words to avoid in cover letter

CVs & Résumés

20 horrifying cover..., 20 horrifying cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them.

The hiring managers have spoken.

• Updated 28 Aug 2024
• 11 min read

Chris Leitch

Editor-in-Chief & Résumé Expert

Reviewed by Electra Michaelidou

While cover letters have, to some extent, a bad rep and are viewed as unnecessary by many jobseekers and hiring managers alike, they can be a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers, market your unique selling points and demonstrate your written communication skills.

But there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about this document. And going the wrong way can only spell disaster for your job search efforts — and even your professional reputation.

We spoke to our recruiters and hiring decision-makers to share with you the 20 most common cover letter mistakes they hate seeing — so you know what to avoid to land your dream job.

1. Not writing one

The first of a very long list of cover letter mistakes, and perhaps the worst of all, is foregoing it entirely. Not including a cover letter in your job application only signals that you’re not genuinely interested in the job and, worse, you were too lazy to write one.

Even if the job description doesn’t specifically request a cover letter, it’s crucial that you send one, anyway. The only time you absolutely, categorically shouldn’t send a cover letter is when you’re asked not to. Which rarely ever happens.

2. Making it too long (or too short)

Hiring managers are busy creatures and don’t have the time (or the will) to read a novel in the form of a cover letter, which only suggests that you struggle to communicate concisely or prioritize the most relevant information.

Equally a turn-off is a cover letter of only a few lines, which tells hiring managers you have difficulty expressing your qualifications and enthusiasm effectively.

Aim for a total word count of between 250 and 400 words, and about 3–6 paragraphs. This translates to between three-quarters of a page to a maximum of one full page.

3. Discussing why you’re looking for a job

Overwhelming hiring managers with the reasons behind your job search can shift the attention away from the value you bring to the role — especially if those reasons have anything to do with financial need or dissatisfaction in your current job.

Focus on why you’re interested in the specific position and company that you’re applying to. Remember that the purpose of your cover letter is to demonstrate how and why you’re an asset.

4. Ignoring instructions

Employers will often include special instructions for applicants in job descriptions, such as answering a specific question in your cover letter or using a preferred file format.

Even accidentally missing these instructions could mean instant disqualification, as it demonstrates carelessness and disobedience — two things that employers are certainly not looking for.

Carefully read the job description (and then read it again ) to make sure you haven’t missed any instructions or specific requirements for your cover letter and overall job application.

5. Talking about salary expectations

When you include salary expectations in your cover letter, the only thing it tells employers is that you don’t really care about the job and that you’re only in it for the money. It can also be perceived as rude and unprofessional on your part.

Keep talk of salary to the job interview or when negotiating a job offer. Make sure you’re not the one to bring up the subject, though — leave it up to the hiring manager. Only ever discuss salary expectations in your cover letter if the job description requests this information.

6. Failing to end your letter with a compelling CTA

Not ending your cover letter with a call-to-action — or, worse, ending it with a generic or passive closing like “Thank you for your time and consideration” — is a wasted opportunity to reinforce your interest in the position and encourage the hiring manager or recruiter to reach out.

Always close your letter with a compelling CTA that will elicit a response. This should invite hiring managers to contact you, request an interview, or remind them why your accomplishments make you a great fit for the job — or a combination of these.

7. Addressing your letter to no one in particular

Starting your cover letter with “Dear Sir or Madam” or, worse, “To Whom it May Concern” is nothing short of impersonal. It also implies a lack of effort and interest in the job.

Worse, still, is foregoing the greeting entirely.

Address your letter (professionally!) to the person who will be reading it — you will often find their name listed in the job ad as a point of contact. If not, take the initiative to contact the company directly and ask them for a name. If all else fails, use “Dear Hiring Manager” — but only as a last resort.

8. Repeating your résumé

Simply using your cover letter to restate or recycle the same information from your résumé is a waste of space — and opportunity. Even if it’s worded slightly differently, hiring managers will lose interest, as it demonstrates a lack of creativity and originality.

Use your cover letter to complement — not regurgitate — your résumé by offering more context or sharing anecdotes that showcase your qualifications in action, and generally expanding on what you couldn’t in your résumé.

9. Not adding any value

A generic cover letter that reads like “Here’s my résumé — whatever” or a stock example of what hiring managers have already read won’t get you far. It shows a lack of interest and purpose.

Focus your letter on your achievements to provide proof of what you can do for the company you’re targeting. Make sure to quantify those achievements, too, with numbers, dollar amounts and percentages.

10. Using a different design from your résumé

One of the many things to avoid when putting your cover letter together is making it look completely different from your résumé. This is largely because it can give hiring managers the impression that the two documents aren’t connected — or, worse, that they belong to two different candidates.

Use the same fonts, colors and design elements across all your application documents (including your résumé, cover letter and list of references) to ensure a consistent personal brand. Consider investing in one of our résumé template packages if you’re not confident in your graphic design skills.

11. Ignoring employment gaps

While you typically won’t have the opportunity to address any employment gaps in your résumé , you will in your cover letter. If you waste this opportunity, it can raise red flags for hiring managers, who may assume the worst or become skeptical about your qualifications and commitment.

Make it a point to address employment gaps, but don’t dwell on them too much. Focus on how you stayed productive during those gaps (like freelancing, volunteering or upskilling), while emphasizing the skills and qualifications you gained.

12. Using a weak opening

“My name is John Smith and I’m applying for the X position at Company ABC.” That’s how most of the cover letters we’ve seen start off. And it’s bland and boring, and it loses the hiring manager’s interest from the get-go.

