Let’s talk about cover letters.
You probably know they’re an essential part of the job application process, but what you might not know is that most people get them wrong.
And when I say "wrong," I mean they're making mistakes that make them blend in with the other 300 applications employers get, rather than stand out.
You want to be memorable, right?
You want to be the person who makes them stop scrolling and say, “I need to talk to this candidate.”
Then listen up, because today we’re going to go over the 3 biggest mistakes people make in cover letters — and more importantly, how to fix them.
The number one mistake we see is when candidates write cover letters focused entirely on their personal needs or desires. And we get it — you’re looking for a job, you want to grow your career, you need a challenge, right? But here’s the harsh truth:
A cover letter is not about you. It’s about the employer.
Employers don’t care about your growth; they care about solving their own problems and meeting their business goals. If your cover letter starts with something like:
“I’m excited to apply for this position because I need a new challenge and I’m looking for a company where I can grow.”
You’re making it all about you. And, spoiler alert: they’re not interested in your journey unless it aligns with their goals.
The Fix: Focus on How You Can Help Them.
Instead of talking about your needs, shift the focus to their needs. Understand what challenges they’re facing, and show them how your skills and experience can help them solve those problems. Here’s how you fix that mistake:
“I noticed your company is expanding into new markets, and I’ve successfully led market-entry campaigns for other companies. I’m confident that my expertise in digital marketing and analytics will help your team achieve its growth targets.”
Example 1:
“I understand that your company is working to launch a new product line in a competitive market. In my previous role, I led a product launch that resulted in a 35% increase in sales within the first six months. I’m confident that my experience in product strategy and targeted marketing will help ensure the success of your upcoming launch.”
Example 2:
“Your company’s focus on sustainability really resonated with me, and I’ve helped similar organizations reduce their environmental footprint by 25% in the last year by implementing green initiatives. I’d love to contribute my expertise in sustainable operations to help you meet your environmental goals.”
See the difference? Now, you’re speaking directly to the employer's needs. You’ve demonstrated that you understand their business and have the skills to help them succeed.
Everyone claims to be a "hard worker" or a "team player" in their cover letters. But guess what? Those words don’t mean anything without proof. You could say you're the most dedicated person in the world, but if you don’t back it up with real examples, no one is going to believe you.
The Fix: Show, Don’t Tell.
It’s simple: instead of just saying “I’m a hard worker,” back it up with specific results. Talk about how you’ve contributed to your past roles in a way that directly benefits the employer. Here’s a comparison:
Weak Version:
“I am a hardworking employee who is always eager to contribute.”
Strong Version:
“At my previous job, I implemented a new project management system that reduced our team’s delivery time by 30%. By streamlining communication and workflow, I helped the team meet 98% of our deadlines. I know I can bring this efficiency to your team as well.”
Example 1:
“In my last position as a sales manager, I consistently exceeded my sales targets by 20%, thanks to my strategic approach to prospecting and building client relationships. I’m confident that my ability to drive revenue growth will directly benefit your company’s sales goals.”
Example 2:
“I led a cross-functional team in executing a marketing campaign that boosted web traffic by 40%. This success was driven by leveraging SEO, email marketing, and analytics — all skills I can bring to your marketing department to drive even greater success.”
See the difference? By showing measurable results, you’re proving your value rather than just telling them about it.
Look, I get it. You want to impress the employer. You want to make sure they know just how great you are. But here’s the truth: Hiring managers are busy. They don’t have time to read a novel. If your cover letter is more than one page, or worse — if it’s full of long-winded paragraphs — it’s getting skimmed (if it’s even read at all).
The Fix: Be Brief, Be Bold, Be Memorable.
You need to make your case quickly. Be clear, concise, and to the point. Don’t waste time with fluff. Your cover letter should highlight your key strengths, how they relate to the company’s goals, and why you’re the perfect fit — all within 3–4 short paragraphs. And end strong. Here’s how you can wrap it up:
“I’d love the chance to discuss how my skills in market expansion and digital marketing can help XYZ Company meet its goals. I’ll follow up in a few days to schedule a time to chat.”
Example 1:
“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to bring my expertise in operations management and cost reduction to XYZ Company. I’ve streamlined processes that saved previous employers over $500,000 annually, and I’m excited to help your company achieve similar efficiencies.”
That’s it. You’ve made your case in a short, sweet, and impactful way. And you’ve also shown them that you’re proactive and confident enough to follow up. No fluff, no rambling — just the good stuff.
To wrap it up: cover letters are your marketing tool. They’re not about what you want, they’re about how you can help the company reach its goals. When you stop thinking of it as a document where you talk about yourself and start thinking of it as a way to demonstrate how you can solve their problems — that’s when you’ll truly stand out.
Avoid these 3 mistakes, and you’ll immediately be ahead of the competition. Write a cover letter that puts the focus on what the employer wants, backs up your claims with evidence, and gets straight to the point. That’s the cover letter that will get you noticed — and ultimately, an interview.