phrases to avoid in cover letter

Media Decision US

The 18 Do’s and Don’ts of Cover Letters Every Job Seeker Should Know

Posted: May 8, 2024 | Last updated: May 8, 2024

Most job seekers don’t spend nearly enough time working on their cover letters, assuming that their resume is enough to get them an interview. But when there is competition, a great cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and getting passed over.

Your cover letter is your first impression when you’re applying for a new job, and it should be a good one. It’s also an opportunity to show your personality and demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit for the role.

Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, but you can do a few simple things to make the process easier. Here are some easy do’s and don’ts that can help you write a great cover letter that will impress employers.

<p>Your skillset determines a lot about your life. From the type of job you thrive in to the relationships you make, it influences the challenges and opportunities you’ll encounter. Like how your attention to detail makes you the go-to for anything involving spreadsheets. Or how that impressive memory of yours means everyone wants you on their trivia team.</p> <p>Leaning into whatever your strengths are can make life easier and more enjoyable. By identifying your skills, you can make better choices about what career path to take and what sort of life you want to live — be it raising a family on a quiet farm or pursuing a modeling career in New York City.</p> <p>It’s not always easy to recognize what you are good at, though. Especially when the skill comes naturally to you. But when it comes to things like writing a resume or successfully organizing your life, you need to know! Learn how to identify your skills with these ten expert tips.</p>

Sell Yourself

Like your resume, your cover letter is your chance to brag (professionally) about why they should hire you. Be proud of your skills and accomplishments, and use them to explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

When you sit down to write a cover letter, think about what will grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. What can you say about your skills and experience that will set you apart from the other candidates?

If you can, include specific examples of times when you have excelled in a similar role.

<p>Most candidates assume interviews are just for the company to decide if they want to hire you, but it’s also your chance to evaluate the company. You can tell a lot about the company by how they handle the hiring process, and should be researching them as part of your interview prep.</p><p>But when they ask “<em>Do you have any questions for me?</em>” at the end of the interview, you’re answer better be yes.</p><p>Very few people go into interviews prepared to ask the interviewer a <a href="https://mylifeiguess.com/questions-to-ask-in-an-interview/">list of their own questions</a>, and this is a huge mistake. This is your chance to turn the tables and see how the potential employer handles answering your questions. Ask about the company and its goals, as well as the position that you’re applying for.</p><p>While there are certain questions that you should avoid asking, not asking anything makes it seem that you are not interested in the job or that you didn’t prepare for the interview.</p>

Answer the Question: Why Do You Want to Work Here?

You can be more human and personable in your cover letter than in your resume. So be sure to tell the reader why you want the job . This is especially true if you are making a career change or have been out of work for a while.

Briefly explain your situation so that the hiring manager doesn’t have any questions about why you’re applying.

For example, you can say something as simple as: “After ten years of working in office administration, I am interested in finding new challenges in the marketing industry.”

Address How You Meet the Needs of the Organization

There’s a reason most job applications require a resume and a cover letter. A cover letter gives you a chance to communicate with the organization and elaborate on your resume. It’s your opportunity to explain how you meet the organization’s needs and why you should be selected for an interview.

When writing a cover letter, it’s important to focus on how you can help the company reach its goals. You need to do your research to do this.

Find out the company’s goals and plans for achieving them. Then, craft a cover letter that demonstrates how your skills and experience can help the company succeed.

You can also use your cover letter to address some of the other job needs that may be difficult to include on your resume. These are things like having a driver’s license and access to a vehicle or details about your availability, such as when you can start.

<p>Education consultants advise educational institutions on curriculum creation and teaching strategies. They give recommendations to enhance the education process and improve learning outcomes.</p><p>Education consultants help teachers and school staff hone their skills. They use data to refine instruction and assessment strategies. Older adults may have worked as teachers, trainers, or educators, giving them valuable insights into effective learning methodologies and strategies.</p>

Personalize Each Letter

Each employer should receive a personalized cover letter, but don’t worry! You can create one or two cover letter templates and tailor them for each job, just like you should do for your resume.

People still expect your cover letter to follow the formal letter format that includes the date, your name and contact information, and the company’s contact information. Be sure to update each cover letter so that it has the correct details and is addressed to the right person. Addressing your cover letter to the wrong person or sending the wrong letter with your resume probably won’t get a second look.

If you can’t find who to address the letter to, it’s better to use something generic like “hiring manager” or “hiring team” than the wrong name.

<p>Almost everyone will tell you that your cover letter must be one page. In most cases, this is great advice. Limiting yourself to one page helps you avoid repetition and really focus on what the hiring manager needs to know.</p><p>But the truth is, your cover letter should be as long as it needs to be. </p><p>I have been successful in submitting a two-page cover letter in the past. In this case, I was applying for a position that was actually two part-time jobs combined into one full-time job. The two roles were related but required different skills, so there was no way to address them all with a single-page cover letter.</p>

Keep it Short

Almost everyone will tell you that your cover letter must be one page. In most cases, this is great advice. Limiting yourself to one page helps you avoid repetition and really focus on what the hiring manager needs to know.

But the truth is, your cover letter should be as long as it needs to be.

I have been successful in submitting a two-page cover letter in the past. In this case, I was applying for a position that was actually two part-time jobs combined into one full-time job. The two roles were related but required different skills, so there was no way to address them all with a single-page cover letter.

<p>A growth mindset and eagerness to learn can outshine even the most impressive resume. Static skills get left behind, while adaptability thrives. Employers want to hire learners, not know-it-alls.</p><p>So forget just knowing—it’s all about growing in the workplace. Dynamic skills and the potential you show can lead the way to career success.</p>

Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Use Grammarly (which is free) to catch spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and other language issues that you may overlook. This attention to detail will show the employer that you are taking the time to make sure that your letter is professional and that you are taking the job seriously.

Proofreading your own cover letter (and resume) can be difficult because you have likely read it so many times that you no longer see the mistakes. Having someone else take a look at it with fresh eyes can be helpful. In addition, they may be able to offer suggestions for improvements or point out information that is missing.

<p>When you know how to invest and manage a stock portfolio, you can see it as a sign you’re ready to retire early. A strong grasp of mitigating risks and diversifying investments means you’re well on your way to a secure future.</p><p>Navigating financial markets with ease suggests a high level of financial literacy. This know-how is key to maintaining your wealth throughout retirement and ensuring it lasts a lifetime.</p>

Get Their Attention Right Away

Almost every cover letter starts in the same boring way: “I am writing to apply for the [position] job at [company].” This does not tell the employer anything about you or why you are qualified for the job.

Instead, use the first paragraph to grab the employer’s attention and make them want to read more.

You can do a few things to make your first paragraph truly stand out:

Tell them right away why you are qualified for the position. If you have work experience that matches the required qualifications, mention it first.
Use strong, active language to engage the employer and show that you are enthusiastic about the position.
Talk about your transferable skills, such as those you gained from previous jobs, volunteering, leadership roles, or your side hustle. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have used these skills in the past and how they will help you succeed in the position you are applying for.

Starting your cover letter with a strong hook will immediately set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your dedication and enthusiasm for the role.

<p>While getting to know other people is an important part of networking, the real goal is to get people to know you. Use your social media platforms to share what you know and what you want to be known for. You can grow and become a thought leader in your space by consistently posting quality content that gets shared for more people to see. This will help you to attract people instead of always being the one to reach out first.</p><p>Posting about your professional achievements, experience, and results can increase your chances of connecting with like-minded people. Sharing content in your area of expertise will also help you to build credibility.</p><p>Nowadays, employers will check candidates’ social media profiles during the hiring process, so you want to show them that you have the background, skills, and experience you claim to have. This will build trust, validate your expertise, and enhance your relationships to make them more valuable and authentic.</p>

Use Action Words

Use strong action words on your cover letter, such as: created, managed, oversaw, and implemented. These words will demonstrate your ability to take charge and get things done. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who can take the initiative and get the job done, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills by using descriptive words .

<p>Your job does not always have to be done perfectly. So if you are a perfectionist (like me), you need to learn how to tone it down; otherwise, you will be miserable at work.</p><p>Most of us work as a part of a team. It’s almost impossible for a project to be “perfect” according to your standards when working with others. Everyone has different ideas and opinions on what perfect looks like, and they all have to be integrated.</p><p>Do your job well, but avoid holding yourself to a standard of perfection. It will only frustrate you in the long run.</p><p>Most of the time, employers want work that is “good enough” and done instead of work that is perfect but late, overly time-consuming, or costly.</p><p>If you are a leader, try not to micromanage your employees and expect perfection from them, either. Figure out what level of quality is acceptable and stick to that.</p>

Address Employment Gaps or Potential Concerns

Your cover letter is also an opportunity to explain any gaps in your employment history or to address any concerns that the employer might have about your candidacy. For example, if you took a few years off to raise your children, use your cover letter to explain how this has prepared you to return to the workforce and be an even better employee.