Feel free to be a little creative with your cover letter’s opening to really grab the reader’s attention. Take this opening paragraph for a proofreader cover letter for example: “Can you spot the the mistake? If so, kudos to you! But if not, it’s my job to catch those little typos so you don’t have to.”

13. Failing to research the company

When you don’t research the company that you’re applying to before you start writing your cover letter, you effectively miss the opportunity to learn about and really understand the company’s values, goals and culture. This amplifies the risk of writing a generic, impersonal letter.

Take the time to research the company , and use the information you gather to write your letter. This includes mentioning specific projects, news or challenges the organization is facing.

14. Making it all about you

“It’s my cover letter, so it should be about me.” While that is true to some extent, a cover letter that’s centered entirely on your own needs can seem self-serving, which isn’t the kind of quality that employers look for in employees.

Instead of mentioning what the job and company can do for you (for example: “to further develop my retail skills”), focus on what you bring to the role and how your skills and past experiences can help the company succeed.

15. Going off topic

One of the worst cover letter mistakes you can make is going off topic, as it shifts the focus away from what really matters: why you’re the right candidate for the job. This includes sharing uncomfortable life or professional experiences, the reason you quit your last job, or details about every job you ever had.

Keep your letter focused and aligned with the job you’re applying for, and only share the most relevant information that markets your top skills, achievements and qualifications.

16. Using the wrong tone

While the cover letter is a professional document, that doesn’t mean the tone should be overly formal. Indeed, it only makes your letter sound impersonal, cold and rather stiff. Likewise, an overly casual tone can come across as unprofessional.

Strike the right balance between professional, and friendly and conversational. You can achieve this by using clear, concise and easy-to-understand language, while avoiding jargon and complex sentence structures.

17. Sending the same letter for every application

Hiring managers can spot a one-size-fits-all cover letter from a mile away. And the worst thing about a generic, impersonal cover letter is that it tells employers you’re not exactly bothered whether you work for them or potentially their competitor. This calls your loyalty into question, if you were to land a job with them.

Tailor your cover letter to every company that you apply to. This can be achieved by mentioning company details and addressing job-specific details in your letter, as well as naturally incorporating important keywords from the job description.

18. Bringing attention to weaknesses

You might feel the urge to address, explain or even apologize for any weaknesses (for example, when you’re not familiar with a specific software), but doing so will only make hiring managers start to question your qualifications and candidacy as a whole.

Focus on showcasing your strengths and value. If you’re concerned about a weakness, subtly address it by demonstrating how you’re actively working on it, or frame it as an opportunity for growth without explicitly mentioning it.

19. Using flattery

While it’s okay to mention how you hold the company’s values, mission or culture in high regard, throwing in random compliments or going overboard with unnecessary flattery will make you sound insincere, insecure or desperate.

Feel free to mention specific aspects of the company that you admire, but frame them in the context of how you can contribute, and align your skills, experience and values to the employer’s needs.

20. Forgetting to proofread before submission

Many hiring managers will often review your application by first reading your cover letter. And if it’s riddled with grammar and spelling mistakes , they likely won’t even bother reading your résumé, as their initial impression of you is one of carelessness, poor communication skills and a lack of professionalism.

Always make the time to proofread your cover letter (and proofread it again!) before sending your application. It’s also a good idea to ask a trusted friend or relative to read over it, too, as they’ll be able to give you some constructive feedback.

Final thoughts

Because cover letters are so intimidating to write, it’s easy to mess them up. And when that happens, it can get in the way of securing the job you’re applying for, even if you’re the most qualified candidate.

But if you’re aware of the things to avoid when writing your cover letter, including the mistakes we covered in this article, you’ll know what to do instead — and get one step closer to your dream job .

Can you think of any other cover letter mistakes worth mentioning? Let us know in the comments section below.

This article is a complete update of an earlier version originally published on March 28, 2018.

Cover Letters

Job Applications

7 Cover Letter Words and Phrases That Are Costing You the Job

You want this job. You’re putting everything you’ve got into this  cover letter . You’ve tailored it to the role and company, written an amazing opening , and made sure you’re showing just enough enthusiasm . But still, you want to go that extra mile. You want to make sure you’re not using cover letter words and phrases that the hiring manager has read a hundred times already. You want even the most jaded, exhausted hiring manager to perk up and pay extra attention.

You’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of words and phrases that can sabotage even the greatest cover letters—and will tell you what to write instead.

1. “I think I’d be a great fit…”

When I was in high school, my English teacher told us never to use “I think” in an essay because if we were writing something, well, it was obvious that was what we thought. The same holds true for cover letters. Not only are “I think,” “I feel,” “I believe,” and so on redundant, they also make you sound insecure.

Alternatives to “I think I’d be a great fit…”

Get rid of every “opinion phrase” in your cover letter. Ninety nine percent of the time, you won’t even have to reword the sentence. For example, instead of saying, “I’m confident my communication skills would make me a strong project manager,” write, “My communication skills would make me a strong project manager.” It’s shorter, simpler, and more convincing.

Sure, you could say you’re “a good writer” or “good at working with other people.” But there are so many options out there, and they’re almost all more powerful than “good.”

Alternatives to “good”

Replace “good” with one of these descriptors:

• Experienced
• Accomplished

Note: Make sure the alternative you choose accurately represents your skill or experience. If you’ve got two years’ worth of recruiting under your belt, you’d probably want to call yourself a “skilled,” “capable,” or “enthusiastic” recruiter rather than an “expert” or “experienced” one.

