First impressions are key when introducing yourself.  The cover letter you present to a potential employer is a proverbial handshake. To make a good impression it must be firm, strong and make an impact.

If your cover letter is a “dead fish handshake” your first impression will not be a lasting one.

Here are the top five things to leave out when drafting your cover letter.


  • You Must Be Mistaken
    • Make no mistake about it – errors and silly oversights are unacceptable.
    • The Cure:
      • Ask a family member, friend, prior colleague – to read over your cover letter. A second set of eyes is crucial to perfection.
  • What Are You Talking About
    • While standard cover letters may save you time – they are impersonal and generic.
    • The Cure:
      • Research the company and the position requirements. Personalize your cover letter and it will stand out!

  • Too Little
    • While too much in the cover letter would overwhelm and force a hiring manager to skim through at the sight of too many words, too little can also be detrimental to your first impression
    • The Cure:
      • In 250 words (max) describe, in short, your accomplishments and successes that relate to the position your applying for.

  • Save It, Don’t Spray It
    • While personal stories and accomplishments say a lot about a person’s personality, save it for the interview.
    • The Cure:
      • Hiring managers may ask you about your hobbies and spare time indulgences – this is when you can talk about how you climbed Mt. Everest, run marathons, and volunteer.
  • There’s a fine line
    • Watch your confidence.  Promote yourself as humbly as possible. Don’t “inflate” your language. For example – “I am the best at________”
    • The Cure:
      • Express your expertise and “BEST” by examples.

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