A cover letter serves as a direct introduction to a hiring manager, offering a chance to build a connection that a resume alone cannot. It is a tool for showcasing your personality and explaining your fit for a specific role. While a well-crafted letter can open doors, a poorly considered one can close them just as quickly. The information you omit is as telling as what you include, so understanding what to leave out is part of a successful application.
Avoid an Unprofessional Tone
The tone of your cover letter sets the stage for how a potential employer perceives you. It is your chance to convey professionalism and genuine interest. A tone that is overly casual can signal a lack of seriousness. Using slang, informal greetings like “Hey,” or emojis suggests a misunderstanding of professional communication standards and may lead a recruiter to question your judgment.
Conversely, a tone that is demanding or presumptuous can be off-putting. Phrases such as, “I expect an interview,” or making firm declarations about what you will bring to the company can sound arrogant. It is also wise to avoid any negativity. Complaining about a previous employer or dwelling on negative experiences can portray you as someone who might bring that same attitude to a new role, a red flag for hiring managers.
An apologetic tone can be equally damaging. Opening with statements like, “I know my experience isn’t a perfect match, but…” immediately undermines your qualifications. This language positions you as a less-than-ideal candidate from the outset. Instead, the letter should project a respectful, confident, and enthusiastic voice.
Exclude Irrelevant or Redundant Information
A common misstep is treating a cover letter as a narrative version of your resume. Hiring managers review both documents, and repeating the same bullet points verbatim is a missed opportunity. The purpose of the cover letter is to provide context to your most significant accomplishments, not simply echo the facts on your resume.
To achieve this, select one or two achievements from your resume that are most relevant to the job. Use the cover letter to tell the story behind these successes. For instance, instead of stating that you increased sales by a certain percentage, describe the specific strategy you implemented to achieve that result. This provides a compelling narrative that demonstrates your skills in action.
Equally important is excluding information that has no bearing on your qualifications. Details about personal hobbies, unrelated past jobs, or skills that do not align with the job description can dilute the impact of your letter. Every sentence should be purposeful and tailored to the employer’s needs, demonstrating that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the specific position.
Eliminate Formatting and Grammatical Errors
The presentation of your cover letter reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. Grammatical mistakes and typos are interpreted by hiring managers as signs of carelessness. In a competitive job market, such errors can remove an otherwise qualified candidate from consideration. These mistakes suggest you may not be reliable with company-related communications.
Formatting issues can also hinder your application. Long, dense blocks of text without adequate white space are difficult to read and may cause a recruiter to skim or discard the letter. Aim for a clean, professional layout with a standard, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial in a 10- or 12-point size. The letter should not exceed one page, as hiring managers have limited time for each application.
To ensure your letter is error-free, a multi-step proofreading process is recommended. After running a spell-check, read the letter aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Stepping away from the document and returning with fresh eyes can also help you spot mistakes. Finally, having a trusted friend or mentor review the letter provides an objective perspective.
Omit Sensitive or Inappropriate Details
Certain types of information should never be included in a cover letter, as they can lead to disqualification or put you at a strategic disadvantage. These details are often legally sensitive, financially unwise, or overly personal, and have no place in a professional application.
Salary Expectations or History
You should not mention your salary expectations or history unless the employer has specifically requested it. Introducing the topic of money too early can shift the focus away from your qualifications. If your stated expectation is higher than the company’s budget, you risk being screened out. Conversely, if you state a number that is too low, you may weaken your negotiating position later. The conversation about compensation is best reserved for the interview stages.
Personal Information
Your cover letter should focus strictly on your professional qualifications. Avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, religion, or political affiliation. While some of this information may come up in conversation later, including it in an application can introduce unconscious bias into the hiring process. Employers are legally prohibited from making hiring decisions based on these factors, so providing them is unnecessary.
Lies or Exaggerations
Honesty throughout the application process is non-negotiable. Exaggerating your skills or fabricating parts of your employment history is a serious misstep that can have lasting consequences. Recruiters and hiring managers can verify information through background checks and reference calls. Being caught in a lie is one of the fastest ways to be removed from consideration and can damage your professional reputation.
Excuses for Gaps or Weaknesses
A cover letter is a marketing document designed to sell your strengths, not a place to apologize for perceived weaknesses or explain employment gaps. Proactively making excuses for a career break or a skill you lack only draws attention to it. These are topics to be addressed if a hiring manager asks about them during an interview. The letter should maintain a positive and forward-looking tone, concentrating on what you can contribute.
Focus on What to Include Instead
After removing detrimental information, the focus must shift to what makes a cover letter compelling. Instead of repeating your resume, use the space to tell a story about a professional achievement, providing context and detail. Rather than using a generic salutation, make an effort to find the hiring manager’s name. Express genuine enthusiasm for the company, referencing its specific mission, values, or recent projects that resonate with you.