<p>I think we can all agree that sometimes, going to work can be intimidating and even a little scary. Unfortunately, many of us experience many common fears about going to work.</p> <p>Although I used to work at a maximum-security jail, the scariest job I ever had was thanks to a horrible manager. The stress and doubt she put me through were debilitating. No matter what I said or how hard I worked, it was never good enough. I was never good enough.</p> <p>Bad bosses and the fear of failure are not the only barriers preventing you from having a successful career. There’s the anxiety associated with important meetings and public speaking. Tight deadlines and a mountain of work add pressure. Maybe you struggle with disorganization and inadequacy and are worried you make too many mistakes.</p> <p>Then, there’s concern about being judged for asking questions or feeling like you are just bothering everyone. Feelings of isolation at work make starting conversations challenging and fitting in feel impossible, particularly if you are a new employee.</p> <p>We’ve all been there at one point in our lives. Fortunately, with a few simple tricks, you can overcome whatever is causing your work anxiety.</p>

If you are out of work, don’t try to hide it. Employers may eventually discover the truth, so it’s better to be honest with them from the start.

Explain your situation briefly and focus on the positive – what you have been doing to stay busy and how you are excited to put your skills to use in a new role. Honesty is always the best policy, and employers will appreciate your transparency.

Don’t Repeat Your Resume

Now that you know what you should be doing on your cover letter, let’s talk about some of the things you need to avoid.

Your cover letter is meant to elaborate on your resume, not repeat it. If it doesn’t tell us anything more than your resume already does, why are you even bothering to write one?

Hiring managers don’t want to read the same information twice. They want to see how you can add value to their organization, not just a list of your past accomplishments.

Use your cover letter to talk about your skills and experience in a more natural way. Expand on what you want an employer to know about yourself and your application.

<p>We all have bad days. But sometimes, it’s our own fault.</p><p>Being pessimistic and whining, complaining, nit-picking, or expecting the worst will foster a draining and negative environment. And you know what they say – negativity attracts more negativity.</p><p>So while it’s important to express yourself and vent your frustrations, there’s a right time and place to do so. At work, surrounded by your co-workers, usually isn’t it.</p><p>Try your best to avoid having negative, disruptive thoughts go through your mind when you are at work since they may hinder your productivity. Sometimes, taking a break and stepping away from the situation will do the trick to lessen your <a href="https://mylifeiguess.com/work-anxiety/">work anxiety</a>. Breathing exercises can also help whenever you have disruptive thoughts.</p><p>If you cannot seem to control them, it would be best to seek professional help. Often, ignoring a problem will not make it go away. It is better to address a problem when you identify it.</p><p>You will be happier at work when you have a clear mind and are focused on the tasks at hand.</p>

Don’t Be Negative

If you are applying for a new job, you are either unemployed or underemployed, hate your current job , or are worried that you may be about to lose it. None of these situations are fun to be in, but you can’t let that show in your cover letter. You have to keep it positive!

You want to show the employer that you are excited about the opportunity and are confident in your ability to do the job.

If you hate your current job, focus on how you are looking for a new challenge and how you believe this job will be a better fit for you. Or, if you are worried you may lose your job, focus on how you are proactive and are already looking for new opportunities.

<p>Making a budget can help anyone of any age reach their money goals. A budget does more than just push people to save money for things they want.</p> <p>When you’re a teen or young adult, budgeting builds a habit that will help improve your financial health. Budgeting for young adults also helps them decide which financial goals are the most important and shows how to meet them more efficiently.</p> <p>When it comes to money, teens and young adults don’t have as much duty as older people do. So, proper budgeting can help them get ahead towards a better financial future much faster.</p> <p>Here are the most important steps of budgeting for young adults and how to implement them.</p>

Don’t Discuss Why You Need the Job

Everyone knows that you need a job to make money to support yourself and your family. You don’t need to explain this or the details of your specific situation in your cover letter. Mentioning that you are hoping to buy a new house next year doesn’t matter to an employer.

What does matter to an employer is what you can do for them. They want to know how you will:

make their company more money
save them money
make their company more efficient
help them to avoid potential problems

In your cover letter, focus on what you can do for the employer, not on what they can do for you.

<p>Job hunting is tough enough as it is, so don’t make it any harder by making these easily avoidable mistakes. Ask for help, put in the effort, and do your homework – you will be starting that new job before you know it!</p>

Don’t Make Excuses

Making excuses will only draw more attention to your weaknesses or make you sound like a difficult person to work with.

If you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications they are looking for, that’s okay – just don’t point it out! Let them decide if it’s a deal-breaker or if they are willing to train you in that specific area. They might not even notice!

Avoid making excuses for past job experiences or choices that might negatively reflect on you. If you were fired from a job, for example, simply state that the job wasn’t a good fit and move on. Don’t try to justify your actions or make excuses—this will only make you look bad.

<p>This expression is a rather memorable way to say, “Do the worst thing first.” The idea is that getting your most dreaded task out of the way will make the rest of your day much better. On the other hand, if you keep putting it off, your day is going to suck because it’s looming over you.</p>

Don’t Lie Or Exaggerate

Many people feel the temptation to lie or exaggerate their skills and experience when applying for a new job. Although lying on your application may seem like a harmless way to make yourself look more qualified, it can lead to serious consequences.

When an employer is interested in hiring you, they will conduct a background check and call your references. If you’re caught lying on your job application, you will likely be immediately disqualified. In some cases, you may even be banned from applying to that company in the future.

Lying on your application can also be a form of fraud, which is a crime in many jurisdictions. Depending on the severity of the lie, you could lose your job, be sued, or even be prosecuted for falsifying documents.

Lying or exaggerating about your experience or education can also lead to problems down the road if you are hired for a position based on false information. For example, if you claim you are proficient at using a specific program that you don’t really know much about, you will struggle in your new role. Not being able to do your job will be stressful and raise questions with your employer. Unless you’re a quick learner, you will probably find yourself job searching again within a few months.

So, the next time you’re tempted to fudge the truth on your application, remember the potential consequences. Be honest on your applications, and you’ll be much better off in the long run.

<p>It’s essential to set goals and targets at work, but don’t compare yourself to other leaders or employees. Doing that will only make you feel bad about yourself, and in the process, you’ll forget about your own growth and progress. Comparison is a thief of joy.</p><p>Besides, you and your fellow employees have different goals. It’s okay if someone younger than you thrives at work, and it’s also okay if others are getting promotions and you aren’t. When you set goals on where you want to be and how you plan to get there, you will realize that you are making progress.</p><p>If you are going to compare yourself, then compare yourself against your own growth. Seeing how far you’ve come can help you to be happy with your work life.</p>

Don’t Send a Generic Letter

As mentioned, your cover letter should be unique to each employer and job opportunity. Don’t simply copy and paste the same letter for every job application. A few small tweaks are all you need to make your cover letter specific to each job and increase your chances of getting an interview.

If it’s obvious that you’ve created one cover letter and are using it repeatedly to apply to dozens of jobs, it gives the impression that you don’t really care if you get this job or not – you just want any job. And while that may be true, you don’t want to create any apprehension with an employer.

<p>Web developers create and refine websites, turning ideas into user-friendly online experiences. They use various programming languages to keep websites functional and visually appealing. </p><p>The role also involves troubleshooting and fixing website performance issues. Problem-solving is something that boomers are good at, as they have developed strategies and approaches over the years. Being updated on new technologies is important to stay competitive in the field.</p>

Don’t Use Clichés or Slang Terms

Avoid using clichés, slang, and overly casual language when writing a cover letter. Such language can come across as unprofessional and may not convey the message you are trying to get across in the best way possible.

Clichés include phrases like “I’m a people person” or “I’m a go-getter.” These phrases are overused and do not add anything unique to your letter.

Using slang can give the impression that you are not taking the process seriously. It can also make it difficult for the reader to understand what you are trying to say. Instead, focus on using clear and concise language, which will get your point across in a way that is both professional and respectful.

While it is important to be friendly and personable in your letter, being too casual can make you seem unprofessional and could hurt your chances of getting the job.

<p>There are a few reasons why you should not include personal information in your cover letter. First, it is not necessary. The employer is only interested in your qualifications and not your personal life.</p><p>Second, while it may seem like a good idea to make yourself seem more relatable, including personal information can actually have the opposite effect. It can make you appear unprofessional.</p><p>Third, including personal information on your cover letter can be a privacy concern. If an employer knows too much about your personal life, they could potentially use this information against you. For example, if you mention that you have young children, the employer may assume that you will need to take time off for childcare. As a result, you may be passed over in favor of a candidate without the same responsibilities.</p><p>Lastly, sharing personal information in your cover letter could also lead to identity theft. If you <a href="https://mylifeiguess.com/address-on-resume/">include your home address</a> or phone number, a savvy thief could use this information to steal your identity. By including personal information in your cover letter, you could be putting yourself at risk.</p><p>Overall, you should always err on the side of caution to protect your privacy. Stick to the facts and let your qualifications speak for themselves.</p>

Don’t Include Unnecessary Personal Information

There are a few reasons why you should not include personal information in your cover letter. First, it is not necessary. The employer is only interested in your qualifications and not your personal life.

Second, while it may seem like a good idea to make yourself seem more relatable, including personal information can actually have the opposite effect. It can make you appear unprofessional.

Third, including personal information on your cover letter can be a privacy concern. If an employer knows too much about your personal life, they could potentially use this information against you. For example, if you mention that you have young children, the employer may assume that you will need to take time off for childcare. As a result, you may be passed over in favor of a candidate without the same responsibilities.

Lastly, sharing personal information in your cover letter could also lead to identity theft. If you include your home address or phone number, a savvy thief could use this information to steal your identity. By including personal information in your cover letter, you could be putting yourself at risk.

