5 Cover Letter MISTAKES that cost you your JOB!

Summary

In this video, Preston, a seasoned recruiter, highlights the importance of cover letters and outlines the top five common mistakes job applicants make. Despite a general perception that cover letters are often overlooked, they can significantly impact hiring decisions. Preston emphasizes the need for tailored cover letters that address the company's specific needs, avoiding redundancy with resumes, and keeping the content concise. He advises against irrelevant personal details and encourages closing with a confident call to action. Overall, a well-crafted cover letter can complement a resume and demonstrate a candidate's genuine interest in the position.

Takeaways

• 😀 A well-crafted cover letter can differentiate you from other candidates, even if many recruiters don't read them.
• 📚 Research the company and hiring manager to tailor your cover letter effectively, avoiding a generic approach.
• 🔍 The purpose of a cover letter is not to repeat your resume, but to highlight key achievements and experiences relevant to the job.
• ✍️ Use the cover letter to tell your professional story and explain how your background aligns with the position.
• 📝 Keep the cover letter concise, ideally three-quarters of a page, and ensure it has a professional format.
• ⚖️ Focus on the employer's needs and how you can solve their problems with your skills and experiences.
• ❌ Avoid including irrelevant personal information or lengthy explanations that could detract from your qualifications.
• 🌟 Highlight only two or three key achievements that best demonstrate your fit for the role.
• 📅 End your cover letter with a proactive statement that encourages the hiring manager to reach out to you.
• 💪 Putting effort into your cover letter shows your commitment to the job application process and can help you stand out.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video discusses the importance of cover letters in job applications and outlines the top five common mistakes candidates make when writing them.

Why do some recruiters and hiring managers consider cover letters important?

Despite many hiring managers not reading cover letters, 53% of employers prefer candidates to submit one, as it can give insight into the candidate's personality and communication skills.

What is a cover letter supposed to accomplish?

A cover letter should highlight what a candidate brings to the table, demonstrate why they are a good fit for the role, and showcase their personal style and relevant experiences.

What is the suggested structure for an effective cover letter?

An effective cover letter should include contact information, a personal salutation, a body that outlines the position and the candidate's strengths, and a closing statement with a signature.

What mistake do candidates make regarding company research?

Many candidates fail to research the company or hiring manager, leading to generic cover letters that appear lazy and less personalized.

How should candidates tailor their cover letters?

Candidates should tailor their cover letters to address the specific needs and wants of the company, showcasing how their skills and experiences align with those requirements.

What is the common mistake of repeating the resume in a cover letter?

Candidates often mistakenly use their cover letter to summarize their resume, which is unnecessary since hiring managers already have the resume. The cover letter should expand on key achievements and skills instead.

What length is recommended for a cover letter?

It is recommended to keep cover letters concise, ideally around three-quarters of a page, as longer letters may be overlooked by recruiters.

What is the importance of mentioning next steps in a cover letter?

Mentioning next steps conveys confidence and encourages the hiring manager to take action, rather than leaving it to chance. For instance, stating, 'I look forward to discussing how we can optimize your team's performance' implies readiness to engage.

What overall impression should a well-crafted cover letter give to employers?

A well-crafted cover letter should demonstrate the candidate's serious interest in the position and the company, reflecting effort and professionalism.