3. “This job would help me because…”

You, your friends, and your family members care why this job would help you. But the hiring manager does not. All they care about is finding the best person for the role. Read: They want to hire the person who would help them the most. So if you find yourself explaining how this position would help you develop your leadership skills, learn more about your desired industry, or get established as a thought leader—hit the delete key.

Alternatives to “This job would help me because…”

You do need to explain how you would help them.

Here’s the magic formula: your abilities + the company’s needs = desirable results.

Let’s say you’re applying for a front-end engineering job. By following this formula, you’d get:

“My four years of experience with open-source JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3, combined with my passion for building responsive web applications, would allow me to create elegant, maintainable, and functional front-end code—and ultimately make Panther’s products even more user-friendly than they already are.”

4. “As you can see on my resume…”

This is a common filler phrase. But if the hiring manager can see something on your resume, announcing its presence is unnecessary.

Alternatives to “As you can see on my resume…”

All you have to do is remove this phrase—no other changes needed! So instead of saying, “As you can see on my resume, I’ve been working in marketing and PR for the last five years,” you’d write, “I’ve been working in marketing and PR for the last five years.” Bonus: Your directness will project confidence.

5. “I’m the best candidate because…”

Confidence is good, but arrogance is not. And even if you’re sure that you’d be an absolutely fantastic choice, you don’t know you’re the best . Imagine reading through six cover letters in a row from people who all claim to be “the best candidate.” That would get annoying pretty quickly, right?

To stay on the hiring manager’s good side, refrain from using “best.” Along similar lines, I’d also stay away from “ideal” and perfect.”

Alternatives to “I’m the best candidate because…”

You want to choose descriptors that are in between “good” and best.” Words like:

• Outstanding

6. “To whom it may concern”

There’s no quicker way to communicate to a hiring manager that you’re not truly interested in a job than to address your cover letter in such a bland, impersonal way. Not only does it sound old fashioned, but it tells whoever’s reading that you couldn’t be bothered to figure out the name of the hiring manager, an HR employee, or even the department you’d be working for. 

Alternatives to “To whom it may concern”

Your first choice for addressing a cover letter is always the hiring manager for the position. If you can’t figure out who the hiring manager is, read this list of other options —all of which are infinitely better than “To whom it may concern.”

7. “I may not have a lot of experience, but…”

…or any other phrase that  apologizes for not meeting the exact requirements for a position . Your cover letter is a place to make the strongest case possible for yourself, so you don’t want to bring in any negatives.

Alternatives to “I may not have a lot of experience, but…”

Just get rid of this phrase. Instead, focus on the qualifications you do have and all the unique ways you’d be great at this job.

Done cutting? Great, now go send the thing!

Regina Borsellino contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

• Find a company

10 tired phrases to ban from your cover letter

May 27, 2024

Freelance writer and translator, ex-recruiter

Ever feel like your cover letters are just a tired and uninspiring introduction to your hard-earned resume ? Are you churning out the same old phrases over and over again for every role? You may be tempted to start phoning it in, but a recent survey found that 94% of hiring managers say cover letters influence who they decide to interview. So, if you think yours may be lacking, it’s time to breathe some new life into your cover letter!

Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase a bit of personality, bridge any gaps in your CV, and start winning over the hiring manager, so we asked Wendy Briones Reimann , cover letter expert and founder of Lighthouse Writing to offer some advice on ditching boring, repetitive cover letters and crafting something compelling, interesting and personal to you to help you land those interviews. Check out 10 common phrases you should erase from your cover letter and learn what to say instead.

1. “To whom it may concern”

With the internet at our fingertips, this header can come across as lazy when a simple LinkedIn search could likely give you the name of the person you need. Even if you can’t find the name of the person you’re addressing, there are more modern options to choose from that don’t immediately send the reader into snooze mode. Reimann recommends, “If you do not know the name of the person you’re addressing, but you know the department you can say, ‘Dear Finance Department Leadership Team’ so that it’s at least a bit more specific.”

If you have the name, she suggests you write to that person and their team, e.g. Dear Ms. Reimann and team – using the correct moniker of course. “The other [thing] I tell people to use instead of ‘to whom it may concern’ is ‘Dear Hiring Committee,’ because at least you’re addressing someone and often hiring is done by a committee now.” Whatever you do, don’t go too far outside the box and opt for something informal like, “Hey how are you?” Cover letters still need a degree of formality.

2. “Hello, I’m applying for…”

After the introduction, the opening sentence of your cover letter should grab the reader’s attention. Yes, it might be stating the obvious when you’re applying for a job, but Reimann encourages you to show some enthusiasm. “‘Hello, I’m applying for…’ is really dry and not super fun to read, but you can elevate that language by saying, ‘I am eager to speak to you about X’ or ‘I am eager to apply for X.’ For example, ‘I am eager to apply for the financial management position at Coca-Cola listed on your website.’ Then immediately jump into a quality.”

The idea is that you immediately address the company name so the reader knows your cover letter has been tailored to this company and role. Reimann explains that “the most important thing is customization. So many people do a generic cover letter that they send to everyone and they really should tailor it to the specific company and job. Once somebody realizes it’s generic, they just toss it and you’ve wasted an opportunity to say something about yourself .” So, once you’ve shown your enthusiasm and included the role and company name, you can then add something like, “Managing finances at JP Morgan and studying international business at Harvard University has prepared me to step into this leadership role.”