Overall, you should always err on the side of caution to protect your privacy. Stick to the facts and let your qualifications speak for themselves.

<p>If you are looking for a job with a felony record, focus on getting a job anywhere you can, such as those who have joined the <a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/issues/criminal-justice/fair-chance-pledge" rel="noopener">Fair Chance Pledge</a>. You need to get your foot in the door somewhere, anywhere that is willing to give you a chance. </p><p>Once you are hired, show your employer that you are a reliable, hard-working employee by starting to take on more responsibilities and <a href="https://mylifeiguess.com/learn-new-job-skills-for-free/">learning new job skills</a>. This will help rebuild your resume, provide you with strong references, and advance you to better positions.</p><p>You might have to start with a lower-paying job, a part-time or temporary job, or a job that you are overqualified for. And you might have to apply for jobs in other industries, too. </p><p>Unfortunately, your options are already limited. You can’t afford to limit yourself even further. </p><p>That said, there are still plenty of opportunities to find meaningful work. Knowing what companies and types of jobs are felon-friendly is the best place to start.</p>

Cover Letters Are Tricky But Beneficial

It can be difficult to strike the right tone in a cover letter. You want to sound enthusiastic and professional without coming across as desperate or pushy. The goal is to show that you’re a good fit for the company, so focus on that.

If you’re not sure how to get started, plenty of cover letter examples are available online. Just make sure to tailor the letter to the specific company and position you’re applying for, and only include the skills and experience that you actually have.

With these tips, you should have no problem creating a cover letter that will stand out and help you get hired.

<p>Don’t be afraid to get free help with <a href="https://mylifeiguess.com/make-a-resume-step-by-step-guide/">your resume</a> and job search. Finding a job can take a long time, but with free resume help, you can stop looking and start working at a job you enjoy!</p>

Quick Resume Tips

If you want to make a good impression and stand out from the competition, here are 20 resume do’s and don’ts . Following these simple tips, you can be sure that your resume will make a great impression on employers.

<p>Amazon has made it so much easier to reach hundreds of thousands of customers all over the world. Once you have a product that people want to buy and is selling well, you could make a lot of money selling it from your home (since the entire transaction takes place online).</p> <p>You don’t need a lot of money to start a business selling things on Amazon, which is a plus. As long as what you sell is wanted, you will always have customers.</p> <p>According to Jungle Scout, 45% of Amazon sellers make at least $1,000 per month, with 25% making more than $25,000.</p>

Add Your Side Hustle to Your Resume

Job seekers are told they need to stand out if they want to get hired. But how? One of the easiest ways is to include their side hustle on their resumes . Your side hustle is teaching valuable job skills that can make you a stronger candidate. Not mentioning this on your resume or cover letter is a mistake!

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Resume and Cover Letter
10 of the Worst Cover Letter...

10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

8 min read · Updated on March 10, 2022

Make sure your cover letter helps your candidacy by avoiding these all-too-common mistakes.

Once you've updated your professional resume , it's time to prepare your job applications for submission to hiring managers. This usually involves making some small tweaks to your resume and creating a cover letter to accompany your application.

But aren't cover letters a thing of the past?

Yes and no. While 74 percent of recruiters don't find the cover letter to be an important factor when evaluating candidates, the remaining percentage do. And since you have no way of knowing which type of recruiter will receive your application, it's best to cover your bases and include a cover letter with every job application. As an added bonus, a reported 53 percent of employers admit they prefer candidates to send a cover letter when applying for a job.

However, not just any cover letter will do. If you're going to take the time to craft this document, make sure it helps, not hurts, your candidacy, by following cover letter dos and don'ts. Below are 10 common and costly mistakes to avoid when writing your next cover letter .

Cover Letter Mistake #1: Lack of research

Thanks to the Internet, there's little excuse to not personalize your cover letters. Whenever possible, research the name of the hiring manager or recruiter (if it's not listed on the actual job post) and the company who's filling the position, and use this information to customize your opening document. If you skip this step, you're sending the message to the reader that you don't really care enough about the position to do your homework. In a world where employers are inundated with applications, any excuse to eliminate candidates along the application process will do. Don't let this cover letter mistake give them a reason to cut you from the pile.

There are some exceptions to this rule. If you're responding to an anonymous job posting, you're not expected to include the name of the company or the hiring manager in the cover letter. When a company goes out of its way to keep its name and the names of its employees confidential, you can assume the hiring manager won't take off points if you use a generic opener.

Cover Letter Mistake #2: Overly formal or casual greetings

Whenever you're applying for a position or preparing for an interview, take the company's culture into account. You can get a better sense of the employer's brand by checking out its Careers section online, reading reviews on Glassdoor, searching for its profile on The Muse , following the social media accounts the company set up for recruitment purposes, and talking to your networking connections who've worked at the organization. This will help you decide if you're better off going with a “Hello Jeff” or a “Dear Mr. Berger” type of greeting.

If you're unable to address your cover letter to a specific person, steer clear of incredibly formal introductions, such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as they are not conversational and can be considered off-putting. The same goes for super casual openers like “Hi!” Even if you're dealing with a startup that prides themselves on being non-traditional, this cover letter greeting is a little too laid back for your first communication and may have the reader questioning your professionalism.

Play it safe and stick with a gender-neutral opener such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter.”

Cover Letter Mistake #3: Talking all about me, me, me

Think of your cover letter as your sales pitch to the hiring manager. Instead of spending the entire time talking about yourself and your wants and needs, consider the needs of your prospective employer. Your potential boss is the one who will (hopefully) read your cover letter, after all.

Review the job description again and check out the latest news on the company. Ask yourself why the organization is hiring for this role. In other words, what pain point will this position solve? When you can relate to the hiring manager's concerns and position your skills as the solution to his or her needs, you have a better chance of avoiding cover letter mistakes and capturing the reader's attention.

Cover Letter Mistake #4: Repeating your entire resume

Remember, the recruiter already has your resume - there's no need to rehash your entire job history when writing your cover letter. In fact, I believe this is why so many employers disregard the cover letter; they've read so many bad cover letters that merely summarize their candidates' resumes, that they see no need to read them.

One cover letter tip is to surprise the hiring manager by using your opening to demonstrate your understanding of the company's position in the marketplace and its needs and then highlight your work experience and accomplishments that speak to these requirements.

Avoid these common cover letter mistakes. Hire a TopResume writer today .

Cover Letter Mistake #5: Generic messaging

Even if you're applying to an anonymous job listing, a common cover letter mistake is using boilerplate text. While your introduction may not be as specific as it would be for a position where the employer is known, this doesn't give you license to use a generic template for the main sections of your cover letter.

Based upon the job description, make a list of the top 3-5 requirements for the role. This may have to do with your knowledge, skills, and experience of a certain topic or an industry, your experience performing a particular task, or your education and other credentials. Then, brainstorm how you possess each prerequisite, referencing a specific contribution, accomplishment, or experience from your work history that illustrates these qualifications. Summarize this information in a paragraph or a set of bullets. This is a great way to customize your cover letter and grab the reader's attention.

Cover Letter Mistake #6: Not following instructions

As I previously mentioned, some employers, especially those in the healthcare, education, and legal sector, still value a cover letter and will request one in their job description. Do yourself a favor and re-read the job description carefully to provide context to your cover letter dos and don'ts. Oftentimes the employer will request certain information to be included in the cover letter. The last thing you want to do is ignore this request, as the reader will assume you are not detail-oriented and unable to follow the simplest of instructions.

Cover Letter Mistake #7: Typos

When you're competing against a large pool of candidates for one role, the smallest cover letter mistakes could be used to eliminate you from the pile. These days, we've grown all too reliant on spell-check and autocorrect to edit our communication. It's easy to overlook the small mistakes, such as using “higher” when you really meant to say “hire.” Don't let these silly details derail your job application.

Follow this simple cover letter tip: Reread your cover letter. Then read it again. Then hand it over to a trusted friend. You know, the one that majored in English. If you're looking for some resources to improve your grammar and punctuation, check out Lynne Truss' book, “ Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation ,” and “ Woe is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English ” by Patricia T. O'Conner. They're great reads!

Cover Letter Mistake #8: Writing a novel

If recruiters spend an average of six seconds scanning your resume before deciding if you're a fit, how long do you think they'll spend reading your cover letter? Here's another set of cover letter dos and don'ts: your cover letter shouldn't be any longer than is necessary to get your points across. And it definitely shouldn't exceed one page.

Also, keep its readability in mind. Similar to your resume, try to create white space in your cover letter by avoiding dense blocks of text.

Cover Letter Mistake #9: Going off brand

Whether you're searching for a new job or managing your career path, it's important to pay close attention to how you present your professional brand to others — online, on paper, and face to face. To that end, another cover letter tip is to give it the same look and feel as your resume. If you're uploading your cover letter as a separate document to an online application, ensure it uses the same header as your resume. Also, make sure the font type, color, and size, the contact information you provide, and even the name you use on both documents remain consistent.

Cover Letter Mistake #10: TMI

While you can use a cover letter to explain an employment gap or your interest in relocating to a new city, don't overshare your personal details with a prospective employer. The recruiter doesn't need to know the gory details of your back surgery or how you had your heart broken and need to find a new city to call home. These extraneous details can't be used as selling points and will only detract from your qualifications and candidacy.

