Cover Letter Mistakes That Reduce Interview Callbacks (Fixes + Examples)

Q: Is it okay to use AI to write my cover letter?

AI is a great starting point, but you must personalize it. Use AI for structure and grammar, but add your own unique stories and voice.

SEO Meta Title: 10 Cover Letter Mistakes That Kill Your Chances SEO Meta Description: Stop making these cover letter mistakes. Learn how to fix your writing to get more interview callbacks. Includes before-and-after examples for SG/SEA applicants.

TL;DR

Don't Rehash Your Resume: Your cover letter should tell a story, not just list facts already in your CV.
Avoid Generic Templates: "To whom it may concern" is a signal to recruiters that you haven't done your research.
Focus on 'Them', Not 'You': Explain how you solve the company's problems, rather than just what you want from the job.

Your Cover Letter is a First Impression, Not a Formality

In the competitive job markets of Singapore, Hong Kong, and across SEA, your cover letter is often the first thing a hiring manager reads. Many candidates treat it as a task to be rushed through, leading to critical cover letter mistakes. A well-written letter can improve perceived professionalism and may help you stand out from hundreds of other applicants.

If you struggle with the right wording, you can Try in Email Improver to polish your cover letter snippets for a more senior tone.

10 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Fix Today

Using a Generic Greeting: Failing to find a name shows a lack of effort.
Focusing Only on Your Needs: Recruiters care about how you can help them.
Typos and Grammar Errors: Small mistakes can signal a lack of attention to detail.
Being Too Modest: Don't use "maybe" or "think" when describing your skills.
Regurgitating the CV: Don't just list your past jobs. Tell a story about one major achievement.
Writing a Novel: Keep it to one page. Recruiters spend less than 30 seconds on each letter.
Ignoring the Job Description: Not using keywords from the post can lead to ATS rejection.
Being Too Formal/Stiff: Sound like a professional human, not a legal document.
Neglecting the Call to Action: Always end with a request for an interview or a call.
Using "I" Too Much: If every sentence starts with "I", you're not focusing on the company.

Before → After: Cover Letter Snippets

Example 1: The Opening Line

Before: "I am writing to apply for the Marketing Manager role because I need a new challenge." (Self-centered)
After: "I was excited to see the Marketing Manager opening at [Company], as I’ve admired your recent campaign on [Topic] and believe my 5 years of SEO experience could help scale your reach further." (Company-focused)

Example 2: Describing Experience

Before: "I was in charge of the sales team and we did okay every month. I think I am good at sales." (Weak and vague)
After: "As a Sales Lead, I mentored a team of 10 to exceed annual targets by 20%, resulting in a $500k revenue increase. I am confident I can bring the same results-driven approach to your team." (Specific and confident)

Example 3: The Closing

Before: "Thank you. I hope you will call me soon." (Passive)
After: "I’ve attached my portfolio for your review. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills in [Skill] match your upcoming projects. Thank you for your time." (Professional and inviting)

SG/SEA Tone vs Global Tone

In the Singapore region, there is a tendency to be overly humble or use very formal language like "I humbly submit my application." For global companies, this can feel outdated. A modern, global tone is "confident-humility"—stating your achievements clearly without being arrogant. Avoid outdated phrases like "please find attached" (see please find attached alternatives).

Copy-Paste Templates for Better Results

1. The "Problem Solver" Opening

"I’ve followed [Company]’s growth in the [Industry] sector for some time. I noticed you are expanding your [Specific Department], and I believe my background in [Skill] is exactly what you need to manage this transition smoothly."

2. The "Short & Punchy" Template

"Dear [Name], as a [Your Profession] with a focus on [Achievement], I was drawn to the [Role] at [Company]. My most recent project resulted in a [Number]% increase in [Metric], and I'm eager to apply these strategies to your upcoming [Project]."

3. The "Internal Referral" Bridge

"Dear [Name], [Referral Name] mentioned you were looking for a [Role] who understands [Specialty]. Having worked with [Referral Name] on [Previous Project], I developed the skills in [Skill] that align with your team’s goals."

4. The "Career Pivot" Explanation

"While my background is in [Field A], the skills I’ve honed in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] are directly applicable to the [Role] at [Company]. I am particularly adept at [Relevan Task], which is crucial for [Company Requirement]."

5. The "Value-Add" Bullet Points

"Beyond my resume, here are three ways I can contribute to [Company] immediately:

[Contribution 1]
[Contribution 2]
[Contribution 3]"

6. The "Call-to-Action" Closing

"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in [Skill] can help [Company] achieve its [Year] goals. I am available for a call at your earliest convenience. Try in Email Improver for better phrasing."

Cover Letter Checklist

Have I addressed the hiring manager by name?
Is my tone confident but respectful?
Did I mention a specific achievement from the company?
Have I used at least 3 keywords from the job description?
Is my letter free of typos and grammatical errors?
Have I avoided "hard to read" long paragraphs?
Did I explain why I want to work for this company specifically?
Have I included my contact information clearly at the top?

FAQ

Q: Does anyone actually read cover letters anymore? A: Yes. While some recruiters skip them, many use the cover letter to gauge a candidate's communication skills and "culture fit." A great cover letter can act as a tie-breaker between two candidates with similar experience. Don't skip it!

Q: How long should my cover letter be? A: Ideally, keep it between 250 and 400 words. It should be long enough to show your personality and fit, but short enough that a busy recruiter can skim it in under a minute. Quality beats quantity every time.

Q: Should I include my salary expectations? A: Usually, no—unless the job posting specifically asks for it. Including it too early can limit your negotiating power. Focus on showing your value first, then discuss compensation once they are interested in hiring you. View pricing for tools to help format your job docs.

Q: Is it okay to use AI to write my cover letter? A: AI is a great starting point, but you must personalize it. Recruiters can often tell when a letter is 100% AI-generated. Use AI for structure and grammar, but add your own unique stories and voice to the content.