3. “I’m a good communicator”

Are you really, though? According to Reimann, “Everyone says [they have] great communication skills and that’s not always true . Companies expect you to be able to communicate so that one is a given.” If communication skills are an important part of the role you’re applying for, Reimann suggests that you “Show, don’t tell — share a fact that demonstrates your communication skills.” If not, then highlight more relevant, role-specific skills.

4. “I’m a team player”

We live in a collaborative world, and to an extent, everyone needs to be a team player. You’re just stating the obvious here. Still, you need to think show, don’t tell . “When you say ‘I’ve actively led a project,’ they know that you can communicate, collaborate, and use Microsoft Word just from that one sentence (mentioning MS Word is another one of Reimann’s pet peeves to strike from your cover letter and resume). You don’t have to keep listing basic skills. Instead, you can focus on softer skills or unique hard skills that you have.” For example, if you have a special certification or know how to use certain software, that’s something concrete that shows what value you would bring to the position, rather than overused buzzwords .

5. “I’m a go-getter”

Reading clichéd language can leave a bad taste in a recruiter’s mouth, and that’s not what you want when trying to land an interview. If you want to show you’re ambitious , do it by showcasing your goals or explaining your biggest achievements and how you accomplished them.

6. “I’m leaving my company because…”

While your reasons for leaving your current role are certainly valid, it’s never a good idea to speak negatively about your previous employer. Reimann cautions against bad-mouthing anyone in a cover letter. “Criticism or any type of negativity in your cover letter should absolutely be avoided. People do it, they say something negative about their previous company and it’s a big no.” Focus on what you’ve achieved there or how you’ve overcome challenges and keep it positive. Emphasize why you want to join another company, not why you want to leave your old one.

7. “I think you should change…”

While it may seem like common sense not to criticize the company you’re applying to, Reimann says that people try to stand out by shining a light on something they feel a potential employer should change. The problem? It can be easily misinterpreted. “It comes off as critical or negative and you don’t know how they feel about what they are doing.” Instead, mention something you think the company is doing that’s interesting, but keep your cover letter about you, your experience, and your motivations. Save the criticism for when you’ve got the job.

8. “I will fix things”

Everyone wants to sound confident when they’re applying for a new role, and that’s a good thing. You want to be convincing and not seem hesitant in your abilities. However, Reimann cautions, “There’s a fine line between confident and arrogant . Phrases like ‘I will do X,’ ‘you need X,’ or ‘I’ll improve your bottom line’ sound more arrogant than confident.” Reimann’s tip for fixing it? “I use the words ‘I believe.’ When you say ‘I believe,’ people connect it to your self-confidence. So, at the end of a cover letter you can say something like, ‘I believe I can make an immediate impact on your team and I look forward to speaking with you further.’ That sounds confident but gentle and open. If you want to say ‘I know,’ I usually tell people to state the facts like, ‘I know the importance of a good financial system and I believe I can build one for you.’”

9. “I have successfully led ERP implementations utilizing PMBOK methodologies to maximize ROI”

Did you find that easy to understand? Acronyms should be avoided in cover letters. Why? Reimann explains, “When you include acronyms, oftentimes people think they’re industry acronyms but they’re not. They’re internal acronyms that your own company developed, and the person reading it is thinking, ‘I don’t know what you mean by these ten acronyms that you used.’” It’s best to just write out the words for clarity and not to get hung up on industry jargon .

You’re probably not including this, but it’s on example of casual language that isn’t appropriate in a cover letter. However, traditional farewells like “Yours Sincerely” can be a little dry or out-dated. Luckily, Reimann has a few tips for closing your cover letter like a pro:

• Express that you’re interested in speaking with them further (people often forget that!).
• Reiterate that you’re excited and eager.
• Mention that you’ve included copies of your resume.
• If the recruiter is already in your network, you can suggest a meeting or be a little less formal.
• Finish with “Kinds Regards,” “Best regards,” or “Best”
• Don’t forget to type your name! Lots of people sign emails with a single initial but don’t do that here.

To put it simply, a killer cover letter is a crucial tool in your job-hunting armory, so it’s worth spending some time to get it right. Just be sure to:

• Be specific about who you are and why you’re interested in the role
• Keep things formal
• Be enthusiastic
• Show, don’t tell
• Write with confidence, not arrogance
• Always include a great opening and closing line

Photo: Thomas Descamps for Welcome to the Jungle

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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. In This Article    Skip to section 15 cover letter mistakes Frequently asked questions about cover letter mistakes Final thoughts on cover letters Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs 15 cover letter mistakes

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.

Frequently asked questions about cover letter mistakes

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.

Final thoughts on cover letters

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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• Cover Letter Mistakes

Words and phrases you should never include in your cover letter

Related stories:.

It goes without saying that you always want to present yourself in the best possible light when you’re job searching. From how you structure your resume to what you say during a job interview, it all counts towards (and against) you during the selection and hiring process. But knowing what to say — or not say — in your cover letter is particularly important. Use the right wording, and you’re golden. Write the wrong thing, and your entire job application can get pitched in the “thanks, but no thanks” pile.

Read on for these words and phrases that you should never include in your cover letter.

Here are some words and phrases to avoid in your cover letter:

“I’m confident I’m the perfect person for the job.”

Yes, confidence is a very good thing…except when you broadcast it on a job application. It can be a turnoff to a potential employer who might then look to see how you’re not the ideal candidate for the position. You can show your confidence in other ways, such as by making sure that your resume and cover letter are customized to the job description , citing specific work experiences, skills, and education that are needed for the job. Let your experience speak for itself—and keep your opinions about yourself to, well, yourself.

