Common Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Yikes! I need to find a new job after working for the same company for 15 years. I tried starting with my cover letter, but I don’t know what to say—or what NOT to say!

—Veda

When you’re applying for a job and need to write a cover letter, every word matters, so it’s only natural if you’re feeling nervous like Veda. Employers usually have dozens—and sometimes even hundreds—of applications to review, so even a small typo or an awkwardly worded sentence can hurt your chances. On the other hand, a well-written cover letter can help you stand out in a crowded pool of applicants.

At TextRanch, we have helped thousands of customers improve their cover letters. So let’s look at some common phrases we recommend avoiding, as well as some alternatives that are more likely to help you gain favor with employers.

1. “To Whom It May Concern”

This formal salutation has been in wide use since the 1800s. It isn’t wrong, per se, but most employers these days prefer to see an actual name, or at least a job title.

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear Team Leader,
• Dear Sales Department Head,

For best results, do a little digging around on LinkedIn or Google and find the name of the person who is reviewing job applications.

2. “I’m writing to apply for the position of…”

Openings like this are very common, and therein lies the problem. It wastes valuable space with information the employer already knows.

Instead, start with an opening sentence that shows your enthusiasm about the job or gives some information about your background. If you have any personal or professional connections to someone at the company, mention that right away.

• I’m excited to apply for the position of pediatric nurse because it aligns perfectly with my ten years of experience working in the NICU at Hilltop Memorial Hospital.
• I had a chance to speak with you about the latest advances in solar energy after your speech at the XYZ Conference on Climate Change.
• Tomas Guzman, my former colleague at BBB Incorporated, recommended that I contact you about a position on your marketing team.

3. “Hardworking” and “Motivated”

These words are vague and overused. Most applicants claim to be hardworking or motivated, so if you want to grab an employer’s attention, provide specific details about what you’ve done.

• I have managed the social media accounts of over 50 clients, including XYZ Software, PrettyPrettyPretty Cosmetics, and Friendly Fitness.
• I designed the Ansel the Cat educational software, which has been shown to increase primary students’ reading test scores by as much as 13%.

 

4. “I believe I am the perfect fit”

This statement can sound a little too brash, especially if the employer comes from a culture that values humility. Instead, focus on how your educational background or work experience aligns with the company’s goals.

• My background in pharmaceutical technology closely matches the requirements for this position.
• With over 10 years of experience in 3D printing, I am able to step into this role immediately.

5. “I leveraged cross-functional synergies to spearhead a paradigm shift that maximized ROI across multiple verticals.”

Jargon like “synergy,” “value-added,” and “results-driven” can sound meaningless or pretentious, especially when they’re clumped together.

Sometimes we need to use technical or specialized language. For example, if you have work experience as a phlebotomist, it sounds more professional to use that title instead of saying you “know how to take blood samples”.

Overall, it’s better to write the bulk of your cover letter in plain English, with only an occasional (and necessary) fancy word. That way, the fancy word stands out and doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

6. “I don’t have experience in…”

It’s good to be honest, but don’t highlight your weaknesses. Instead, try a different angle and include some information about any experience you do have that could help you succeed in this role.

• While I haven’t worked in a school setting, my experience as a summer camp counselor has given me strong skills in planning and managing group activities for middle school children.

7. “I am so sorry to bother you, but…”

Avoid apologetic language like “I’m sorry if this is not the right place to send this” and “I know you’re busy”. When you’re applying for a job, you need to sound confident. (We have a whole article about that here.)

Writing a cover letter isn’t just about describing your qualifications. It’s about showing how you fit the position and the company. By avoiding the above phrases and focusing on clarity, confidence, and specifics, you can impress employers in all kinds of fields.

Do you need help making your English sound more natural or professional? One of our TextRanch editors can help you refine your cover letter. Just click the blue button below and then choose Document Editing.