A cover letter is your first chance to make a personal connection with a hiring manager. Unlike a resume, which lists facts and figures, a cover letter lets you tell a story, show your enthusiasm, and explain why you are the right fit for the role. But just as important as what you include is what you leave out. Many job seekers inadvertently sabotage their applications by adding elements that seem harmless but actually raise red flags, dilute their message, or waste the reader's time. Knowing what not to put in a cover letter is a critical skill that can mean the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. In this guide, we will explore the most common mistakes people make in cover letters. You will learn why certain phrases, details, and tones can hurt your chances, and what to do instead. Whether you are writing your first cover letter or updating an old one, these guidelines will help you craft a focused, professional, and persuasive letter that highlights your strengths without the pitfalls. Remember, the goal is to make the hiring manager's job easier by showing them exactly why you are a great candidate—not to overwhelm them with unnecessary information.

Avoid Personal and Irrelevant Details

One of the biggest mistakes in cover letters is including personal information that has nothing to do with the job. Hiring managers do not need to know about your hobbies, your family, your health, or your weekend plans. While it might be tempting to share a personal anecdote to seem relatable, unless it directly relates to the role or the company's mission, it can come across as unprofessional or unfocused. For example, mentioning that you love hiking might be fine in a casual conversation, but in a cover letter for an accounting position, it adds no value and takes up precious space. Similarly, avoid sharing overly personal struggles or emotional stories. A cover letter is not the place to explain that you are a single parent trying to make ends meet or that you are going through a difficult divorce. While these experiences are valid, they are not relevant to your qualifications and can make the reader uncomfortable. Instead, focus on your professional achievements and how they align with the job requirements. Another common error is including irrelevant job history. If you had a summer job as a lifeguard ten years ago and you are now applying for a marketing manager role, you do not need to mention it unless it taught you a transferable skill that you can tie directly to the position. Keep your cover letter concise and relevant; every sentence should serve a purpose in convincing the employer that you are the best candidate.

  • Do not mention hobbies, family, or personal health unless directly relevant to the job.
  • Avoid sharing emotional or personal struggles; keep the tone professional.
  • Leave out irrelevant work experience that does not support your candidacy.
  • Skip details about your commute, salary expectations, or scheduling constraints in the initial letter.

Skip the Clichés and Generic Phrases

Clichés are the enemy of a strong cover letter. Phrases like "I am a hard worker," "I think outside the box," or "I am a people person" are so overused that they have lost all meaning. They tell the hiring manager nothing about your actual abilities and can make you sound lazy or unoriginal. Instead of relying on tired buzzwords, provide concrete examples that demonstrate these qualities. For instance, rather than saying you are a hard worker, describe a project where you consistently met tight deadlines or took on extra responsibilities to ensure success. Another generic phrase to avoid is "I am writing to apply for the position of..." The reader already knows you are applying; they have your application in front of them. Start with a strong opening that grabs attention, such as a brief anecdote about a relevant accomplishment or a statement about why you are passionate about the company's work. This shows you have put thought into your letter and are not just sending a template to dozens of employers. Also, beware of overused adjectives like "dynamic," "results-driven," or "detail-oriented." These words are often thrown around without evidence. If you claim to be detail-oriented, prove it by mentioning a time you caught a critical error that saved your team time or money. Show, don't tell, is the golden rule of cover letter writing.

  • Replace clichés like 'hard worker' with specific examples of your achievements.
  • Avoid opening with 'I am writing to apply for...'—find a more engaging hook.
  • Do not use empty adjectives without backing them up with evidence.
  • Steer clear of generic statements that could apply to any candidate.

Do Not Apologize or Highlight Weaknesses

It is natural to feel nervous about gaps in your experience or skills, but your cover letter is not the place to apologize for them. Phrases like "Although I lack experience in..." or "I know I don't have all the qualifications, but..." immediately draw attention to your shortcomings and can undermine your confidence. Instead, focus on what you do bring to the table. If you are missing a required skill, you can acknowledge it briefly and then pivot to a related strength or a quick learning ability. For example, "While I have not worked extensively with Salesforce, I quickly mastered similar CRM systems and am confident I can become proficient in Salesforce within weeks." Another mistake is highlighting weaknesses that the employer might not have noticed. If you struggled in a previous role or had a less-than-perfect GPA, there is no need to bring it up unless directly asked. Your cover letter should be a positive document that sells your candidacy. If you must address a potential concern, such as a career gap, do so briefly and positively, focusing on what you learned or how you stayed current in your field. Avoid negative language about past employers or colleagues. Complaining about a previous job or boss makes you look unprofessional and difficult to work with. Even if you had a bad experience, keep your tone forward-looking and focused on why this new opportunity excites you. Employers want to hire problem solvers, not people who dwell on the negative.

  • Do not apologize for lacking skills or experience; instead, emphasize your ability to learn.
  • Avoid drawing attention to weaknesses that are not already obvious.
  • Never badmouth previous employers or colleagues.
  • If addressing a career gap, keep it brief and positive, focusing on growth.

Leave Out Unnecessary Repetition and Length

Your cover letter should not simply repeat your resume. Hiring managers already have your resume; they do not need a prose version of it. Instead, use the cover letter to highlight a few key achievements that are most relevant to the job and explain why they matter. For example, if your resume shows you increased sales by 20%, your cover letter can tell the story of how you did it and what that means for the company's goals. This adds context and depth without redundancy. Another common issue is length. A cover letter should be concise—ideally one page, three to four paragraphs. If you find yourself writing more than that, you are likely including unnecessary details. Trim any sentences that do not directly support your candidacy. Ask yourself: Does this information help the employer understand why I am a great fit? If not, cut it. A focused, well-edited letter is far more effective than a long, rambling one. Also, avoid repeating the same points multiple times. If you mention your leadership skills in the opening, do not bring them up again in every paragraph. Instead, use each paragraph to introduce a new aspect of your qualifications. This keeps the reader engaged and shows you can communicate efficiently—a skill valued in any role.

  • Do not restate your entire resume; select a few relevant highlights.
  • Keep your cover letter to one page and three to four paragraphs.
  • Avoid repeating the same skills or achievements in multiple sections.
  • Edit ruthlessly: every sentence should add new value.

Putting it together

Writing a strong cover letter is as much about what you omit as what you include. By avoiding personal details, clichés, apologies, and unnecessary repetition, you can create a focused, professional letter that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm. Remember, the hiring manager is looking for reasons to say yes—do not give them reasons to say no. Keep your letter concise, relevant, and positive, and always tailor it to the specific role and company. With these guidelines in mind, you can craft a cover letter that stands out for all the right reasons and moves you closer to landing the interview.