“I need this job because … ”

You might need the job because you’ve been job searching for a while. You might need the job because money is super tight, or because the job has a flexible schedule, which meets your need to work remotely. No matter what your reason is, it’s most likely personal, and personal doesn’t play out well in the professional world. Although you might think that you’ll be appealing to a hiring manager’s softer side, it might just wind up irking him instead.

“I would like to know the salary range for this job … ” or “I’m requesting a salary of … ”

Talking money during the job interview process is a tricky topic, and even more taboo when you’ve just only applied for the position. While it would be lovely if all employers put the salary range in their job descriptions, most don’t. By asking upfront about money, it could come across to a potential employer that that’s all you care about, not the job itself or working for that specific company. So as much as you’re dying to know what the job pays, it’s best to wait until later on in the hiring process when you’re actually offered the job—and then you can negotiate salary .

“I think … ”

It’s not really necessary to state “I think” anywhere in your cover letter because, by its nature, everything you’ve written is what you think. Attaching “I think” to any sentence can undermine its efficacy, so it’s best to avoid “I think,” and its sister phrases, like, “I believe,” and “I feel.”

“I would be a good fit.”

Of course you think you’d be a good fit—why else would you apply for the position? Instead of asserting your opinion, show an employer instead why you’d be a good fit by highlighting examples of past work experience, education, or skills that make them think, “Wow, this job candidate would be a good fit!”

“To whom it may concern:”

Many job descriptions have a point person, whether it’s your potential boss, a recruiter, or a hiring manager. Your cover letter should be addressed to that individual , even if they’re not going to be your actual boss, should you get hired for the job. “To whom it may concern” can come across as cold or aloof, and that’s not the impression you want to give. If there’s no name listed, try doing some research to see if you can uncover who the point person would be for the job. And if all else fails, contact the company and speak with an HR person to get the info.

Words to avoid in your cover letter:

“Good”

Good is just that—good. It’s not fab nor is it horrible. It’s just kind of mediocre, and that is not the impression you want to give to a hiring manager about you or your abilities. So saying that your Spanish language skills are “good” doesn’t give your interviewer much of an idea of how good you really are. Are you fluent, or are you still rocking your high school Spanish? Substitute more descriptive words for good with ones like “strong” or “excellent.” Even “great” will do, too.

“Best”

Who doesn’t want to be the best at something (or several things)? But no matter how awesome you are at something, no one is ever the absolute best at anything. Replace the word “best” with more humble descriptive words like “skilled,” “accomplished,” “experienced,” or “successful.” Those still convey the idea of being the best, without being boastful.

“Feel” or “Believe”

You might strongly believe that you’d be a great fit at the organization, and feel it with all of your heart. Thing is, personal feelings have no place in your cover letter . Rewrite the sentence to not include these words, or drop it entirely. Believe us.

“Detail-oriented”

No matter what position you apply for, you should be detail-oriented. But including it as one of your assets isn’t really going to impress anyone. The term is so overused that, frankly, it’s lost its meaning. Rather than write that you’re detail-oriented, cite an example that shows it!

“Love”

Sure, you might love your industry or love the company you’re applying to, but love doesn’t always have a place on a cover letter. Let your passion shine through by talking about what got you into the field in the first place, or what specifically about the company’s culture appeals to you. Using more specific terms can show the love without having to literally spell it out.

This article first appeared on FlexJobs .

11 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

When it comes to the job application process, cover letters are as relevant as ever.

They complement your resume and can effectively set you apart from a sea of other candidates…

And yet, most job-seekers tend to make the same common cover letter mistakes (which can even cost them the job).

To prevent you from making the same mistakes, we compiled this list of job-seekers' 11 most common cover letter mistakes.

Avoid these mistakes, and you’re well on your way to landing your next job!

Ready? Let’s dive in! 

11 Cover Letter Mistakes (That You Should Avoid)

Mistake #1. making it all about yourself.

“How can I not make it about myself,” you might think. “After all, this is my cover letter.”

Well, yes, but here’s the thing.

You should use your cover letter to better explain why you’re the perfect fit for the company, not as free space to talk about yourself. Think about what the recruiter wants to read, not only what you want to say. 

Specifically, do talk about a few relevant strengths and noteworthy achievements that will highlight your skills for the position (that you couldn’t elaborate on your resume). 

Don’t overuse “I,” don’t start sharing your life story as if your cover letter is your autobiography, and don’t come up with irrelevant competencies you just assume will make you look good. Huge cover letter mistakes.   

Mistake #2. Repeating your resume

There’s a quote by Zig Ziglar that says: “ repetition is the mother of learning. ” Great quote, but it still doesn’t justify using your cover letter to repeat your resume. 

Recruiters want you to prove that you’re worth the job. But if they open your cover letter and re-read your resume (which they’ve surely already read), you’d have made a big cover letter mistake. 

If you have nothing new to say, you can explain in more detail how one of your achievements prepared you for the job you’re applying for, or how you can contribute to the company’s mission. Anything that will add value instead of just listing out your job history and responsibilities will do.  

Want to promote your personal brand and make a lasting impression as a candidate? Match your cover letter with your resume! All of the Novorésumé resume templates come with a matching cover letter design. So, just pick a style you like and get started now!

Mistake #3. Exceeding one page 

Your cover letter shouldn’t be an autobiography.

You might be tempted to go on and on and describe your entire career history, but that’s simply not what the cover letter is for.

