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7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Unsupported Claims

Too many cover letters from college students and recent grads say the applicant has “strong written and verbal communication skills.” Without evidence, it’s an empty boast. Give some examples for each claim you make. Employers need proof.

Writing a Novel

A cover letter should be no longer than one page. Employers are deluged with resumes and cover letters, and their time is scarce. Make sure your cover letter has three or four concise but convincing paragraphs that are easy to read. If your competitor’s letter rambles on for two pages, guess which candidate the employer will prefer.

The Nursing Cover Letter Quiz

1. True or False: You only need a cover letter when a job posting specifically asks for one.

True
False

Using the Same Cover Letter for Every Job and Company

Employers see so many cover letters that it’s easy for them to tell when you’re using a one-size-fits-all approach. If you haven’t addressed their company’s specific concerns, they’ll conclude you don’t care about this particular job.

It’s time-consuming but worthwhile to customize each letter for the specific job and company.

Not Sending a Real Cover Letter

Some job seekers — college students, recent grads and even those with years of work experience — don’t bother sending a cover letter with their resume. Others type up a one or two-sentence “here’s my resume” cover letter while others attach handwritten letters or sticky notes.

There is no gray area here: You must include a well-written, neatly formatted cover letter with every resume you send. If you don’t, you won’t be considered for the job.

Read the original article Avoid These 7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes on Monster.com.