Common Cover Letter Misconceptions

Your cover letter and resume should work together when you launch your job search. Both should be tailored to meet the needs of a potential employer. When you are an active job seeker, you should be modifying the resume and cover letter as you present your credentials. As an active seeker, the position you are interested in might not have been announced yet. Below are some common misconceptions about cover letters. It is my intention to help you present the most polished and professional information to facilitate an effective search.

Misconception #1: Your resume and cover letter do not need to be connected.

In fact, your resume and cover letter should complement each other. Highlight key achievements in your cover letter that present you as a qualified candidate. In the resume, information is presented in short phrases. Your cover letter needs to create a connection in a well-written manner using strong grammar, spelling, and style to communicate your point.

Misconception #2: Your cover letter is a short introduction – more like a note of hello.

The cover letter is not written to simply say hello to a prospective employer. Rather, the cover letter should introduce you, and also express in a clear manner how you can meet the needs of an opening. You want to demonstrate a complement of ability and interpersonal characteristics that reveal a well-rounded and competent professional.

Misconception #3: You don’t need to modify the cover letter as you apply.

Wrong. You should absolutely ‘tweak’ the cover and the resume as you apply for opportunities. Do some research about the company so you can present your reason for applying. You don’t want the cover letter to sound bland and uninspiring. Put some of your personality into it! Something that looks like it ‘came out of the can’ will not engage your audience.

Misconception #4: It is ok to reference negative situations in your cover letter as explanations for things.

Wrong again. The cover letter is not the forum to reveal your ailing grandmother’s need for you to care for her for the past nine months, or your sister’s relocation due to a divorce. Your career documents should only discuss positive things. You can connect life experiences to your professional experiences as a way to demonstrate character – BUT only in a productive and positive manner. Difficult or negative situations should be revealed on a need to know basis. When searching for employment, the potential employer doesn’t need to know.

Misconception #5: People don’t often read cover letters, so they don’t count as much.

While I have never done a study on the amount of people that read cover letters vs. those that don’t, I will tell you that I always read them when I received interest from applicants. Since I am sure you don’t have statistics on this, I strongly advise that you write a compelling cover letter that is error free and grammatically correct. Solicit the help from a professional – a teacher, professional writer, or someone else with a strong command of English language and grammar rules. Why risk it? If you apply and reach the hiring manager or HR representative that reads all cover letters, yours should be beyond reproach. Typos and other errors will likely result in your application being filed in the circular bin.

When writing your cover letter take the time necessary to draft a well written document. Do not just dash off a short note. Write it, read it, revise it, and do it again until it is perfect.