Cover Letters. Yes, I know - we hate writing them and recruiters never actually read them (most of the time)
But when done correctly, they can be the thing that gets you over the line for an interview against another candidate.
But I see so many students write their cover letter wrong and fail to leave the best impression.
So here are the 4 most common mistakes people make with their cover letter.
1. Your CV is too generic
A great cover letter should sound personal, like you’ve actually researched the company and role.
The more specific, the better. The more touchpoints or affiliations you can include between you and the firm, the better. Name-drop specific projects, recent M&A news, company strategy, and reference the company's values and make it clear why they matter to you
2. You’re just repeating your CV
Your cover letter isn’t a CV summary, it’s your chance to add context to your experience and show another side to yourself
If you’re just rehashing your work history, what’s the point?
Use this space to explain why you’re genuinely excited about the role and company, or how a unique experience you’ve encountered will make you the best fit for the role
3. Your Cover Letter is too Long
When reviewing your cover letter, recruiters don’t have time to read an essay.
Anything longer than one page is overkill. Keep it tight, impactful, and engaging. Every sentence should earn its place. No fluff, no filler. If you wouldn’t read it yourself, why would they?
A simple 3-paragraph structure of
1) Why the role 2) Why the company 3) Why you
is all that’s needed!
4. Your Cover Letter has no personality
This one is for the AI Bandits!
If your cover letter sounds robotic, it’s more or less game over. The best ones feel human and personal.
Show a bit of personality; be enthusiastic, confident, and authentic. Use a personal story to kickstart your ‘Why the role’ Paragraph or add in a quote which resonates with you.
Remember, there are loads of candidates who are applying for the same roles as you - you need to find a way to stand out!
So the next time you write your Cover Letter, make sure you consider these 4 factors!
Other Stuff 📠
Career resources hub - Access to free CV, Cover Letter and Interview Prep templates
Whatsapp Community - Join our WhatsApp community to get first access to exclusive events, Job opportunities and partner with like-minded individuals
Services - Book in a Discovery Call or utilise any of our CV, Interview or LinkedIn Services
Are you looking for an internship or a graduate job? Let us know what industry you’re interested in so we can provide the right opportunities - Survey
