Don’t Mess This One Up! Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts
Samantha Buechler | December 4, 2022
Applied to 50 jobs with not a single response? Crafting the perfect cover letter is crucial in making a strong first impression on potential employers. Whether you’re a graphic designer or a nurse, your cover letter needs to be well-structured, engaging, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your cover letter, along with examples of common mistakes for graphic designers and nurses.
Do’s
1. Do Research the Company: Understand the company’s culture, values, and the specifics of the job you’re applying for.
2. Do Tailor Your Cover Letter: Customize your cover letter for each job application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.
3. Do Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences: Focus on your most relevant achievements and how they make you a great fit for the position.
4. Do Use a Professional Tone: Maintain a professional yet approachable tone throughout your cover letter.
5. Do Proofread: Carefully check for spelling and grammatical errors to ensure your cover letter is polished and error-free.
Don’ts
1. Don’t Use a Generic Cover Letter Template: Avoid using a one-size-fits-all cover letter. Personalized cover letters stand out more to employers.
2. Don’t Repeat Your Resume: Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Use it to provide additional context to your experiences and achievements.
3. Don’t Use Overly Formal or Informal Language: Strike a balance between professionalism and being personable.
4. Don’t Focus on What You Want: While it’s okay to mention your career goals, the main focus should be on what you can offer the employer.
5. Don’t Make It Too Long: Keep your cover letter concise, ideally no longer than one page.
Common mistakes and examples Graphic Designer Cover Letter Mistakes
Mistake 1: Focusing Too Much on Personal Style
• Don’t: “I am a creative genius with a unique style that will transform your brand.”
• Do: “I have a strong background in creating visually appealing designs that align with brand guidelines and resonate with target audiences.”
Mistake 2: Lack of Specific Examples
• Don’t: “I have extensive experience in graphic design.”
• Do: “At XYZ Company, I led the redesign of the company’s website, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement.”
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Job Description
• Don’t: “I am proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.”
• Do: “Your job posting mentions the need for experience in UX/UI design. At my previous job, I worked closely with the UX team to develop user-friendly interfaces for mobile applications.”
Nurse Cover Letter Mistakes
Mistake 1: Being Too Generic
• Don’t: “I am a nurse with 5 years of experience.”
• Do: “As a registered nurse with 5 years of experience in acute care, I am skilled in patient assessment, developing care plans, and working collaboratively with healthcare teams.”
Mistake 2: Not Highlighting Soft Skills
• Don’t: “I am experienced in administering medication and monitoring patient vitals.”
• Do: “In addition to my clinical skills, I excel in patient communication and empathy, which are crucial for providing excellent patient care.”
Mistake 3: Overlooking the Employer’s Needs
• Don’t: “I am seeking a position where I can further my nursing career.”
• Do: “Your hospital’s commitment to patient-centered care aligns with my passion for improving patient outcomes through compassionate and evidence-based nursing practices.”
Web Developer Cover Letter Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using Too Much Technical Jargon
• Don’t: “I have experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL.”
• Do: “I developed a responsive web application for XYZ Company, improving the user experience and increasing site traffic by 40%.”
Mistake 2: Not Demonstrating Problem-Solving Skills
• Don’t: “I am skilled in front-end and back-end development.”
• Do: “I solved a critical performance issue at ABC Company by optimizing database queries and reducing page load times by 50%.”
Mistake 3: Failing to Show Enthusiasm for the Role
• Don’t: “I am applying for the web developer position.”
• Do: “I am excited about the opportunity to join your innovative team and contribute to creating cutting-edge web solutions that enhance user engagement.”
To summarize, writing an effective cover letter is about striking the right balance between professionalism and personalization. Your cover letter is your opportunity to shine and make a strong first impression.