We all need some cover letter help once in a while because a cover letter is the first thing employers see when they open your materials. So, in order for your cover letter to stand out from the rest you have to make it professional, original and with no mistakes.

Below are 10 mistakes to avoid that will make your first impression a good and lasting one:

Overuse Of The Word ‘I’:

A cover letter is not an autobiography - the focus should be on how to meet the employer’s needs, not your life story. Try to avoid the use of being self-centered by minimizing the word “I” as much as possible, especially at the beginning of sentences.

Avoid Weak Openings:

Multiple job seekers frequently struggle with how to begin when writing a cover letter. The results often lack of a punch line of an introduction and failing to grab the reader’s interest. Below are a couple examples you can consider:

• Weak: Please consider me for your job opening as a sales rep.
• Good: Your businesses needs for a top-performing sales representative is a perfect match to my three year history as a #1 ranked, multimillion dollar producer.

Excluding Your Top Selling Points

A cover letter is a sales letter that sells YOU as a CANDIDATE. Just like the resume, it should be compelling and give the exact reasons you should be chosen for an interview. To win cover letter tips try to emphasize your top accomplishments or create subheadings that were chosen from the job posting. For example:

Company’s Ad Specified: Communications Skills

Job Seeker Offers: Five years of public speaking and an extensive background in executive-level report.

Company’s Ad Specified: Strong Computer Background

Job Seeker Offers: Proficiency in all MS Office software with additional expertise in Web Development and Design.

Making It Too Long:

If your cover letter is more than one page, you may be putting employers to sleep. A good cover letter is concise but compelling, and respects each reader’s time.

Repeating Your Resume:

This is extremely important that you do not regurgitate what is on your resume - reword your cover letter statements to avoid dulling your resume’s impact.

Being Too Vague:

If you are going to reply to an advertised opening make sure that you reference the specific job title in your cover letter. The employer reading your cover letter is probably reviewing hundreds of letters for different jobs. Make sure that all of the content in your cover letter supports how you will meet the employer’s needs.

Forgetting to Customize:

If you are applying to similar job positions, chances are you are tweaking one letter and using it for multiple openings. This is okay, but as long as you customize each letter. Which means do not forget to update the company, job and contact information.

Ending on a Passive Note:

If at all possible, put your future in your own hands with a promise to follow up. Instead of asking employers to call you, try the below statement:

I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, you can reach me at any time at the below number.

(555) 555-5555.

Being Rude:

Your cover letter should thank the employer for his or her time and consideration.

Forgetting to Sign the Letter:

It is proper business etiquette to sign your letter and is the last mistake that is most forgotten.