Writing a good cover letter together with your resume can help you land a job.
While your resume lists your education, experience, and other qualifications, your cover letter can help catch the recruiter’s eye and intrigue them.
When applying for jobs online, it’s typical to write cover letters in the form of an email. Depending on the job-seeking platform you’re using, you may also attach a cover letter as a PDF.
Since the cover letters are likely the first thing the recruiter will see, especially if it’s an email, it’s essential to get it right. Far too many people make common mistakes that cause a poor first impression.
These mistakes might cause a recruiter to not even bother looking at your resume. Here are a few examples of flawed cover letters, why they are bad, and how to fix them.
Also Read: How To Write An Email For A Job?
Bad Cover Letter Examples & How To Fix Them?
1. Focuses on Why the Job Is Right for the Applicant
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“Dear Mrs. Jones,
I saw your job listing on Indeed, and I’d like to apply for it. I believe this job is perfect for me because it offers excellent health insurance, a salary that supports my lifestyle, and working hours that fit my schedule. I’m really excited about the opportunities this job has to offer and how it can improve my life. Please get back to me at your convenience.
Yours truly,
Sam Smith”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
This cover letter focuses on the perks of the job and the benefits it will bring the applicant. However, recruiters aren’t interested in hearing that – they know the job is an incredible opportunity.
They want to hear why you are a good fit for them. Focus on the benefits you will bring to the company and how you will help it grow, not on the benefits the job will bring you.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
It’s okay to say the job is a good fit for you because you are passionate about the industry, love the company culture, or your goals are aligned with the vision and objectives of the firm. All that just shows how you are a good fit for the company and will commit to integrating into the company culture and team.
However, cut out any part that focuses on how much you love the perks of the job. Employers aren’t interested in hearing that you love the number of vacation days the job gives you.
They want to see a candidate who isn’t solely focused on themselves.
2. Talking About the Applicant’s Life Story or Personal Details
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“Dear Mr. Geoffrey,
Your job description caught my interest. As a young child, I’ve always been interested in makeup and beauty. Whenever I had a chance, I would always apply makeup, even though the other girls at school made fun of me.
I wasn’t a typical child. Most children preferred to spend time outdoors. However, I chose to stay at home, playing with my dolls and applying makeup on them. Whenever I had a chance, I would practice on my sister, although she didn’t always like the way I made her look. I learned, though!
I would spend countless hours watching makeup tutorials on YouTube. I have never worked in the beauty industry, but I’d say I’m a pretty good makeup artist. My sister now agrees with me, although nowadays, I try to practice with my friends whenever possible, although they sometimes think I’m annoying.
In any case, that’s why I really want this job. I hope you consider me for this position.
Sincerely,
Sarah”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
Saying you’ve been passionate about the industry or task in question since you were young is not a bad thing. However, the interviewer does not need to know your story.
This cover letter shares too many personal details that are irrelevant to the applicant’s qualifications for the job.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
Cut out any personal details that aren’t necessary. That can include not only your life story but also other irrelevant details.
For example, just because your uncle thinks you’re a whiz at computers, that doesn’t mean you’re a great computer technician. Similarly, saying you want to work at a particular firm because your cousin works or worked there is another unnecessary detail.
If a topic has truly interested you since you were young, talk about how you devoted yourself to studying it and improving your skills. Give concrete examples and explain how that makes you a better fit for the position.
3. Poor Spelling and Grammar
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“Dear Mr. Maddison,
I’m really interested in you’re job position. I would love to join an internship sales program. i have always been interested in sales and i believe that i would make a great sales agent. Im also willing to join as an intern so that I can learn. I would really really really appreciate it!!! if you would consider me for this job position. Thanks”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
The reasons this cover letter is deficient are apparent. It is rife with spelling and grammar mistakes, such as missing commas and the use of “you’re” instead of “your.”
Of course, this is a more extreme example, but even fewer or more minor grammar and spelling mistakes can make a poor first impression on the recruiter.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
Always proofread your cover letter before sending it. Writing it in haste can allow spelling errors to creep in.
Also, use a tool like Grammarly to check for grammar mistakes if English isn’t your strong point. You may also ask a friend or colleague to proofread it for you if you’re not that good at grammar.
4. Overuse of Slang and Abbreviations
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“Hi Mrs. Samantha Wilson,
I saw your job post, and I thought it was lit! I think I’d be perfect for this position IMHO. I’m a great artist LOL, so I’d do a banger job for sure. I’m really pumped to join the team, so please hit me up soon.
