of having dry snow conditions and it’s a flat area. It’s the largest mesa in the world, and that allows us to test these instruments in a relatively simple topography.”

Snow melt-generated water supply provides around 70% of the western United States’ water supply, and it’s a prized commodity that is expected to decrease this century, NASA said.

In recent years, Northern Hemisphere snow cover has been declining at a rate greater than Arctic sea ice.

Copyright 2024 KKCO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

LSP reports fatal crash in Rapides Parish

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Get weekly news and analysis on the U.S. elections and how it matters to the world with the newsletter On the Campaign Trail. Sign up here.

Writing by Lisa Shumaker; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Bill Berkrot

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Thomson Reuters

Lisa's journalism career spans two decades, and she currently serves as the Americas Day Editor for the Global News Desk. She played a pivotal role in tracking the COVID pandemic and leading initiatives in speed, headline writing and multimedia. She has worked closely with the finance and company news teams on major stories, such as the departures of Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and significant developments at Apple, Alphabet, Facebook and Tesla. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized with the 2010 Desk Editor of the Year award and a Journalist of the Year nomination in 2020. Lisa is passionate about visual and long-form storytelling. She holds a degree in both psychology and journalism from Penn State University.

US, Israeli officials meet virtually on Rafah

Senior U.S. and Israeli officials held a virtual meeting on Monday to discuss the Biden administration's alternative proposals to an Israeli military invasion of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip opposed by Washington.

Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has appointed Planning Minister Judith Suminwa as the new prime minister, his spokesperson said on national television on Monday.