Cover Letter Mistakes That Cost You the Interview

A great cover letter can push a borderline application over the line. A bad one can torpedo an otherwise strong CV. Most people make the same five mistakes — and most of them are easy to fix.

Mistake 1: Starting with "I am writing to apply for..."

This is the most common opening line in cover letters — which means it's the most forgettable. Recruiters read hundreds of letters starting this way. Lead instead with something that immediately signals why you're the right person. Try: "Three years building [X] at [Y company] taught me exactly what it takes to [role-specific achievement]."

Mistake 2: Repeating your CV

Your cover letter should complement your CV, not repeat it. The letter is your chance to tell the story behind the bullet points — to explain why this role, at this company, makes sense for you right now. If a recruiter reads your cover letter and learns nothing new, it's been a waste of both your time and theirs.

Mistake 3: Making it about you, not them

The most common cover letter mistake is focusing entirely on what you want. "I am looking for a role where I can develop..." is about you. Employers want to know what you can do for them. Flip the framing: "I can bring [specific capability] to help [company] achieve [specific goal]."

Mistake 4: Being generic

If your cover letter could be sent to any company for any job, it's not good enough. Mention something specific about the company — a recent initiative, a product you admire, a value they've publicly articulated. Show that you've done your homework.

Mistake 5: The wrong length

Cover letters should be exactly one page — three to four focused paragraphs. Shorter feels lazy. Longer feels like you can't edit. Four paragraphs: who you are and why you're interested, what you bring, why this company specifically, and a confident close.

CV Zone's AI generates cover letters tailored to the specific job description — so every letter is relevant, specific and the right length.