Jack”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
This cover letter uses slang words and abbreviations, which are inappropriate in most professional communication. While you might text something like that to a friend, writing a cover letter with abbreviations or slang will lead to nobody taking you seriously.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
It’s simple: Don’t use slang words and abbreviations. While the above is an extreme example, stay away from all slang words and use professional-sounding alternatives instead.
5. Lack of Personal Tone
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“To whom it may concern,
I saw the job posting your company published for the position of data manager. Due to my extensive experience in the industry, I believe I am a good choice for the role. See my attached resume below for more information about me.
Regards,
Mr. White”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
This cover letter lacks any sort of personal tone. The first mistake is starting with “To whom it may concern.”
It’s a very impersonal greeting. Similarly, openings like “Dear Sir/Madam” are also subpar, as they are impersonal and lacking in enthusiasm.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
Instead of using such an impersonal greeting, do your research and find out the name of the recruiter. Then, open the email with a greeting along the lines of “Dear Mr. Brown,” which is a bit more personal.
6. Cover Letter That Is Too Short
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“Hi, Jacqueline,
Is the position for computer technician still available?
Jeffrey”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
This cover letter is simply too short. It doesn’t give the recruiter any details about you, why you are applying for the position, and why they should consider you.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
Keeping things short and to the point is okay, but if it’s too short, your cover letter won’t help you at all. You might as well not write one in the first place.
Your cover letter should be at least 2-3 paragraphs long, each section containing at least 2-3 lines. You should lead in with why you are applying and give a brief overview of what makes you a good fit for the job.
7. Cover Letter That Is Too Long
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“Dear Mrs. Harrison,
I was looking through various job postings, as I have recently decided to quit my job. I had a long and complicated dispute with my boss, but that’s an issue for another time. In either case, I have been searching for a while, and I came across your job listing on Indeed, in which you seek the services of an in-house marketing manager.
Marketing is my bread and butter. I have a lot of experience in marketing. I have always been interested in advertising and figuring out how to reach people the right way so that they are motivated to make a purchase. It truly is fascinating! A lot of people don’t realize how much human psychology you need to understand to be a good marketer.
I love all kinds of marketing, including digital marketing. Facebook ads, in particular, are really fascinating. As a Facebook user myself, I’m always catching myself getting intrigued by a specific ad. Sometimes, I do it without noticing, and then I ask myself, “How did this happen?”
After all, I’m a marketer myself, and I should know the various tricks marketers use to catch your attention. Surely, they wouldn’t work on me! However, that’s the beauty of marketing for you. In fact, all of those occurrences are simply learning opportunities for me…”
I’m not going to go on with this because you get the point.
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
There’s too much rambling going on here. Again, it’s okay to discuss how your passion for something permeates your life, but avoid going off on a tangent.
Don’t rant! The recruiter doesn’t need to hear your long-winded opinions about people or the way the industry works; that’s not what your cover letter is for.
If you ramble, you will appear unfocused. Most recruiters will see your long cover letter and not even bother reading it, sending it straight to the trash bin.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
Stick to the point. Your cover letter shouldn’t be too short, but it shouldn’t be too long either – you’re not writing a college essay, and you’re not at a bar sharing a drink with a friend.
Avoid going off on tangents.
8. Pretending You Are Special and Don’t Need to Write a Proper Cover Letter
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“Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m not going to waste your time with a cover letter. While other candidates may feel the need to write a professional letter and scrutinize it a thousand times before sending it, let’s just cut to the chase, as I know you’re busy and don’t have time to waste reading the same cover letter (with slightly different variations) over and over again from other job candidates.
I’m interested in the job position you have for a regional director. Due to my extensive qualifications, I would dominate in this role. I absolutely would be an asset to your company, and while I’m certainly in demand myself, I believe your company is the right fit. However, please be prompt in your response before I become unavailable.
Good luck,
James Tucker”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
This cover letter is terrible for a few reasons. Firstly, it reeks of ego and inflated self-worth.
Nobody wants an employee who thinks they are at the top of the world. Such employees are rarely good at submitting to authority when needed and following orders.
Often, they do whatever they want, thinking they always know better.
Second of all, the writer pretends he is too good to write a cover letter like everyone else. He automatically assumes he is better than the other candidates.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
You should write a standard cover letter just like everyone else. While it’s important to toot your own horn sometimes, be humble and don’t be arrogant, as it’s a significant turnoff to recruiters.
Also Read: Most Asked Interview Questions & Answers
9. Pretending You’re Too Good for the Position
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“Hi Hiring Manager,
I’m writing about the job position you posted on Indeed for a marketing intern. I consider myself a marketing pro, so I’m only really applying for this position because I need to boost my resume with some actual experience. Besides, I’m pretty bored at the moment, as I’m on a break from my studies, so why not? I could use the extra cash, too.