Your resume should be mistake free as well. Is yours? Find out with a free resume review .

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How to Avoid Generic Phrases in Your Cover Letter

In the competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is crucial. One way to achieve this is by writing an effective cover letter that avoids generic phrases. This can be a game-changer. After reading this blog, you'll master the art of personalizing your job applications with convincing arguments about why you're the best fit for a role.

Why You Must Avoid Generic Phrases

Many candidates, in the rush to apply for a job, populate their cover letter with generic phrases. Although this may save time in the short term, it can decrease your chances of securing an interview.

Spotting Generic Phrases

Phrases such as 'I'm a team player' or 'I work well under pressure' are overused and do not provide specific examples of your skills and experience. Employers want to see unique, concrete evidence of your abilities.

Tips to Avoid Generic Phrases

To 'avoid generic phrases', focus on your achievements and quantify them wherever possible. Instead of stating that you're a team player, demonstrate this by giving an example of when your team achieved a significant result.

Utilize professional language rather than jargon or clichés and stick to the specific requirements of the job role. Always proofread your cover letter to avoid repetitions and maintain a precise, engaging tone.

Crafting an 'Effective Cover Letter'

Creating a compelling cover letter involves communicating your value proposition effectively. Tailor your skills and achievements to the job role and avoid generic phrases. Remember, your cover letter is not simply a repetition of your resume; it's your chance to explain how your unique experience and skills align with the job requirements.

To sum it up, avoiding generic phrases can make you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting an interview invite. It's about time we break away from generic, predictable cover letters, don't you agree?

Get your personalized cover letter, instantly.

Keywords and phrases for your cover letter

If you want to score an interview and land your dream job, you need a great cover letter and resume. Crafting an engaging cover letter involves much more than highlighting what you do well and why you want to work there. You’ve also got to use the right cover letter keywords. Here’s what you need to know.

What are cover letter keywords?

Cover letter keywords are phrases or terms that will stand out to hiring teams when they review your application. For continuity’s sake, you should also include cover letter phrases in your resume . After all, these documents are meant to be complementary tools that give hiring teams a glimpse into who you are, your skill set, and your aptitude.

You are probably wondering, “Do human resources professionals really look for cover letter keywords?” Absolutely! Many actively look for terms that illustrate you understand the position and have read the job description. They may also be subconsciously looking for certain phrases.

Additionally, 60% of HR professionals are using artificial intelligence for hiring and recruiting purposes. (1) AI-powered CV and resume review tools may scan your documents for select phrases and terms. If you don’t include them, your application may get filtered out of the selection process.

Phrases and keywords can add spice to your cover letter

The top cover letters are well-organized, concise, impactful, and engaging. By adhering to cover letter best practices, you can stand out and increase your odds of landing an interview. Cover letter keywords play a key role in spicing up your application and differentiating you from the average candidate.

When working key terms into your resume and cover letter, focus on industry- and role-specific terms. For example, if you are applying to an IT position, mention certifications or specific skills that match the role you want.

Not sure which phrases to incorporate into your application? Review the job description and build your list around the employer’s list of qualifications, preferred abilities, and summary of the role. If you use similar language to that found in the job description, the employer will notice.

However, be careful not to use too many cliche keywords. For the most part, you should avoid things like “punctual,” “great communication,” or “organized.” While these are valuable traits, they are typically prerequisites for any job. If you are hired, it’s presumed that you are going to show up on time and stay organized.

Employers want to know what makes you different from everyone else. That’s where industry-specific cover letter keywords really shine.

Check out several cover letter examples for a better understanding of what to do (and what not to do) when writing up your job application. You can also get helpful suggestions from resume examples , CV examples , and CV templates .

Impactful keywords and phrases to include in your cover letter

Regardless of what role you are applying for, it’s important to use terminology that showcases your value to the organization. Again, avoid cliches but instead focus on action language. Some great action verbs you can use include:

Transformed
Spearheaded

Use these words with more common descriptors to make a connection between your involvement and what the project or task required. For instance, you could say that you “improved client satisfaction” and then explain what you did to achieve these results. This approach is much more impactful than saying generic things like “I offer great customer service.”

This cliche phrase leaves hiring teams with more questions than answers. They want to know what you did that made your customer service “great.” Conversely, using action words and describing what you achieved showcases how you might bring value to their business.

For technical roles, mention specific technologies, methodologies, or frameworks. For example, you can mention things like “Agile project management” or “Python programming.” Be careful not to mention any skills unless you are very proficient in them. If you make it to the interview stage, most employers are going to ask you to provide examples of your work or elaborate on your skills.

Remember, you can’t just stuff a bunch of terms in your cover letter and hope for the best. The document needs a natural and engaging flow. If you are overhauling your professional documents, use cover letter templates to help you maximize engagement and readability. You can also use resume templates to ensure continuity across all of your documents.

Expert tip:

Tailoring your cover letter with job-specific keywords is crucial, but it’s equally important to narrate how you embody these terms through your experiences. This approach transforms your application from a list of skills to a compelling story of your professional journey.

Cliches and basic keywords and phrases to avoid

When crafting a cover letter, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using cliches and generic terms that recruiters have encountered hundreds of times. Though these terms are popular, they can cause your application to blend in, not stand out. Here are some examples of cliches and basic cover letter keywords to avoid:

Hard Worker: This is overly vague and expected of any candidate
Team Player: While important, it’s better to demonstrate this through specific examples
Self-Motivated: Instead of stating it, show how your motivation has produced results
Problem Solver: This is too generic without context. Highlight a specific issue you resolved
Dynamic: This adjective gets used so much that it has lost its impact
People Person: Talk about how you’ve successfully worked with teams or led projects
Detail-Oriented: Share an instance where you noticed the little things and it mattered
Proactive: Provide examples where you took initiative beyond your usual responsibilities
Results-Driven: Quantify your achievements to prove your focus on results
Passionate: Overused and subjective
Strategic Thinker: Detail a situation where you saw the big picture and made a difference
Go-Getter: As with “proactive,” it’s better to illustrate this through examples
Innovative: Share something you contributed to rather than using this generic term
Creative Thinker: Mention a hurdle you overcame by flexing your creativity
Excellent Communicator: Provide examples of how you used this skill in a professional setting
Track Record of Success: Quantify what you’ve achieved to make your words more meaningful
Responsible: This is expected; instead, share how you’ve managed your responsibilities effectively
Extensive Experience: Specify what this is and how it’s relevant
Skilled in [Generic Skill]: Don’t just say you have an ability — showcase it
Highly Qualified: Share how your qualifications match the job’s requirements

By avoiding these cliches and focusing on specific, quantifiable achievements and experience, you can create a cover letter that stands out. Remember, the goal is to show what makes you valuable and how it aligns with the needs of the employer.

Looking for more helpful tips on how to stand out in the hiring process? Read some cover letter articles and resume articles that detail best practices and things to avoid. It’s also important to find out how to end a cover letter so you’ll make the best impression possible.

“ Employers want to know what makes you different from everyone else. That’s where industry-specific cover letter keywords really shine.”

Integrating cover letter keywords into your application can be a true game-changer. Here are some simple tips to help you make the most of eye-catching buzzwords and phrases:

Don’t oversaturate your cover letter with phrases; use them strategically
Avoid too much technical jargon
Use similar keywords in both your resume and cover letter
Treat these documents as complementary and minimize redundancy
Whenever possible, back up your keywords with hard data

That last tip is probably one of the most impactful. Making a statement is not nearly as powerful as supporting your claims with specific numbers. For instance, if you led a successful project, share what you achieved, such as beating the deadline by one week or reducing costs by 10%.

Stand out with powerful cover letter keywords and phrases

Cover letter keywords are an important way to differentiate yourself from other job seekers. As you write your next resume, CV, or cover letter, make sure to incorporate target phrases that align with what hiring teams are looking for in a candidate. Before you know it, you’ll be scheduling interviews and making progress in your search for your dream job.

Source:

(1) Jobsolv (via Medium.com) : How Jobseekers Can Leverage AI in The Hiring Process

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Cover Letter Phrases You Must Avoid

Anna Verasai
September 12, 2022

The processes involved in a job application cannot be skipped and crafting your cover letter is one of them. The problem that most people face when writing one is the common mistakes with certain cover letter words and phrases.

A cover letter goes beyond listing skills rather it’s a good point to sell yourself and wow your hiring manager. Why? Get this; there are so many job applicants for that same job. There’s no way an employer will accept every applicant. Instead, they will take one or a few persons out of the pool. So do you think your cover letter will make you part of the 1%?

Well, whatever answer you gave to that question will be attended to in this article. You’ll find out what cover letter phrases to avoid and the ones to replace them with.

A good cover letter sets the right tone for your job application.

What are the cover letter phrases to avoid and what are good words for a cover letter?

Your cover letter words and phrases do matter. It could get you in the long run in the application process and later land the job. Or it could archive your application to the “Not interested” folder . Whatever the case might be, everyone will agree that they prefer the first option to land a job.

With that being said, you must take note of cover letter phrases to avoid. These are the cover letter words and phrases that can immediately turn off your hiring manager’s zeal to reach out to you. Let’s look at a few:

As daunting as it sounds, the word “best” is one of the cover letter phrases to avoid at all costs. Why? Because every other applicant is an awesome candidate too. No one will say they are the worst fit for the job. You must avoid using this word in any part of your cover letter. Most employers are already used to seeing this mistake. Once they spot it in your cover letter, they won’t hesitate to archive your application. So what should you say instead of this? We’ve got you.

