Common cover letter mistakes that get applications rejected

1. Sending the same generic letter to every job

A cover letter that could be sent to any company for any role, with only the company name swapped out, is easy for an experienced recruiter to spot. It reads as a template rather than genuine interest. The fix isn't rewriting from scratch each time — it's changing the opening line and at least one example to reference something specific about the role or company.

2. Restating the CV instead of adding to it

A cover letter that just lists the same job titles and dates already visible on the CV wastes the one space where you're supposed to add context, personality and reasoning that a CV's bullet-point format can't hold. Use the letter to explain why an achievement matters or how it connects to this specific role, not to repeat it.

3. Making it all about what you want, not what you offer

Letters that focus heavily on "this role would help my career" or "I'm looking to grow in this direction" read as self-centered from an employer's perspective. Shift the framing toward what you bring to the role and the problems you can help solve — the employer's needs, not just your own goals.

4. Getting the company name or role title wrong

This happens more often than most applicants think, usually from reusing an old letter and forgetting to update every reference. It's one of the fastest ways to get a letter discarded, because it signals carelessness at the exact moment you're trying to prove attention to detail. Always do a final read specifically checking every instance of the company name and job title.

5. Opening with a weak, generic first line

"I am writing to apply for the [role] position" tells the reader nothing they don't already know from the subject line or application form. Replace it with a specific, confident opening — a relevant achievement, a genuine connection to the company's work, or a direct statement of what you'd bring to the role.

6. Too long, or too short to say anything real

A letter that runs past one page loses readers halfway through; a letter that's just two or three sentences reads as low-effort. Aim for 250-400 words across three to four short paragraphs — enough to make a real case, short enough to be read in full.

7. No clear, confident closing

Letters that trail off without a direct closing line miss a chance to leave a strong final impression. End with a clear, confident statement — that you'd welcome the opportunity to discuss the role further — rather than a vague or apologetic sign-off.

8. Typos and formatting inconsistencies

Cover letters get less editing attention than CVs, but recruiters read them just as critically. A typo, inconsistent font, or leftover placeholder text (like "[Company Name]" left unedited from a template) is one of the most avoidable and most damaging mistakes on this list. Always read the final version once, out loud, before sending.

A quick pre-send checklist

• Company name and role title correct everywhere
• At least one specific detail unique to this application
• 250-400 words, three to four paragraphs
• Confident, direct closing line
• Read out loud once for typos and awkward phrasing

FAQ

What's the single most common cover letter mistake?

Sending a generic, unedited template letter to every job — recruiters can usually spot it immediately, and it undercuts an otherwise strong application.

How long should I spend proofreading before sending?

A final read-through out loud, specifically checking the company name and role title, catches most of the damaging mistakes and takes only a couple of minutes.