Why Your Cover Letter Gets Rejected (5 MISTAKES TO AVOID)

Summary

This video script offers a candid look at common cover letter pitfalls and how to avoid them. It highlights five key mistakes, such as impersonal openings, grammatical errors, weak hooks, lack of tangible results, and poor cover letter hygiene. The speaker provides actionable advice, including using LinkedIn for research, incorporating quantifiable achievements, and keeping the letter concise. Bonus tips include avoiding full addresses and jargon, ensuring a cover letter is a polished reflection of the candidate's attention to detail and fit for the role.

Takeaways

• 📬 Address the cover letter to a specific person, ideally the direct manager of the role, rather than a generic title like 'Deloitte recruiter'.
• 🔍 Use LinkedIn to find potential contacts and research the team structure to personalize the cover letter appropriately.
• 👀 Look for mutual connections on LinkedIn who might introduce you or share common interests that can be leveraged in a cold message.
• 🚫 Avoid grammar mistakes and typos, as they are often the top reason for rejection in cover letters and resumes.
• 🔍 Use a ChatGPT prompt to find and fix grammatical errors and typos, ensuring a polished final document.
• 🎣 Spend a significant amount of time crafting an engaging hook for the beginning of the cover letter to capture the reader's interest.
• 🙅‍♂️ Avoid self-centered openings; instead, highlight why the company stands out or addresses a common pain point in the industry.
• 📈 Include tangible results and quantifiable metrics in the cover letter to demonstrate the impact of your previous work experiences.
• 🔢 Use prompts to help quantify vague descriptions and provide measurable outcomes to showcase your achievements.
• 📝 Be mindful of 'cover letter hygiene' by not including your full street address, avoiding industry jargon, and keeping the letter to two pages or less.
• 🛠️ Utilize existing cover letter templates as a starting point to create a strong application, but customize them to fit the specific role and company.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to discuss the five critical mistakes made in a cover letter that can lead to rejection and to provide advice on how to avoid them to increase the chances of landing a first-round interview.

Why is addressing the cover letter to an actual person important?

Addressing the cover letter to an actual person, such as the direct manager of the role, shows that the candidate has done their research and is more likely to make a positive impression on the reader.

What is the ideal approach to finding the right person to address the cover letter to if the direct manager is unknown?

The ideal approach is to find the most senior person on the team. Using LinkedIn to search for managers at the company and location can help identify potential recipients.

What is the significance of having mutual connections on LinkedIn when addressing a cover letter?

Mutual connections can introduce the candidate to the recipient or provide a talking point in a cold message, which can help the candidate stand out and get noticed.

Why are grammar mistakes and typos considered deal breakers by hiring managers and recruiters?

Grammar mistakes and typos are seen as deal breakers because they indicate a lack of attention to detail, suggesting the candidate may not be detail-oriented and could be a risky hire.

How can a candidate ensure their cover letter is free of grammatical errors and typos?

A candidate can use a ChatGPT prompt to find and fix grammatical mistakes and typos, and also ask at least five other people to read the cover letter, including an intentional mistake to test their attention to detail.

What is the importance of having a strong hook in the cover letter?

A strong hook is important because it engages the reader and encourages them to continue reading the cover letter, increasing the chances of making a positive impression.

What is the common mistake people make when writing the opening paragraph of their cover letter?

The common mistake is being too self-centered, focusing on oneself rather than addressing a relatable pain point or showing a unique understanding of the company or role.

Why is it important to include tangible results in the cover letter?

Including tangible results quantifies the impact of the candidate's actions, providing concrete evidence of their abilities and achievements, which can be more persuasive to hiring managers.

How can a job seeker find quantifiable metrics for their vague descriptions in their cover letter?

A job seeker can use a ChatGPT prompt to suggest ways to add quantifiable and measurable metrics to their descriptions, making their accomplishments more specific and impressive.

What are some cover letter hygiene tips mentioned in the video?

Some cover letter hygiene tips include not including a full street address, avoiding industry-specific acronyms and jargon, and keeping the cover letter to no more than two pages.

What is the bonus mistake mentioned in the video regarding creating a cover letter?

The bonus mistake is creating the cover letter from scratch without referencing examples or templates, which can lead to common errors and a lack of impact.

How can watching the video and following the advice help job seekers?

By following the advice in the video, job seekers can avoid common mistakes, create a more effective cover letter, and increase their chances of getting noticed and landing interviews.