You can say this in place of “Best”

Outstanding

“I think I’d be a great fit”

When it comes to saying things like “I think”, “I feel” or “I believe”, there’s a not-so-confident thought that could stick to the mind of your hiring manager. It’s okay to feel like you are a great candidate for the job but there’s no need to say that in your cover letter. Saying this in your cover letter will only make your hiring manager see you as someone who isn’t sure if they can handle the task—and no employer wants that either. So what can you say instead?

You can say this in place of “I think I’d be a great fit”

My experience in customer service will make me an outstanding customer support manager.
My WordPress and problem-solving skills would make me a great web developer for your company.

“I’m a good…”

Just like “best”, the term “good” makes no difference in your cover letter. It just shows the employer that you are just like every other applicant. That’s why you need to add some spice to it. Avoiding this cover letter word and phrase will help you in the long run.

What you can say in place of “I’m a good…”

I’m an experienced manager.
I’m a talented social media creator.
I’m an expert in digital marketing.
I’m skilled in copywriting.
I’m a seasoned writer.

“To whom it may concern”

Your cover letter is more of a personal letter and less of a letter written to a robot. That is why it should be as personalized as possible. One of the cover letter words and phrases to avoid is “To whom it may concern.” This phrase says a lot about you as a job applicant. It shows you did not bother to find the hiring manager ‘s name or even do a bit of research. It’s worse when the hiring manager’s name was clearly stated in the job application. You’ll be noted as a candidate that does not pay attention to details and so much more. To avoid these assumptions, you should write a personalized cover letter. How?

What to write in place of “To whom it may concern”

Dear/Hello [Name]
Dear/Hello hiring manager X [company’s name]—this should be used when the hiring manager’s name can’t be found.

Your cover letter words and phrases do matter. They are the foundation that can determine whether your application will be accepted or rejected. We advise that you use appropriate words and phrases when crafting one.

Stay tuned!

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Retire clichéd buzzwords

Adjectives like dynamic, proactive, motivated , and responsible might seem like great words to describe yourself—who doesn’t want an employee like that? But employers are a lot more interested in specific accomplishments than general traits. After all, most workplaces expect employees to have motivation, dedication, and responsibility; without examples to back them up, these buzzwords only reiterate the obvious.

Anyone can say they’re a hard worker, but it’s a lot more challenging to put in the work and produce measurable results on a long-term project. Similarly, it’s easy to claim you’re an innovative forward-thinker, but readers would rather hear what innovations you came up with (think of the Writing 101 "Show, don’t tell" adage).

If you describe yourself as a "team player," for instance, think of the last time you worked on a team—what did you learn from that experience? Maybe you interacted with people in different departments, taught a skill to a co-worker, or compromised to achieve a goal together.
If you claim to be "detail-oriented," another frequent cover letter cliché, can you point to a task that required you to interpret data, help out with event planning logistics, or scrutinize details in another way?
If you pride yourself on being a "problem-solver," describe a workplace problem you faced and the solution you discovered. You get the idea.

Watch out for words like "unique" and "expert" as well; for example, stating you’re "uniquely qualified" for a job. Unless you have an unusual niche skill set, chances are your expertise is more common than you think. If you do have accomplishments, credentials, or experiences that set you apart from the average candidate, tell these stories and let them speak for themselves.

Reconsider these clichéd phrases

I think outside the box.

I go the extra mile.

I’m an independent self-starter.

I’m highly organized.

I have excellent communication skills.

I thrive in a fast-paced environment.

I’m a quick learner.

Any of these cover letter clichés, and others like them, risk wasting space and making you sound like all the other candidates out there.

Try using this trick to help you avoid clichés as you’re writing: if a phrase sounds familiar or like a statement you’ve heard before, maybe in a job advertisement, there’s likely a better way to get your point across. Usually this involves pinning down a concrete example of the traits these phrases describe, like a seminar you helped organize ( I’m highly organized ), a content management system you mastered in a few weeks ( I’m a quick learner ), or a language you taught yourself in quarantine ( I’m an independent self-starter ).

Many cover letter writers mention skill sets they’re "familiar with" or have "knowledge of." While these phrases aren’t exactly clichés, they’re still vague and unclear. Familiarity could mean weeks or months of classroom and working experience, or simply an awareness you’ve gained from studying and observing others. At worst, such general phrasing can suggest you’re more comfortable with a skill than you actually are, which can backfire if you need to use the skill on the job. Avoid possible confusion by being upfront about just how much expertise you have.

As a final defense against cover letter clichés, reread your letter and look for any "I" phrases and statements you can change or eliminate. You may have quite a few "I" statements, naturally, since you’re writing about yourself in the first person. Try changing some of them to "you" statements that highlight what the organization is looking for. This helps immensely when you’re tailoring a cover letter to a job , and it shows the reader you’ve done your homework. "I thrive in a fast-paced environment" could become "Your fast-paced atmosphere requires employees who can make smart decisions under pressure. At my internship with X organization, which ran on a tight schedule, I..."

Go from general to specific

You may have heard a cover letter is the place to tell employers something they couldn’t find out from your resume. Often this means making connections with a reader by telling stories, showing examples, and demonstrating your passion for the industry.

If you’re tempted to take the shortcut of a cover letter cliché, think about a brief anecdote you could use instead. Your reader is more likely to remember an example of hard work or innovative thinking, even in a brief two-sentence story, than they are to remember an overused phrase.

Numbers and metrics are an easy way to get specific, whenever you can provide them. Think of any way you can "quantify" achievements—how many people you mentored or served in your role, how many subscribers read the newsletter you edited, etc. These details don’t take up much space, and they show your impact in a quick and measurable way.

Keep in mind your goal is for the reader to remember you. Employers are sifting through piles of repetitive cover letters; you want to be the one who says something different.

Did you enjoy this post? If you’re looking to spruce up your resume with more impactful language, be sure to Try Using These Action Verbs to Get Your Resume Noticed .

Amy Bergen is a writer based in Portland, Maine. She has experience in the social impact space in Baltimore, Maryland, the educational museum sphere in Columbus, Ohio, and the literary world of New York City.

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Common Cover Letter Phrases to Avoid

So, you’ve written your cover letter… you’ve customized it for the company and position you’re seeking, you’ve opened and closed strongly, and you’ve stated your case. You’re ready to submit your application, but before you do, go back through your cover letter one more time and eliminate these commonly used phrases because they can kill even the strongest of cover letters.

1) “I think I’d be a great fit.”

Opinion phrases can inadvertently cast doubt on what you’re saying. You “think” you’d be a great fit? Why don’t you know you’d be a great fit? Would other people disagree with you and think you wouldn’t be great fit? Why do you only think you’d be a good fit? You don’t want to leave these thoughts in the hiring manager’s mind.

These types of opinion phrases can make you sound insecure. Sure, you may have simply been trying to avoid sounding too cocky, but instead, you’ve undermined your own abilities. Don’t use opinion phrases. Period. And keep in mind that sentences such as “I’m confident I’d be a good fit” are also opinion phrases that can cause similar problems.

Instead, drop the opinion part of the sentence and just state your position because if you’re saying it, it’s obviously your opinion. You don’t need to clarify that it’s your opinion. Moreover, simply stating, “I’d be a great fit,” is far more convincing than the same message with “I think” or “I’m confident” in front of it. It’s also shorter and gets right to the point.

Cover letters often highlight our best qualities, but if everything is just “good” – i.e., “I’m a good writer,” “I have good project management skills,” “I’m good at working with other people” – we actually sound rather average.

There are so many more exciting adjectives that we could use that will really make us sound spectacular. For example: “I’m an accomplished writer,” “I have expert project management skills,” and “I’m efficient and experienced at working with other people.” These small word choice changes make these phrases take on a whole different connotation. Clearly the person being described in this paragraph is much more qualified than the one described in the first paragraph.

Here’s a list of many other words that you can substitute for the word “good” that will help you shine throughout your cover letter:

Skilled, talented, experience, accomplished, expert, successful, apt, seasoned, thorough, capable, competent, efficient, etc.

Use any one of these (and more) words to replace “good” and see how quickly your cover letter improves.

3) “This position would help me because…”

Sometimes we may feel inclined to describe how a position fits well with us and our goals in efforts to explain why we’re applying for the job. Thus, it may seem fitting to describe how a certain job would help you further develop your leadership skills, for example. However, the hiring manager truly does not care how this job can help you. He is primarily concerned with how you will help him and the company . That’s it.

So instead of trying to use these types of arguments to explain why you’re applying for the job, use a different tactic. Simply describe your abilities in the context of the company’s needs and then detail how, together, you two can achieve the company’s desired results and goals. You can fix their problems and address their needs – THAT is why you are applying for the job.

4) “As you can see on my resume…”

If the hiring manager can see it on your resume, you don’t need to highlight its presence there. They can see it for themselves.

Similar to point #1, this is a phrase that could indicate some insecurity on your part. If you have the experience, it should be blatantly obvious on your resume; thus, you shouldn’t have to point it out.

