Read More: 5 Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid In 2017

By Michelle Wanjiku

Writing a cover letter may seem simple enough but when it comes to getting a job it could be the difference between getting your CV looked at and having your application thrown out.

Most hiring managers don’t have time to go through all the CVs so instead, they look at your cover letter, if it is found wanting then your application is normally thrown out.

It is therefore, very important that the letter is free of mistakes and well written.

Here is a list of mistakes to avoid when drafting your cover letter

1. Failing To Customize Your Cover Letter

This is really important when it comes to writing a cover letter. Sadly most people use generic cover letters to apply for all the jobs they are interested in.

You may be applying for the same position say, HR Assistant, but the responsibilities and required qualifications for each job might be slightly different.

Therefore, for every job you apply for, you must draft a different Cover Letter. This is because, an application letter is supposed to show the employer that you are fit for that specific job. Not for any general HR assistant position.

2. Failing to address it to a particular person.

Now even if the person receiving the application may not have been mentioned in the job description, it is up to you to make a point of researching and finding out who will receive them.

This is a good way of showing the hiring managers that you truly are interested in the position and you took the time to do your research.

A recruitment manager is more likely to invite you for an interview if you addressed them by their name as opposed to the Dear Sir/Madam salutation.

3. Using ‘I’ or ‘me’ a hundred times.

According to Melody Mwendwa, a CV/Cover Letter writing professional at Corporate Staffing Services, the focus on your cover letter should be on how you meet the company’s needs not about you.

Instead, focus on showing how your qualifications are relevant to the position you are applying for.

4. Using statements like ‘I am a hard worker… etc

His are general statements that don’t really show what you bring to the table or what you have done.

You should provide real life examples of what you have done that relates to the job. Remember to keep it short and not to use too many examples.

If you are applying for a customer care job, you can say, you implemented new methods of delivering customer service at costs well below industry standards.

5. Grammatical Errors

There is no excuse for having grammatical errors in your Cover Letter because this shows that you are irresponsible and not very keen.

These are traits that will not land you a job. After writing your letter it is important that you go through it or give someone else to proof read it.

This will help ensure that the copy you send does not have any avoidable mistakes.