These Grammar Errors Make Your Cover Letter Sound Junior (Fix + Examples)

Q: Is it bad to say I want 'to learn'?

In senior roles, your primary value is what you can contribute. Mention learning as a secondary outcome of professional growth.

Q: How many power verbs are too many?

Aim for balance. One or two strong verbs per sentence is effective; more can make the text unreadable.

Q: Does 'Formal Tone' mean using big words?

No. Modern professional English prioritizes clarity and precision over 'SAT words' or complex jargon.

Q: Should I use 'I' or 'We'?

Use 'I' to take credit for your specific actions and 'We' to show you understand teamwork and organizational impact.

There is a difference between "correct" English and "executive" English. If your cover letter grammar is basic, you might sound more like an intern than a senior leader. For professionals in Singapore's financial or tech hubs, mastering the formal tone of global business is key to a salary bump.

Avoid sounding like a fresh grad by upgrading your professional writing.

How to Sound More Senior

Upgrade Verbs: Use "Facilitated" instead of "Helped." Use "Orchestrated" instead of "Planned."
Avoid Exclamation Points: They make you sound over-eager.
Use Subordination: Instead of short, choppy sentences, use complex structures to show high-level logic. Try in Email Improver for this.

SG/SEA Tone vs. Global Tone

Junior/SG: "I hope you can see my value."
Senior/Global: "I am confident that my track record in regional expansion will provide immediate value to your team."

Before vs After: Tone Upgrades

Pair 1: The "Helper" vs "Leader"

Before: I really like working with people and helping them do better.
After: I implemented a mentorship program that improved team retention by 40% and accelerated training for 20+ new hires.

Pair 2: The "Begger" vs "Partner"

Before: Please give me a chance to interview for this role.
After: I look forward to discussing how my 12 years of industry experience can support [Company]’s 2026 objectives.

Copy-Paste Templates

Template 1: The "Executive" Intro

Over the last decade, I have focused on [Skill] and [Metric]. I am now seeking to apply this expertise as your [Role].

Template 2: The "Visionary" Template

[Company]'s recent move into [Area] is impressive. I have the specific background in [X] to help lead this initiative.

Template 3: The "Solution" Pitch

Most teams in our industry struggle with [Problem]. Here is how I solved it at [Firm]: [Proof].

Template 4: The "Regional Lead" Template

Having overseen operations across the APAC region, I bring a unique perspective on [Topic]...

Template 5: The "Short Power" Template

Brief summary: [Goal] achieved via [Action]. Ready to do the same at [Company].

Actionable Checklist

Removed all exclamation points.
Replaced "Helped" with "Facilitated/Spearheaded."
Checked for active voice. Try in Email Improver.
Removed filler words like "Really" and "Very."
No mention of "Learning" as a primary goal (focus on "Giving").

FAQ Section

1. Is it bad to say I want "to learn"? For an internship, it's fine. For a mid-to-senior role, they are paying you to provide solutions. Focus on your expertise first.

2. How many power verbs are too many? Don't use more than 2 per sentence. Over-the-top language can sound like you're trying too hard. Review our pricing.

3. Does "Formal Tone" mean using big words? No. It means being precise and direct. Avoid slang and colloquialisms.

4. Should I use "I" or "We"? Use "I" for your specific contributions and "We" or "The team" for collective results.