So instead of saying, “As you can see on my resume, I’ve been working in medical communications for the last three years; thus, I will be an asset to the marketing department of XYZ pharmaceutical company,” drop the first part, and just say, “I’ve been working in medical communications for the last three years; thus, I will be an asset to the marketing department of XYZ pharmaceutical company.” This is a more direct statement that is not only stronger, but also projects unwavering confidence.

5) “I’m the best candidate because…”

Speaking of confidence… confidence in a cover letter is great, but there is a fine line between confident and cocky. If you are overly confident, you will merely appear arrogant.

You may believe you are the “best” candidate, but without reading ALL of the applications yourself, you really can’t be completely sure that you are indeed THE best candidate for the position. And imagine if you were the hiring manager and you read 10 cover letters in a row, all of which stated that they were either “the best candidate,” “the ideal candidate,” or “the perfect candidate.” That would get pretty annoying rather quickly and you’d probably dismiss all of them.

Instead, remain confident without crossing the line into arrogance and cockiness by using any of these words:

Excellent, great, terrific, strong, outstanding, unique, etc.

Conveying the idea that you would be “a strong candidate” for the position is much more accurate, demonstrates your confidence, and doesn’t overstate your abilities.

Eliminating these five common phrases from your cover letter will instantly make your letter sound stronger, and, in turn, your letter will be much more effective.

Your cover letter is your first opportunity to impress the hiring manager. Don’t unintentionally doubt your own abilities, make yourself sound average, or frustrate the hiring manager in the process. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and with cover letters, that first impression comes across in your word choice, so make sure you choose words and phrases that make you shine!

** Review your cover letter(s) for these mistakes, correct them, and let us know how it goes! **

Share your thoughts below by clicking the “Leave a Reply” link or by clicking the chat bubble in the top right of the post.

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14 common cover letter phrases and what you can use instead

When you’re working on a cover letter, it’s very difficult to keep your writing fresh throughout the whole document.

It’s all too easy to repeat the same word twice across multiple paragraphs without even realizing you’ve done so. And unfortunately, this can be the sort of thing that hiring managers will mark against you — especially in positions that require a strong written ability.

So, we’ve put together this helpful list of words that might appear in your cover letter along with some synonyms to use instead. Let’s transform you from a strong people manager with a strong background in building strong teams into a more well-rounded candidate, eh?

In most situations, there’s likely to be a more suitable way to say ‘eager’. Here are some options for you:

“I’m eager to hear from you” —> “I look forward to exploring my fit for this role with you”
“I’m eager to join a company like yours” —> “Joining a company I respect is important to me”
“I’m a marketing graduate eager to find my first role” —> “I’m a marketing graduate looking to grow as a professional”

On its own there’s nothing wrong with the word ‘excited’, but you shouldn’t be saying it 17 times throughout your document. If that happens, here are some synonyms you can use instead:

“I’m excited to apply to you” —> “I had to apply as soon as I could”
“I’m excited to progress my career with you” —> “This would be the next natural step in my career”
“I’m excited about expanding my skills in the role” —> “This role is an ideal place for me to expand my skills”

3. Experience

It’s very easy to say ‘experience’ too frequently in your cover letter, so try these alternatives to keep things varied:

“My experience with cloud systems makes me” —> “My expertise in cloud systems makes me”
“I’m looking to build more experience in marketing” —> “This position would help me become a more complete marketer”
“I’m experienced with leading teams and setting goals” —> “Working as a team leader at [company name] has made me comfortable managing direct reports and setting goals”
“I’m a great fit for this role because of my experience in sales” —> “My background as a senior salesperson makes me a natural fit for this role”

4. I am confident

The issue with “I am confident” isn’t that it’s likely to get overused — it’s just not necessary in most cases. Here, we’ll show you:

“I am confident I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team” —> “I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team”
“I am confident that my customer service experience will prove vital in the role” —> “My customer service experience will prove vital in the role”

5. I believe

‘I believe’ is the same as ‘I am confident’; you don’t usually need it:

“I believe I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team” —> “I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team”
“I believe that my customer service experience will prove vital in the role” —> “My customer service experience will prove vital in the role”

6. I have experience

It’s perfectly fine to start a sentence with ‘I have experience’, just don’t use it in every single one. Use these alternatives instead to avoid sounding like a broken record:

“I have experience in social media and paid ads” —> “I’m well-versed in social media and paid ads”
“I have experience in startup companies” —> “I’ve come to thrive in a startup environment”
“As requested in the job description, I have 2 years of experience in hospitality” —> “I’m a qualified hospitality professional with 2 years of relevant experience”
“I have experience in similar positions to what you’re hiring for” —> “I’ve previously worked as a [job title] so would pick up the responsibilities quickly”

7. Interest

You might be looking for synonyms of ‘interest’ for a couple of reasons. Either you’re using it too often, or it’s sounding overly formal. We can help with both:

“I’m writing to express my interest in this position” —> “I’d like to apply to your [job title] position”
“I’m interested in reading and spending time in nature” —> “I enjoy reading and spending time in nature”
“My interests include reading and spending time in nature” —> “Outside of work you’ll find me reading or spending time in nature”

According to your cover letter, you love the company you’re applying to, the job itself, and the opportunity to learn. But just how many **things can you love in a job application? Keep your writing fresh with these substitutes:

“I love what your company does to support its employees” —> “I respect how your company supports its employees”
“I love to work in a team” —> “I work best when collaborating with others”
“I love working in a small company because I can see the results of my work” —> “Seeing the results of my work inspires me to keep improving”

9. Opportunity

How can you apply to a job opportunity without constantly saying ‘opportunity’? With these synonyms, of course:

“I would excel in this opportunity” —> “I would excel in this position”
“I had to apply to this opportunity” —> “I had to apply to this vacancy”
“Thank you for the opportunity to join you” —> “Thank you for your consideration”

10. Passion

People can get a bit too passionate with their use of this word — not to mention it’s a weaker choice than some of the alternatives. Shake it up with these contenders:

“I’m a passionate marketer who’s ready for a new challenge” —> “I’m a dedicated marketer who’s ready for a new challenge”
“I have a passion for helping others through my work” —> “Helping others through my work energizes me”
“I have a passion for deploying quality-of-life improvements” —> “I find deploying quality-of-life improvements to be immensely satisfying”

If you’re skilled in everything, doesn’t that dilute the word’s meaning? Here are some other ways to talk about your skills:

“I have skills in paid marketing and social media” —> “Paid marketing and social media are my top strengths”
“I’m skilled in Photoshop” —> “I’m an expert in Photoshop”
“I’m a skilled people manager” —> “I’m a capable people manager”

The same goes for ‘strong’. If everything is a strength of yours, then the hiring manager is going to question how much weight that word holds with you:

“I’m a strong marketer” —> “I’m an exceptional marketer”
“I have strong knowledge of Premiere and other video editing software” —> “I have in-depth knowledge of Premiere and other video editing software”
“I would be a strong addition to your team” —> “I would be an immediately-contributing member of your team”

13. To whom it may concern

Unless you’re applying in an exceptionally formal industry, then it’s time to ditch ‘To whom it may concern’. If you know the name of the hiring manager, then address your cover letter to them directly. If you don’t know their name, there are still plenty of alternatives:

Dear hiring manager

14. Yours sincerely

Here’s another cover letter phrase that’s outdated. Unless you’re applying in a formal industry, then end your cover letter with a more modern sign off, like:

All the best
Best wishes
Kind regards

If you’ve found the synonym you were looking for but still need help with your cover letter, we have some other resources to guide you:

💡 Full cover letter guide

🎓 Writing a cover letter for an internship

All that’s left to say is the very best of luck with your application! We’re all rooting for you here.

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8 phrases to avoid when writing a cover letter.

Table of Contents

Your cover letter is the introduction to your CV.

So…after so much effort has gone into creating your perfect CV, it would be unreasonable to fail on the cover letter! So follow the 8 simple rules and get one step closer to that dream job!!…

To whom it may concern

This is one of the most common introductions used within cover letters, and it is due to the fact it is one of the first things the reader will see which s why it makes number one on the things to avoid! This type of phrase is not suitable to be included in this type of letter as every letter should be addressed to a specific person. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly mention the name of the individual to who the letter is addressed. In addition to this, such phrases show an unprofessional attitude to the reader, which creates a bad first impression.

One common mistake that applicants make is that their letter is too long. Recruiters are pushed for time, and just looking at a long cover letter can put them off of reading it. Keep it short, to the point – introduce yourself but do not repeat all the information that is included within your CV.

Sentences beginning with ‘I’

It is redundant to use phrases starting with the word ‘I’. This is another type of common error that most applicants use in their cover letters. Due to the constant use of the word ‘I’, the reader may lose interest in reading the letter. In this case, the candidates can try to use different words or start the sentence with any word other than ‘I’. Example – A key method in avoiding the use of the word ‘I’ is to change the structure or formation of the sentence in such a way that it does not start with the word ‘I’

I feel that…

This sentence introduction is considered to be vague in the recruitment world. By using this, you give the reader the impression that you are low in confidence and that you are not sure about what you are talking about. Example: It has to be either ‘I believe’ or ‘I am confident. As a candidate, you need to be confident and maintain clarity in speech. This will help the recruiter to understand you and reflect you as a sure-footed and steady individual.

Call me at…

This is a phrase that most people use in their cover letters to make sure that the employer calls them once they have decided to select them for the job position they have applied for.

