Introduction
Knowing how to write a cover letter for your first job can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for fresh graduates stepping into the job market for the first time.
It's one of the few opportunities to make a lasting impression before a recruiter even glances at your resume.
Yet, many candidates fail to capitalize on this chance, often committing avoidable mistakes that can cost them the job.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 mistakes fresh graduates make in their cover letters, how to avoid them and provide actionable tips to write the perfect cover letter for any job.
By the end, you’ll be able to create a compelling, easy cover letter that sets you apart from the competition. Plus, we'll introduce a tool that can simplify the process: Coverletters.
1. Not Tailoring the Cover Letter to the Job
One of the most common mistakes is using a generic cover letter for multiple job applications. Recruiters can spot a one-size-fits-all letter from a mile away. This
mistake shows a lack of interest in the specific role and company, which may lead to your application getting tossed aside.
How to Avoid It
Research the company and tailor your cover letter for each application. Mention the job title, specific skills the role requires, and how you meet those qualifications. Personalizing your letter for the company shows genuine interest and effort.
Pro Tip: Use a tool like Coverletters to automatically customize your cover letter based on the job description and your resume. This will save you time while ensuring your cover letter is job-specific.
2. Focusing Too Much on Yourself Instead of the Company’s Needs
While it's important to discuss your skills and experiences, a cover letter should ultimately demonstrate how you can benefit the employer. Many fresh graduates make the mistake of centering the letter around their achievements without connecting them to the company's goals.
How to Avoid It
Instead of only listing your qualifications, explain how your skills can solve the company’s problems or contribute to its success. Use phrases like “I can help your team by…” or “My background in [skill] can benefit [company’s goal].”
3. Repeating Information from Your Resume
Your cover letter is not just an extension of your resume. A frequent mistake is simply restating everything that’s already on your resume, which doesn’t add any value to your application.
How to Avoid It
Use your cover letter to highlight specific accomplishments, anecdotes, or examples of how you applied your skills. This provides more context than just listing your job responsibilities.
4. Not Including a Call to Action
Ending a cover letter with a passive statement, such as "I hope to hear from you soon," leaves the ball in the employer’s court. Failing to encourage the recruiter to take the next step is a lost opportunity.
How to Avoid It
Include a strong call to action, such as “I am excited to discuss how I can contribute to [company] in more detail. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview.” This shows confidence and initiative.
5. Using an Unprofessional Tone or Language
Fresh graduates sometimes struggle to find the right tone, either being too casual or overly formal. Using slang, abbreviations, or overly flowery language can backfire.
How to Avoid It
Aim for a professional, yet approachable tone. Avoid using casual phrases like “Hey,” or “I’d love to…” and steer clear of jargon that might confuse the reader. Keep it simple and direct.
6. Ignoring the Format and Length of the Cover Letter
A long, unstructured cover letter can overwhelm the reader and make it harder for them to quickly grasp your key points. Many graduates write lengthy paragraphs without considering how easy it is to scan the letter.
How to Avoid It
Keep your cover letter to one page, with 3-4 short paragraphs. Use bullet points to highlight specific achievements or skills. Break up text to make it more readable and scannable for busy recruiters.
7. Failing to Proofread and Edit
Spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and awkward phrasing can instantly undermine your credibility. Even if you have a strong application, errors in your cover letter may suggest carelessness.
How to Avoid It
After writing your cover letter, take time to proofread it carefully. You can use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review it. Reading your cover letter out loud can also help catch awkward sentences or missing words.
8. Not Including Relevant Keywords
Recruiters often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out applications that don't include specific keywords related to the job description. Failing to include relevant keywords may mean your cover letter never reaches a human reader.
How to Avoid It
Carefully review the job listing and incorporate relevant keywords naturally into your cover letter. For example, if the job posting mentions skills like "project management" or "team leadership," be sure to include those terms.
Did You Know?
According to
, many companies filter applications through ATS software that looks for specific keywords to match job requirements. Including these can increase your chances of being shortlisted.
9. Not Addressing Gaps in Your Experience
Fresh graduates often avoid addressing gaps in their experience or qualifications, hoping the recruiter won’t notice. This is a mistake, as it leaves unanswered questions about your candidacy.
How to Avoid It
Be upfront about any gaps in your experience, and use your cover letter to explain how you've gained relevant skills through internships, volunteering, or freelance work. Focus on how your diverse experiences make you a well-rounded candidate.
10. Forgetting to Show Enthusiasm for the Role
Some cover letters come across as too formulaic or robotic, without showing any enthusiasm for the role or the company. Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity, not just someone looking for any job.
How to Avoid It
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the company and the role in a genuine way. Use phrases like “I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team” or “I am passionate about [industry] and would love the chance to be part of [company].”
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you write a compelling cover letter that resonates with recruiters and hiring managers. Tailoring your cover letter to the job, using relevant keywords, and proofreading it carefully can significantly increase your chances of landing that coveted interview.
And if you need a bit of extra help, Coverletters can simplify the process by generating personalized cover letters based on job descriptions and your resume, giving you a head start in your job hunt.
Writing the perfect cover letter for any job may seem challenging, but by following these tips and avoiding the pitfalls discussed, you’ll be well on your way to securing your next career opportunity.
Key Takeaways
- Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company for a better impression.
- Focus on the company’s needs by explaining how your skills can solve their problems.
- Avoid repeating your resume; instead, highlight key achievements with context.
- Always include a strong call to action to encourage further engagement.
- Keep a professional tone while avoiding overly casual or formal language.
- Stick to a clear, concise format that’s easy to scan and no longer than one page.
- Proofread carefully to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Use relevant keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Address any gaps in experience and focus on transferable skills.
- Show genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company.