7 Cover Letter Mistakes That Cost Interviews
Avoid these common slips and your cover letter will do what it's meant to do: get you to the interview.
We Build Resume Editorial Team Updated June 30, 2026 4 min read
The mistakes
- Repeating your resume word for word instead of adding context.
- Using the wrong company name or a generic greeting when the name is easy to find.
- Focusing on what you want rather than what you offer.
- Writing more than one page.
- Leaving out a clear call to action.
- Apologizing for gaps or missing qualifications.
- Skipping the proofread.
The fix
Tailor every letter, keep it to three or four focused paragraphs, and lead with the value you'll bring.
Ready to put this into practice?
Write a better letter