A good cover letter has 3 main objectives:

• To (briefly) introduce you and your career goals
• To summarize your (relevant) professional background
• To explain anything that you didn’t have space for in your resume, but that the recruiter should know

As such, the ideal cover letter length is 250-400 words long or between three to six paragraphs . 

Mistake #4. Mass sending a cover letter

Ideally, your cover letters should be tailored to each job that you apply for. 

A generic cover letter that you just copy and paste from an internet sample shows you submitted one just because you have to, not out of genuine interest for the position. 

Your cover letter should show that you put in the effort—that’s what makes all the difference. 

If, however, you’re applying to many jobs and don’t really have the time to write, say, 20 cover letters, make sure to at least customize the company’s and the hiring manager’s name in each. 

Wondering how to start off your cover letter? Our guides on how to start a cover letter can help you with that! 

Mistake #5. Using cliches without backing them up

As you’re writing your cover letter, you might be tempted to use phrases like “I’m an excellent team player,” “dedicated problem-solver,” or “great communicator.” 

Which is fair - these are very important skills but any job out there.

Here’s the thing, though: these buzzwords are used so often in resumes & cover letters today that they’ve become cliches.

Sure, you can claim to be a “great communicator,” but so do all the other applicants.

The only case we do recommend mentioning such cliches is when you can actually back them up with your past experiences.

So instead of saying “I’m a great communicator,” you say “I’m a great communicator, as proven by Experience A, B, and C.”

Developed teamwork skills by coordinating with 10 other people on my project team to develop and deliver software solutions for the client both behind budget and ahead of schedule.

Mistake #6. Being too formal...or too informal

Look, extremes are rarely your friend. 

So, just like your instinct probably tells you that addressing the hiring manager like you would a friend isn’t the brightest idea, you should also refrain from being overly formal. 

Dear Sarah,

I’d like to apply for the role of junior project manager at Company X.

Hey Sarah, what’s up?

Name’s John and I’m here for that project manager gig!

Our guide on how to address a cover letter shows you the best ways to address a cover letter without being overly formal, or informal. 

Mistake #7. Typos and grammar mistakes

Out of all cover letter mistakes to avoid, typos and grammar mistakes should be the easiest. 

Microsoft Word will underline your typos red and your grammar mistakes green, but you have the option of easily proofreading your cover letter no matter where you’re writing it. 

A simple spell-checker and software like Grammarly should be enough to save you from this dreary, but easily avoidable, mistake.  

Mistake #8. Unnecessary flattery

You don’t need to write a love letter to the company for the hiring manager to like you. 

Sure, if you hold the company’s values, mission, or culture at a high standard, feel free to mention how it inspires you professionally. 

But if you just use your cover letter to throw random compliments at the company with the hopes the recruiter will like you, you’re in for an unpleasant surprise. 

Remember: you want to (smartly) flatter your achievements, not the company. 

Mistake #9. Going off-topic

Going off-topic is a big no-no when it comes to cover letters.

You might think it’s OK, as long as you’re talking about work, but explaining the backstories of your professional decisions will get you nothing but a yawn from the recruiter.

For example, opening up to the hiring manager about how you decided to leave your job because you broke up with your girlfriend is (as you might imagine) totally going off-topic and definitely too much information (even if that’s the reason you did quit your job). 

Generally, in your cover letter, refrain from discussing:  

• Your weaknesses (unless they’re asking about them at an interview)
• Uncomfortable life/professional experiences
• Details of every job you ever had 
• Reasons, excuses, or details on why you were fired from a past job (again, unless asked at an interview)

Mistake #10. Not following specific instructions

Did your teacher ever tell you to carefully read the test questions before starting to answer? 

Rightfully so! Sometimes, we hurry so much to get something done that we completely miss what we are being asked in the first place. 

You don’t want that cover letter mistake to happen to you, so read the job description carefully before you start writing your resume and cover letter.

If the hiring manager has any specific requirements about the cover letter’s content or format, you’ll find them in the job description. It might even happen that the position doesn’t require a cover letter at all, so give this part its due attention. 

If the job description doesn’t provide any specifications, your best bet is to submit your cover letter in PDF format.

Want to go the extra mile and impress the recruiter with your attention to detail? Use the same design as in your resume.

Mistake #11. Forgetting to sign your cover letter

Signing your cover letter goes a long way to showing business etiquette and attention to detail, so make sure to do that! 

If you’re sending your cover letter and job application as part of an email, though, then you don’t have to sign your cover letter. 

In any case, pay extra attention to how you end your cover letter. People are bound to remember the ending of things, so you want to conclude your cover letter as politely and memorably as possible. 

Not sure what that means? Our article on how to end a cover letter will show you all you need to know! 

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap! We hope you know what cover letter mistakes to look out for when you start writing. Here are a few of the main points we covered: 

• Don’t overuse “I” in your cover letter. Instead, focus on describing a few of your most noteworthy achievements, relevant to the position.
• Using your cover letter to repeat your resume is a cover letter mistake you must avoid.
• Avoid using cliches such as “team player,” “great communicator” and the sorts when you’re describing yourself. Instead, prove your skills by backing them up with your professional experiences.
• Make sure you proofread your cover letter before submitting it; typos and grammar mistakes are intolerable cover letter mistakes.

Related Readings: 

• Top Cover Letter Examples in 2024
• How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

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15 words and phrases to never include in a cover letter

While many job applications have the word “optional” next to the field that asks for a cover letter , it shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, a cover letter is intended to show you off and captivate a hiring manager, kind of like a movie trailer. It’s meant to tease and entice the recruiter or hiring manager to keep reading and be so interested in you that they simply cannot put down your resume. Think: personable and professional.