However… this is not the right way to invite a call from the employer. The candidate should be subtle in their language and ask the employer to call him for further dealings in a more formal and humble manner. Example: “If you require any further information, please feel free to call me”

I want a positive response

This is too direct and too commanding to be included in such a formal letter as a cover letter. Alternatively, wording like ‘I am waiting for an affirmative reply from you’ or ‘I hope for a positive response’ can be used in the letter. These sentences sound more formal and modest. Remember – The purpose behind including these sentences in the document is to receive a reply from the addressee for the job application sent

I am looking for an interesting job

This is a non-specific sentence of which does not tell the employer exactly what type of work the applicant is looking for. The candidate should be very clear when mentioning the job title he is applying for; otherwise, it may create confusion in the hiring process. There is also a possibility of the recruiter evaluating the candidate for some other position that the candidate is not looking for. Hence, such phrases should be avoided in the document

Yours lovingly

Since the cover letter is drafted to a recruiter with the purpose of applying for a job, it should be created in a professional manner by keeping in mind the formal etiquette of letter writing. Instead of such phrases, you should use something more proficient.

Example: ‘yours sincerely, ‘yours respectfully, ‘regards’,

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Piers Morgan

Combative ‘baby reindeer’ subject fiona harvey rang suspicious alarm bells — but she may also be a victim.

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The Netflix show “Baby Reindeer” has become a sensation, skyrocketing to No. 1 on the streaming service in 30 countries, including the US. Created by and starring Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, the show is based on his real-life experience. The psychological thriller centers around Donny (Gadd), a struggling comedian who meets Martha (Jessica Gunning) during a bartending gig. The encounter quickly spirals into a terrifying stalking case.

The real Martha has now come forward, claiming Gadd’s version of the story is “completely untrue.”

“Very, very defamatory to me, very career-damaging. And I wanted to rebut that completely on this show. I’m not a stalker. I’ve not been to jail, I’ve not got injunctions. And this is just complete nonsense,” Fiona Harvey, 58, said on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” which aired Thursday. “I find it quite obscene. I find it horrifying, misogynistic.”

Fiona Harvey on "Piers Morgan Uncensored," which aired on May 9, 2024.

I’ve interviewed a lot of very dangerous people in my career, from serial killers to medically diagnosed psychopaths.

And the common denominator is that they’re invariably very skilled liars, often because their warped minds have made them believe what they’re saying even if facts show otherwise.

Fiona Harvey hasn’t killed anyone.

But if she did all the things she is depicted as doing in “Baby Reindeer,” then she is certainly a very unstable, obsessive and threatening stalker who made Richard Gadd’s life utter hell.

And indeed, the lives of other people she’s accused of harassing too. But IS it all true?

Netflix boasts it’s a “true story” at the start of the series, without equivocation. And lest there be any doubt of the streamer’s position, Benjamin King, Netflix’s senior director of public policy in the UK, told a parliamentary committee this week: “‘Baby Reindeer’ is an extraordinary story, and it is obviously a true story of the horrific abuse that the writer and protagonist, Richard Gadd, suffered at the hands of a convicted stalker.”

Fiona Harvey, 58, claims she is the real victim following the Netflix hit "Baby Reindeer."

Yet Harvey says she’s never been convicted of stalking Gadd, let alone shame-facedly admitted it in court as the show says.

And no journalists have yet found any evidence that she has ever been charged with or convicted of any crime.

Perhaps she’s lying.

But it’s not a difficult thing to check, and if it turns out that Harvey has never been convicted of stalking Gadd or anyone else, then that surely blows a massive hole in “Baby Reindeer’s” credibility.

And it would call into serious question just how much of Gadd’s version of events can be believed.

Netflix also claims it did everything possible to avoid the real people behind the characters in the show being identified.

But the actress they chose to play Martha bears a striking resemblance physically, and in the way she spoke in the series, to Harvey.

And as a result of all the clues they gave, including specific phrases used in tweets and messages purportedly from Martha to Gadd, internet sleuths identified her in about 10 nanoseconds.

This led very quickly to people bombarding Harvey with abuse and death threats.

All of which points to a spectacular duty-of-care failure by Netflix, Gadd and Clerkenwell Films, which produced the series, which I would think carries with it serious legal jeopardy.

Of course, none of this means Harvey told me the truth. I found her to be intelligent, quick-thinking and combative.

And on a human level, I felt sorry for her that she’s been publicly dragged through the meat grinder like this.

Her general behavior, on and off camera, with me and my team didn’t give any of us cause for concern about either her potential danger or her mental state, though it should be said that stalkers can be very convincing in their ability to hide their real personalities or obsessive intent.

But there were moments in the interview when my suspicious alarm bells rang loud, especially when she suddenly said, “Even if the email thing was true, the rest is not.”

The “email thing” is the 41,000 emails she’s said to have sent Gadd. And if that bit is true, then it would suggest she was very obsessively pursuing contact with him.

I also found it very strange that she admitted to having up to six email addresses and four mobile phones, which she “used for different people.”

That’s not normal.

She also made a series of emphatic blanket denials about how long she knew Gadd and how much contact she had with him that are provably false.

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Wordle Tips: The Very Best Start Words, Tips and Strategies

Learn to use your six guesses most effectively and keep your streak alive.

Co-author of two Gen X pop-culture encyclopedia for Penguin Books. Won "Headline Writer of the Year" award for 2017, 2014 and 2013 from the American Copy Editors Society. Won first place in headline writing from the 2013 Society for Features Journalism.

Winning Wordle is tricky but start words are key. "ADIEU" has been popular since the beginning and that makes sense, since it includes four vowels. But not everyone wants to know the vowels right away.

On the day that the wordle answer is ‘adieu’ social media will implode — vasili (@mockdownblues) January 20, 2022

Want some statistically supported help? I consulted with the people behind the Oxford English Dictionary, who shared an analysis they did showing which letters are most frequently used in English words. Here's the entire alphabet ranked by frequent use .

Use the list, share it, bookmark it, whatever you'd like to do. It will surprise absolutely no one that A and E are the top two. But I was shocked that J was the second-lowest, right in front of Q.

Lately I've been starting Wordle with the one-two punch of "TRAIN" and "CLOSE." That combo uses every single one of the top 10 letters, and it almost always leaves me with a decent group of correct guesses -- though not always in the right spots. That's what guesses three through six are for.

Check out this CNET TikTok , which recommends starting with ADIEU and then throwing in STORY. It's a great one-two punch that covers a lot of popular letters. The first time I tried it out, I was able to use the letter info I gained from those guesses to get the word easily on my third attempt.

I asked more CNET staffers, past and present, to share their Wordle strategies and favorite starting words. Hope it gives you a BOOST or maybe a NUDGE.

Big AUDIO dynamite

AUDIO. Get 4 out of 5 vowels out of the way immediately and focus on narrowing down consonants. Don't be afraid to deviate from your regular starter word, though -- sometimes a random word that pops into your head ends up being way more intuitive than you could have ever imagined. -- Ashley Esqueda

A blank STARE

My go-to is STARE. I'm inspired a little by the Wheel of Fortune move of guessing RSTLNE first, and with this, I also knock off two vowels. At the very least, this often seems to give me something on the board early. -- Eli Blumenthal

I cycle through TEARY, PIOUS and ADIEU as a first word, to knock out some common letters and make inroads with vowels. I then choose my next word based on the results, though sometimes I just throw up my hands and use both TEARY and PIOUS one after the other no matter what. -- Amanda Kooser

MAKER's mark

MAKER. That word puts me in the mood to 'create' the answer based on the data I get from knocking out the above letter combo. Then I move on to animal names like TIGER. It's not so much tactical as it is about just having fun for five or so minutes. -- Mike Sorrentino

Use weird words

You aren't playing Wordle correctly if you use the same word to start every day. That's my official rule and I'm flabbergasted y'all use the same word each day. What? Use weird words. Grab a dictionary, close your eyes and flick to a random page. Start with YACHT one day, try ULCER the next. Look around the room! TOAST? Why not? Just do it! Come on, people. It's not about clearing each day in the least amount of moves, it's about learning to love yourself . -- Jackson Ryan

CHEAT, and try the NYT Spelling Bee

I've been playing around with using FIRST, MANIC or CHEAT to start with. I don't know if that says more about my frame of mind than my word solving skills, but this approach has pretty much led to me solving within three words. (I got PANIC the other day in two!) But I have to say that while I enjoy Wordle, I'm still a bigger fan of the NYT's Spelling Bee , where you're asked to create words using seven letters, and each word has to use the letter at the center of the puzzle. I play Spelling Bee with my husband (he gets half the points to Genius; I get the other half). With Wordle, we play against each other to see who can solve faster. So Spelling Bee just seems nicer. -- Connie Guglielmo

Wheel good plan

First, I make sure to do it before my morning coffee, for an added layer of difficulty. I don't have a go-to word, since that feels sorta cheap, but I do generally aim for initial words that are high in either vowel count or the good old-fashioned Wheel of Fortune letters: RSTLNE. If it works for Pat Sajak's crew, it's good enough for me. -- Andrew Krok

