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The Cover Letter Mistakes Local Employers See Too Often (and How to Avoid Them)

 

A cover letter is often your first impression. It’s your chance to explain why you’re the right
person for the job—before the employer even looks at your resume. But too many
candidates mess this up. Local hiring managers constantly see the same issues over and
over again. The result? A fast trip to the “no” pile. Below are the most common cover letter
mistakes—and how you can fix them today.

Mistake 1: Repeating Your Resume
One common issue is simply rehashing your resume in paragraph form. It’s not helpful.
Employers already have your work history. They want to know why your experience matters
to them. A good cover letter connects your past work with what they need now. For example:
“In my previous role, I led a team of three to boost our newsletter open rates by 50%. I’d love
to bring that same energy and creativity to your email marketing efforts.”

Instead of listing jobs, focus on outcomes and how they relate to the company’s goals. And if
writing isn’t your strong suit, consider getting help from a trusted essay writing service like
EssayShark. This platform offers support in writing and editing to ensure your message
comes across clearly and professionally.

Mistake 2: Using a Generic Template
This is one of the top issues employers mention. They can spot a copy-paste cover letter
within seconds. It often starts with something like, “To whom it may concern, I am writing to
apply for the position listed on your website.” That kind of intro tells hiring managers you
didn’t do your homework. It’s lazy and forgettable.

How to avoid it:

Take a few minutes to personalize your letter. Address the hiring manager by name if
possible. Mention the company directly and refer to something specific about the role or
business. This shows effort and real interest.

Here’s an example:

“Dear Ms. Chen, I was excited to see your posting for a content marketing role at Coastal
Tech. I’ve followed your blog for months and love your recent piece on ethical branding—it
aligns closely with my values as a writer.”

A personal touch grabs attention. That’s what gets you interviews.

Mistake 3: Being Too Formal (or Too Casual)

Striking the right tone is hard—but important. Some cover letters feel robotic. Others sound
like a text to a friend. Neither works. You want a professional tone that still feels human.

Too formal:

“I am most grateful for the opportunity to submit this correspondence to your esteemed
organization.”

Too casual:

“Hey! Super interested in your job. I think I’d totally kill it.”

Neither sounds genuine nor confident. Aim for conversational, clear, and respectful.

Better:

“I’m excited to apply for the project coordinator position at Finch Design. I’ve managed tight
deadlines, complex tasks, and creative teams—and I’d love to do the same for you.”

Think of how you’d explain your experience to a mentor or colleague you admire.

Mistake 4: Writing a Novel

Long-winded cover letters are exhausting. If it’s more than one page, chances are no one is
reading the whole thing. Local employers are often short on time. They appreciate
candidates who get to the point.

How to avoid it:

Stick to three or four short paragraphs. Each should serve a purpose:

1. Why you’re writing.

2. What makes you a fit.

3. What you like about the company.

4. A short closing with a call to action.

If you’re unsure how long is too long, read it out loud. If it takes more than 60 seconds, it’s
time to trim.

Mistake 5: Forgetting to Show Enthusiasm

One of the easiest ways to stand out? Show that you care. Surprisingly, many cover letters
are missing this entirely. They sound cold and formulaic.

Employers want to hire people who want this job—not just any job.

Instead of:

“I am applying for the sales role as advertised.”

Try:

“As a long-time customer of your brand, I was excited to see a sales opening—I’ve always
admired your approach to customer care and would love to be part of that.”

A little excitement goes a long way.

Mistake 6: Not Matching the Job Description

Another issue? Vague letters that don’t match the role. If a job description asks for someone
skilled in social media scheduling, your cover letter should mention your experience with
tools like Buffer or Hootsuite.

If the job is client-facing, talk about your customer service strengths. The more your cover
letter aligns with the job posting, the more relevant you seem.

Tip: Use the same language as the job ad. If they say “collaborative team environment,”
echo that phrase to show you’re a fit.

Mistake 7: Typos, Typos, Typos

Yes, spelling matters. Grammar does, too. And no, spellcheck isn’t always enough. Nothing
kills credibility faster than a typo in a job application.

Common ones include:

● Mixing up “your” and “you’re”

● Misspelling the company’s name

● Using incorrect job titles

● Forgetting to change the recipient’s name

How to avoid it:

Always proofread. Then have someone else review it. Even better—read it out loud. You’ll
catch awkward phrasing and hidden errors that way.

Mistake 8: Skipping a Call to Action

You’ve written a strong cover letter—but forget to tell the employer what to do next. Don’t
just end with “thanks for your time.” Be direct.

Try something like:

“I’d love the chance to speak more about how I can help your team. Please feel free to contact me at [your number] or [email]. I look forward to hearing from you.”

Confidence counts. Don’t be afraid to ask for the interview.

Mistake 9: Sending the Same Letter Everywhere

This is a big one. Employers talk. They notice when candidates use the same letter for every
job. It usually includes vague phrases like “I believe I would be a great fit” without explaining
why. Generic letters feel lazy. They tell employers you’re not serious about this job.

How to avoid it:
Create a base letter, but tweak it each time. Update the company name, highlight different
skills, and reference the actual job posting. It doesn’t have to be a total rewrite—just enough
to show you care.

Mistake 10: Not Including a Cover Letter at All

Some people skip the cover letter altogether. Maybe they think their resume speaks for itself.
But this is a missed opportunity—especially for smaller local companies.

Local hiring managers often read cover letters before resumes. It’s their way of
understanding your personality and drive. Unless the job ad says “no cover letter,” always
include one.

Final Thoughts

A great cover letter doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the job. But it does get your foot in the door.
Done well, it shows effort, personality, and professionalism—three things every employer
values.
So before you hit “send” on your next application, slow down. Read the job post again. Write
something specific. Be yourself. And always, always proofread. A few simple changes can
make a huge difference—and may just land you that interview.

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