Some of the best cover letters tell interesting stories about the candidate and help them to be seen as a good culture fit for a company . “Recruiters always remember the personal side of cover letters — this is when you become more than just another applicant,” says career expert Heather Huhman. “They connect your experiences with your name because you’re giving them another dimension of you, sharing what makes you unique.”

Given the importance of a cover letter, you cannot afford to blow it. Once you’ve got a working draft, it’s time to grab your red pen. Here are 15 words and phrases that are simply dragging your cover letter down. Cut ‘em! Take the expert advice below to craft the best cover letter possible and let your personality , not robotic prose, shine through.

1. “To Whom It May Concern”

Generic salutations, while professional, can be a bit sterile. Do a little digging to find the name of the hiring manager or the recruiter. “Let’s say you discover an opening for an electrical engineer position at an engineering organization’s website. The position description indicates the employee will report to the lead electrical engineer. You decide (initially) to bypass the company’s automated application system so you can customize your communications,” advises Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, master resume writer. “You sail over to LinkedIn and begin researching. Use the advanced search feature and type in ‘name of company’ for the company name, ‘lead electrical engineer’ for keywords and ‘64152’ for a zip code for greater Kansas City (where the company headquarters and this position are located) and click enter. Your results will appear.”

2. “Thinking outside of the box”

Recruiters read thousands of cover letters and resumes. It’s their job. So try hard to make reading your cover letter a treat. Career coach Angela Copeland says, “more specifically, stay away from phrases that are known to annoy hiring managers, such as ‘heavy lifting’ or ‘think outside the box’ or ‘game-changer.’” Be creative instead of using meaningless buzzwords.

3. “I’m not sure if you know”

“When it comes to today’s job search process, another thing to remember is your online footprint ,” says Copeland. Phrases like this one underestimate a recruiter’s ability to Google and may come across as naive. HR professionals and recruiters do their due diligence on you. Trust us, they know. “In a way, your Google search results are a lot like the modern day cover letter. After an employer reads your cover letter, they will also Google you. Beat them to the punch and Google yourself. Be sure you’re comfortable with the information that shows up on the first two pages of the Google search results. Look through social media , photos and any other websites that show up when you search for yourself.”

4. Insider Jargon

“Job seekers should try to minimize phrases that are very industry-specific, especially if they’re switching industries,” advises Copeland. “Although these phrases may sound impressive within one industry, they will most likely confuse your hiring manager in the new industry you want to switch to.”

5. Claims Without Evidence

Instead of simply saying you’re good at what you do, Huhman advises providing a valuable anecdote. “Let’s say you’re applying for a marketing director position. Among other aspects in the description, the job requires several years of marketing experience, a deep knowledge of lead generation and strong communication skills. Describe how, in your previous role as a marketing manager , you ran several campaigns for your clients and exceeded their expectations of lead generation (with specific numbers, if possible), and how you also trained and mentored new associates on how to manage their own accounts, which improved client retention rates.” In other words, show how effective you have been in the past. “Your anecdote is accomplishing a lot at once — it’s demonstrating one of your top hard skills, lead nurturing, and showcasing how you can collaborate with trainees, communicate effectively and educate new employees on processes and client relations,” says Huhman. “You’re proving that you can meet the communication standards and marketing knowledge they’re seeking.”

Cut the millennial speak. “You shouldn’t just say that you want the job or that you love your industry. You have to show your passion,” says Huhman. “Share why your career path best suits you and how your love for your work drives and motivates you. For example, answer some questions about what made you want to enter the field, how your personality helps you succeed and what past experiences influenced your career decisions.”

“ Embellishing in a cover letter is one way to set yourself up for letting down your future employer once you’ve been hired,” warns Huhman. Steer clear of touting skills you don’t really possess or overselling your impact on a key project at your current employer. “The best-case scenario is that lying on a cover letter creates uncomfortable situations. Worst case scenario? [You’ll lose the] job because [you are] not the candidate they were looking for.”

8. Flattery

“When you’re looking for a job, do your best to bring your authentic self to the table. As the old saying goes, people hire people. Often, you’re hired because the hiring manager likes you — not just because you can do the work,” says Copeland. “Nobody likes insincere flattery. It leaves an impression that you aren’t authentic and therefore can’t be trusted. In business, especially in an employee/employer relationship, trust is paramount. Avoid being insincere, and focus on building a true relationship with your future hiring manager.”

9. “Please feel free”

Ending your cover letter with a clear call-to-action is key, but instead of being gentle, be direct. Show your confidence and prove to the recruiter that you know you wrote a compelling cover letter by wrapping up with a more self-assured request for an in-person interview or phone screen.

10. “Dynamic”

“Get away from stuffing cover letters full of clichéd phrases and think clear, honest and impactful. Think in terms of telling a story,” says resume expert Anish Majumdar. “You’re not a dynamic, agile leader who can deliver rapid marketing and biz dev ROI in rapidly-changing environments.” Instead, you are someone who thrives on helping companies “more fully realize their vision, and have some amazing successes on the marketing and business development front that you’d like to discuss.”

11. “Significant”

Instead of tiptoeing around the impact you’ve had at your current company with words like “significant,” “measurable” or “huge,” get specific. Nicole Cox, Chief Recruitment Officer at national recruiting firm Decision Toolbox, advises job seekers to, “substantiate your accomplishments with numbers. Some recruiters prefer to see actual numbers (such as ‘cut manufacturing costs by $500,000’), while others prefer percentages (‘cut manufacturing costs by 15 percent’). Either way, provide enough context to show the impact. If your objective was to cut manufacturing costs by 10 percent, make it clear that you exceeded the goal.”