If you’re interested, let me know.
All the best,
Jared”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
Again, there is too much arrogance here. If you think you’re too good for the position, why are you applying?
How to Fix This Cover Letter
Don’t be arrogant. Nobody wants someone who thinks they could do better.
Such a person won’t be passionate about the job.
Also Read: How To Answer “Walk Me Through Your Resume” During An Interview?
10. Talking About Your Weaknesses
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“Hi Kelly,
This email is in regard to the open job position of a camp counselor. I’m looking for a summer job, and even though I’m not really that great with kids (I’m an only child and never had much experience dealing with children), I wanted to apply for the job. Some of my strengths include being consistent, always showing up to work on time, and giving each project I take on my best.
Please let me know once you have made a decision.
Humbly,
Samantha”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
Don’t list your weaknesses in your cover letter. People usually do that because they aren’t sure of themselves and don’t really think they would be a good fit for the job.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
First of all, don’t apply for a job you don’t know how to do. However, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and if you want to get a job, you need to focus on your strengths.
11. Complaining About Your Job Search
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“Hi Mr. Hunt,
I’d like to apply for a job position at your firm. Man, am I glad to have found your job listing! I really hope you consider my application, because this job search has brought nothing but frustrations up until this point. It seems like most recruiters don’t value true talent and dedication.
Besides, the job market is oversaturated now, with the economy and all. Most of my emails don’t even get answered, which really blows my mind considering how qualified I am…”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
Complaining about your job search isn’t a good look. If recruiters are ignoring you and passing you over for other candidates, the problem most likely isn’t them – it’s you.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
Don’t mention how frustrating your job search was. For all the recruiter knows, this is the first job you are applying to.
12. Not Showing a Good Work Ethic (Adding Stipulations)
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“Dear Hiring Manager,
I’d love to apply to the open job position you have for a part-time physical therapist. However, the hours don’t work for me. Can I start an hour later each day? I prefer to work in the afternoon as well, so can we change the working hours to the afternoon?
Regards,
Rosemary”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
Adding stipulations or trying to change the work requirements shows a lack of a proper work ethic to the hiring manager. You can’t come asking for a job while trying to make it entirely on your terms.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
Only apply to job positions where you are able to comply with the rules. Some flexibility is sometimes given, but it will usually be specified (the listing will mention “flexible hours” or something similar).
13. Reasons You’re Right for the Job That Don’t Make Sense
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“Dear Mr. Valencia,
I saw your job post on Craigslist for a groundskeeper, and I’d like to apply. As a 30-year-old guy living in the area, I think I’d be perfect for the job. Please let me know if the job is still available.
Francis”
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
It’s important to give a reason why you are a good candidate for the job, but the reason must make sense. Just because you’re a 30-year-old guy, that doesn’t mean you’d be a good groundskeeper or landscaper.
You need to have experience working with gardens, planting things, etc.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
If you truly have no experience for the job, cite your passion and willingness to learn, but don’t give illogical reasons you should get the job.
14. Generic Copy and Paste
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I’m not going to include a text for this, as you can simply go to Google and find any generic cover letter template to copy and paste.
Why This Cover Letter Is Bad
Copy-and-paste templates you find on the first page of Google are easy to find. Other applicants may be using the same copy-and-paste templates.
Even if they are not, the templates are typically generic and do not relate to the specific role in question in any way.
How to Fix This Cover Letter
Write your cover letter from scratch. Don’t copy and paste a template from the internet.
Also, don’t send the same cover letter for every job you’re applying to. Yes, it will take time, but it’s worth writing a unique cover letter for each job, although you can use a similar style and follow the same overall format if it works for you.
Also Read: Interview Mistakes To Avoid
15. Not Attaching a Resume
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Finally, the last bad cover letter example is the one that doesn’t have a resume attached (or the resume is blank).
Your cover letter is only an introduction, a way to catch the recruiter’s eye so they look at your resume, where your real qualifications shine through.
People send cover letters without resumes because they don’t want to bother, think a cover letter would be enough, or simply forget to attach the resume to their email before sending. That’s why being thorough and double-checking everything is so important.
Bad Cover Letters Examples & How To Fix Them – Wrapping It Up
If you made any of these bad cover letter mistakes, don’t worry.
While you can resend your improved cover letter after fixing your mistakes, it’s better to focus on the new job opportunities. So, create a good cover letter & then have a fresh chance of creating an awesome first impression with the hiring managers.
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