An argument for ADIEU

I've been using ADIEU from day one. Hilariously, I still sometimes misspell it. Sometimes to shake things up -- mostly based on pressure from Jackson Ryan -- I'll try something different. But every time I stray from ADIEU, it manifests into a gigantic uphill struggle I barely recover from. Either way, I dunno what we're all arguing about. Someone did an experiment on this. The best word is ROATE . -- Mark Serrels

I steal Mark's word, ADIEU, and follow it up with STORY. Then it's just a matter of putting all the letters I uncovered into the spots I think they're in, and banging my head on the table, saying, "I'm not this stupid, am I?" until I figure it out. -- Oscar Gonzalez

The first word you think of

I'm a high-risk, high-reward Wordle player. I truly pick the first word that pops into my mind, with absolutely no strategy whatsoever. Aside from this being the purest form of Wordling (as the experts say, obviously), when I'm lucky enough to accidentally guess three or four of five letters correctly, it's immensely satisfying. -- Monisha Ravisetti

Not easy being green

TREAD is a winner, but I like to mix up my first word. That said, I always have a few first-guess rules. At least two vowels. Never use an S. (That S guess will come in handy down the track when you realize you're incredibly dim-witted and you can only think of four-letter guesses. Final rule: Your second guess should never include your greens from guess one (unless you're on hard mode). Save those greens for later and throw five new letter guesses into the mix. If I see you post a Wordle answer on Twitter that has tall green columns of letters staying in the same place, I will judge you. -- Claire Reilly

Guess it in two

My ultimate goal in Wordle is to guess the word by my second try. To that end, I use STEAR as my first word, which provides a solid set of letters in unusual positions -- so I can often predict where they'll go if they turn up yellow. From there, I make aggressive guesses, even if they're strategically inadvisable (duplicate letters, few vowels, low-likelihood letters, etc.). Since starting this strategy, my average is about the same as ever, but now I occasionally win in two guesses. So, success? - -David Priest

Don't fail

I don't believe in strategies. Pick the word that speaks to you most in the morning and follow your heart. Starting with a tactically effective word makes it too easy anyway. So what if you fail? It's just Wordle! (But I would like to make it clear that I never fail, not even when there's an X in the word.) -- Sarah McDermott

Read more : Over Wordle? Try One of These Other Puzzle Games

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COMMENTS

15 Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are 15 things to avoid when writing a cover letter with tips and suggestions of what you can do instead: Not following instructions. Using the wrong format. Discussing why you are looking for a new position. Using the same cover letter for every application.
15 Words and Phrases to Never Include in a Cover Letter
10. "Dynamic". "Get away from stuffing cover letters full of clichéd phrases and think clear, honest and impactful. Think in terms of telling a story," says resume expert Anish Majumdar. "You're not a dynamic, agile leader who can deliver rapid marketing and biz dev ROI in rapidly-changing environments.".
7 Cover Letter Phrases to Avoid in 2023
5. "I'm the best candidate because…". Confidence is good, but arrogance is not. And even if you're sure that you'd be an absolutely fantastic choice, you don't know you're the best. Imagine reading through six cover letters in a row from people who all claim to be "the best candidate.".
Cover Letter Mistakes and What to Say Instead
Keep it brief, but not too brief. "I'm applying for the _______ position. I've attached my resume for your consideration. Thank you.". A cover letter is a letter to your potential boss. At the very least, your cover letter should have a couple of paragraphs that detail why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
The 18 Do's and Don'ts of Cover Letters Every Job Seeker ...
Avoid using clichés, slang, and overly casual language when writing a cover letter. Such language can come across as unprofessional and may not convey the message you are trying to get across in ...
Words and phrases you should never include in your cover letter
Here are some words and phrases to avoid in your cover letter: "I'm confident I'm the perfect person for the job." Yes, confidence is a very good thing…except when you broadcast it on a ...
How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)
To avoid a generic cover letter, you should conduct in-depth research on the company and role for which you're applying to in-depth before ... version. Review the job description, then read the cover letter. In the first example, you'll see how specific phrases from the job description are used in the letter. The second example takes a more ...
10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
Cover Letter Mistake #1: Lack of research. Thanks to the Internet, there's little excuse to not personalize your cover letters. Whenever possible, research the name of the hiring manager or recruiter (if it's not listed on the actual job post) and the company who's filling the position, and use this information to customize your opening document.
Optimize Your Cover Letter: How To Avoid Major Cover Letter Mistakes
Recruiters care more about readability than your talent as a hobby graphic designer. Make sure your cover letter isn't too long. Focus on narrowing down the key messages you want to share (1 page max, ¾ of a page is ideal). Keep an eye on the length of your sentences. Every sentence should have a purpose and some energy behind it.
Avoid Cover Letter Addressing Mistakes
A cover letter is a testament to your communication skills, and addressing it incorrectly undermines your ability to convey messages effectively. Employers look for candidates who can communicate ...
How To Avoid Generic Phrases In Your Cover Letter
To 'avoid generic phrases', focus on your achievements and quantify them wherever possible. Instead of stating that you're a team player, demonstrate this by giving an example of when your team achieved a significant result. Utilize professional language rather than jargon or clichés and stick to the specific requirements of the job role.
Get Noticed With Powerful Cover Letter Keywords
Cliches and basic keywords and phrases to avoid. When crafting a cover letter, it's easy to fall into the trap of using cliches and generic terms that recruiters have encountered hundreds of times. Though these terms are popular, they can cause your application to blend in, not stand out. Here are some examples of cliches and basic cover ...
Cover Letter Phrases You Must Avoid
Your cover letter is more of a personal letter and less of a letter written to a robot. That is why it should be as personalized as possible. One of the cover letter words and phrases to avoid is "To whom it may concern.". This phrase says a lot about you as a job applicant. It shows you did not bother to find the hiring manager 's name ...
Cover Letter Clichés to Avoid
As a final defense against cover letter clichés, reread your letter and look for any "I" phrases and statements you can change or eliminate. You may have quite a few "I" statements, naturally, since you're writing about yourself in the first person. Try changing some of them to "you" statements that highlight what the organization is looking ...
Common Cover Letter Phrases to Avoid
5) "I'm the best candidate because…". Speaking of confidence… confidence in a cover letter is great, but there is a fine line between confident and cocky. If you are overly confident, you will merely appear arrogant. You may believe you are the "best" candidate, but without reading ALL of the applications yourself, you really can ...
How to Use Key Words and Phrases in Your Cover Letter
The third step to using key words and phrases is to avoid some common mistakes that can undermine your cover letter. You should not overuse key words and phrases, or use them in a way that sounds ...
Avoid These Cover Letter Template Mistakes
When customizing a cover letter template, steer clear of clichés and overused phrases that hiring managers have seen countless times. Phrases like "I'm a hard worker" or "I'm a team player" are ...
14 common cover letter phrases and what you can use instead
3. Experience. It's very easy to say 'experience' too frequently in your cover letter, so try these alternatives to keep things varied: "My experience with cloud systems makes me" —> "My expertise in cloud systems makes me". "I'm looking to build more experience in marketing" —> "This position would help me become a ...
30 Better Ways to Start a Cover Letter
Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we're getting there, we promise!—to craft your own: Avoid boring or overused openers: Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like "I'm excited to apply for the front-end engineering position," or "Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…" so often they could wallpaper their ...
70+ Words to Use in a Cover Letter
1. Use relevant details instead of buzzwords. Buzzwords and clichés like "hard-working," "go-getter," and "think outside the box" are overly used, provide limited information, and don't make your cover letter stand out. Instead, we recommend writing a cover letter that provides details and varied phrases.
"I have/am"
You can also add introductory phrases or prepositional phrases to the beginnings of your sentences: "In my extensive set of skills, I..." "With my passion for social media, ..." If you're currently writing the cover letter, it might be best to get all your thoughts and strengths down first before editing for repetition and word choice.
8 Phrases To Avoid When Writing A Cover Letter
Hence, such phrases should be avoided in the document. Yours lovingly. Since the cover letter is drafted to a recruiter with the purpose of applying for a job, it should be created in a professional manner by keeping in mind the formal etiquette of letter writing. Instead of such phrases, you should use something more proficient.
10 Proven Cover Letter Phrases FREE to use in your cover letter
The cover letter is the most important part of applying for a job. It's the first contact that a potential employer has with you. It's where the employer forms their first opinions. The cover letter decides who gets a job interview and who doesn't. That's why it's crucial to include these 10 key cover letter phrases to ensure a callback!
How to avoid the repetition of "I" while writing a cover letter for an
This makes my letter quite boring. I would appreciate if you share your suggestion/tips to avoid this while writing a cover letter. Since cover letter is the first thing that the potential employer notices, I want to write a concise and attractive cover letter. It will be also helpful if you share a link of a well-written cover letter.
Job interview phrases that are 'red flags,' says ex-Google ...
When you're in a job interview, avoid saying phrases like "I work too hard" and "I'm a perfectionist," says ex-Google recruiter Nolan Church.
Combative 'Baby Reindeer' subject Fiona Harvey rang suspicious alarm
[Richard] Gadd, by his own admission, is a very damaged guy who took a lot of drugs, enthusiastically pursued a chaotic lurid sex life, and did lead on Martha in a way that may have fuelled her obs…
Wordle Tips: The Very Best Start Words, Tips and Strategies
Check out this CNET TikTok, which recommends starting with ADIEU and then throwing in STORY.It's a great one-two punch that covers a lot of popular letters. The first time I tried it out, I was ...