12. “Really, truly, deeply”

Flowery language and excessive adverbs can come off as insincere. “Don’t get me wrong, you need to share your accomplishments in your cover letter. Nobody else will do it for you. But, you want to come across as confident , not arrogant,” says Copeland. “Fluffy jargon will risk turning off the hiring manager.”

13. Cut, Copy & Paste

Resist the temptation to write a cover letter that regurgitates what you’ve outlined in your resume . Instead, recognize the opportunity that a cover letter presents. “Use the cover letter as an opportunity to highlight the parts of your resume that align to the job,” says Copeland. “And, add things you don’t normally include in your resume that are relevant to the work. For example, I once coached a job seeker who was a university administrator. He was interested to work for a large hotel chain. Although he didn’t have direct hotel experience, his hobbies included both real estate investing and managing a fitness franchise location. This information was critical to him landing a job with the large hotel company.”

14. “Self-Starter,” “Detail-Oriented,” and “Forward-Thinker”

These are what’s known as “frequent offenders” amongst cover letter and resume experts. They are overused and carry little weight these days. “Treat a cover letter as a chance to make a human connection , not a formality,” says Majumdar. “What gets you excited about this job? What have you been up to recently that they’d find interesting? What should they know about you that they couldn’t discern by reading your resume? All great points to touch on in this letter.”

15. Synonyms Out of A Thesaurus

While it may be tempting to head to thesaurus.com to add a few high-brow words and smart-sounding phrases, resist the temptation. Be yourself. Be honest. “This is a prime opportunity to showcase skills,” says Majumdar. Words like “change,” “execute,” “communicates” and “relationship building” will all get the job done effectively when paired with strong anecdotes and authenticity.

This article first appeared on Glassdoor.com.

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What Font Should a Cover Letter Be? Best Choices

• BY Bogdan Sandu
• 24 September 2024

Every cover letter, like a fine piece of art, deserves design that speaks volumes.

Choosing  the right font for a cover letter  is crucial. Fonts such as  Times New Roman ,  Arial , and  Calibri  can make or break your first impression.

Job application design  isn’t just about words; it’s about readability and professionalism. Your choice  resonates  through every line, subtly communicating your attention to detail.

Professionals often overlook the impact of typography on their cover letters. By the time you’re done here, you’ll understand  the guidelines for formatting, the best fonts for cover letters , and how to make your letter stand out.

We’ll delve into  serif vs. sans-serif , font size, and what makes a font  ATS-friendly .

What Font Should A Cover Letter Be

Choosing the right font for a cover letter is crucial for ensuring readability and professionalism. Here are some recommended fonts and considerations:

Recommended Fonts

• Arial : A modern sans serif font known for its legibility and clean lines. It’s widely accepted and looks professional.
• Calibri : The default font for Microsoft Word, Calibri is simple and effective, making it a safe choice for most cover letters.
• Cambria : A serif font designed for screen reading, Cambria offers a traditional look that is still easy to read.
• Helvetica : Known for its neutral and clean design, Helvetica is popular in modern business settings.
• Georgia : This classic font is designed for clarity on screens, making it suitable for online applications.
• Garamond : With its elegant serif design, Garamond conveys a timeless professionalism, ideal for formal positions.
• Verdana : Specifically designed for readability, especially in smaller sizes, Verdana is a solid choice for cover letters.
• Avenir : A modern font that can add a creative touch, suitable for design or media-related jobs.

What Font Should a Cover Letter Be

Alright, let’s dive into what might seem simple but is super important – the  font  on your  cover letter . Now, this isn’t just about making sure it looks pretty. It’s about readability, professionalism, and making sure it gets past the  Applicant Tracking System (ATS) .

A good starting point?  Times New Roman . Classic, reliable, every hiring manager has seen it. It’s your safe bet, especially for traditional industries like banking or law.

But if you’re aiming for a modern vibe, consider  Arial  or  Calibri . Clean lines, no fuss. These sans-serif fonts get the job done, making your letter easy on the eyes. More importantly,  Arial  and  Calibri  are ATS-friendly, ensuring your application isn’t tossed out by the system because it couldn’t pull out keywords properly.

For a bit more character, there’s  Garamond  and  Georgia . These serif fonts add a touch of elegance, balancing modern with traditional elements. Ideal for creative applications, they keep your text professional yet distinctive.

Font Size and Readability

Important note:  Size matters . Go too small, and it’s a squint fest. Too big, it looks like you’re trying to fill space. Stick to  12-point  for a nice balance.

Line spacing ? Don’t clump it up. Keep it around 1.15 or 1.5 to give those eyes a break.

Then there’s  margins . Don’t go crazy with narrow margins, trying to fit every single detail of your life in there. One-inch margins are pretty standard – orderly, neat. It shows you know how to present information cleanly.

Serif vs. Sans-serif

A quick word on this – Serif fonts, like  Times New Roman  and  Garamond , have those little decorative lines at the end of strokes. They’re traditional and indicate formality.

On the flip side, Sans-serif fonts like  Arial  and  Helvetica  are as straightforward as it gets. Sleek, modern, and perfect if you’re in tech or a creative industry where clean aesthetics are key.

Alternative Fonts to Use

Okay, so maybe you want to stand out just a little bit more without going overboard. Here are some solid alternatives.

Helvetica is a solid choice. It’s modern, professional, and very readable. If you’re about clarity and minimalism, this is your go-to.

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