10 Cover Letter Mistakes That Kill Your Application (And How to Fix Them)
Avoid these common cover letter errors that hiring managers see every day. Includes fix examples and practical tips.
Cover letters still matter in 2026
Despite debate about their relevance, 83% of hiring managers say a strong cover letter can secure an interview even when the resume is imperfect. The cover letter is your chance to show personality, explain career transitions, and connect your experience to the specific role.
The problem is that most cover letters are bad. They repeat the resume, use generic language, and fail to address the employer's specific needs. Here are the 10 most common mistakes and how to fix each one.
The 10 mistakes
1. Starting with 'I am writing to apply for...' — This wastes your opening line. Start with your strongest qualification or a compelling connection to the company.
2. Rehashing your resume — The cover letter should complement, not duplicate. Tell a story your resume can't.
3. Being too generic — 'I am a hard worker with excellent communication skills' says nothing. Be specific about what you've done and how it relates to this role.
4. Not mentioning the company by name — Hiring managers can tell when you've sent the same letter to 50 companies. Reference specific company initiatives, products, or values.
5. Writing more than one page — Keep it to 3-4 paragraphs. Busy hiring managers won't read a novel.
6. Not including keywords from the job description — Cover letters are sometimes scanned by ATS too. Mirror the JD's language.
7. Using an unprofessional tone — Too casual ('Hey team!') or too formal ('Dear Sir/Madam, I hereby...') both hurt. Aim for professional but human.
8. Forgetting to proofread — Typos and grammar errors are the fastest way to get rejected. Read it aloud before sending.
9. Not including a clear call to action — End with a specific next step: 'I am available for an interview this week and can be reached at...'
10. Skipping it entirely when it's optional — If the application says 'optional', submit one anyway. It shows effort and gives you an edge.
Pair your cover letter with a tailored resume
A great cover letter paired with a generic resume is a wasted effort. Make sure your resume is tailored to the same job description. ApplyX can tailor your resume in seconds — then you can write a matching cover letter that tells the story behind the keywords.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a cover letter be?
250-400 words, or 3-4 paragraphs. One page maximum. Hiring managers spend about 30 seconds scanning it.
Should I write a cover letter if it's optional?
Yes, always. Submitting an optional cover letter shows initiative and gives you another chance to demonstrate fit.
Do ATS systems scan cover letters?
Some do. Including keywords from the job description in your cover letter is good practice regardless.