What Makes a Bad Cover Letter?

Yes, I know it’s 2023 and we do practically everything online, however, when applying for a job you should include a cover letter. Some will argue that a cover letter isn’t necessary if you have everything the potential employer needs to know about you on a resume. I beg to differ. A cover letter allows you to add your persona-professional touch. What does that mean? It means you can demonstrate how well you write while highlighting more about why you would be an excellent candidate for the job.

But when it comes to writing good cover letters, here are a couple of things you should NOT do

Don’t make your cover letter too wordy:

The purpose of a cover letter is to persuade the employer to give you an opportunity to interview for the position. Nobody wants to read the same information twice, so you can add additional details about yourself that aren’t covered in your resume—like great adjectives to describe yourself. It’s also important to be direct, concise, and to the point in what makes you a great fit for the job. If your cover letter is four paragraphs or more, it’s probably too long.

You didn’t do your research:

It’s important to let the employer know inside your cover letter that you know something about the company you want to work for. They don’t expect you to rattle off statistics and budget projections for the next fiscal year but they do want to know you know you’ve done some research and know enough to share how what you’ve learned makes you eager to be associated with them. Go to their website or Google them to learn more so you can come across and informed. If your cover letter appears to be generic—or a one size fits all– and not tailored for the job and company you’re applying to, you don’t have to worry about getting a call or email.

Example:

Are you looking for a dynamic web designer who’s a self-starter and pays close attention to detail? Why not consider someone who has more than 10 years of experience designing websites for various companies and entrepreneurs.

As a member of your web design team, I believe I am qualified to take your company to the next level in creativity. I see that you have been a leader in helping others grow their own businesses and received numerous awards over the years. I’d like to help you win even more!……………And so on and so forth.