Many job seekers struggle with writing a cover letter, and it is no wonder. Many rules should be followed, but many people don’t know what they should say or how to say it, as well as the things that shouldn’t be said. Here are examples of what should be avoided when learning how to write a cover letter for a resume.
Do Not Talk About Salary
One of the most important things to remember when writing a cover letter is not to talk about salary. This comes up in all job applications and not just in a cover letter. However, this part is so important that it needs to be repeated. Do not talk about salary or benefits in a resume cover letter or on an application form. This is something that should be negotiated at the interview after you have proved your worth to the potential employer.
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Don’t Use Difficult Words
Do not use difficult words when writing a cover letter if it can be avoided. Some people think that using big, impressive-sounding words makes their letters sound more intelligent; however, most of the time it has the opposite effect. It makes most people look less intelligent and can make employers think that this is how they will speak to clients also.
Avoid Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
Another thing to avoid in a cover letter is spelling or grammar mistakes. Although many teachers do not consider it important, knowing basic spelling and grammar is important. If you are applying to the engineering profession, the potential employer will want to know that you can spell correctly and use standard English. It will also make them think that you are not highly educated if your spelling skills are poor.
Once the cover letter is written, it should be proofread carefully for any spelling errors and mistakes in grammar and punctuation. Even if it is well written, the content should be checked to make sure that it says what you want it to say.
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Don’t Say The Same Thing Twice
Don’t repeat statements that have already been made or say something in a way that is very similar to how it has been said before. It makes a statement or an idea get lost in the rest of the text and means that you might as well have not said it at all for all the impact that it makes. In a cover letter, this will result in employers thinking that you are repeating yourself and trying to make up for the lack of content.
Don’t Include Past Circumstances
Don’t use a cover letter for a job application to explain circumstances that have made it difficult for you in the past. For example, if you have been out of work or had time off from study, don’t just say that you have been working at home or have been ill. Instead, explain what you did during this time and how it has improved your chances of success in the application. This will give you a chance to show off your work ethic and character rather than just saying that you were doing nothing.
Do Not Lie, Exaggerate, and Brag
Do not lie or exaggerate about your experience or skills just because there is too little space on an application form or cover letter for them all. It always comes back to haunt you and will result in you losing your job immediately should an employer ever find out. This is usually done by accident, but employers know the tricks to make sure that it doesn’t happen and will check everything that looks suspicious. They do this to protect themselves legally and because they want a good reputation for finding employees who offer exactly what the business needs.
Another thing to avoid in a cover letter format is bragging about yourself or what you have done. This does not make for a good impression and will likely result in the opposite effect from what you wanted. Instead of making an employer want to hire you, it might make them think that you are cocky and might expect the same attitude from customers or clients. They will also think that you are trying to make yourself look better than the other applicants and avoid hiring you in case they ever have to work with you again in the future.
Avoid Putting Unnecessary Personal Information
A final thing to remember when writing a cover letter is not to put unnecessary personal information in it, such as your name at birth or any nicknames. The only information that should be on the cover letter is your name, address, and phone number, which you can also place on a letterhead template for your cover letter. It can also be useful to have a summary of who you are at the end of your cover letter but avoid adding personal details. This makes it more professional and allows them to focus on what you have written rather than getting distracted by trivia.
In Summary
It can be difficult to write a cover letter that stands out. However, there are some things you should avoid when writing your cover letter. If you want an employer to call you in for an interview, then don’t do any of the things that were previously mentioned.
