Why Most People Get It Wrong

Let’s be honest: Cover letters have a reputation. And not a great one.

Some people think they’re pointless. Others slap together a dry, robotic form letter. And then there are those who go way off the rails—like the guy who wrote, “I am the rockstar ninja wizard your company needs,” or the applicant who, in an attempt to stand out, hand-delivered a pizza box with their cover letter printed inside. (True story. No, they didn’t get the job.)

But here’s the thing: A great cover letter is not just some outdated formality—it’s the secret weapon that most job seekers ignore. When done right, it doesn’t just complement your resume; it elevates it, adding depth, personality, and a persuasive case for why you deserve the job.

So let’s break it down: Why do most people mess up their cover letters? What makes a cover letter bad (or outright cringe-worthy)? And, most importantly, how can you craft one that actually works?

The Most Common Cover Letter Fails (And Why They Flop)

The “Dear Sir or Madam” Disaster

Example:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in the position at your esteemed company. I am a hardworking individual who is eager to bring my skills to your organization.

Why it’s awful:

• Generic and impersonal – Who still says "Dear Sir or Madam"? It’s 2025. Find the hiring manager’s name, or at least use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Zero personality – This tells us nothing about you or why you want the job. It could be copy-pasted to literally any company.
• Screams ‘lazy’ – If you didn’t put effort into the cover letter, why should they believe you’ll put effort into the job?

How to fix it:

Find the hiring manager’s name (LinkedIn is your friend) and make the intro engaging.

Example:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

The first time I walked into [Company Name]’s store, I spent 45 minutes marvelling at how effortlessly your team turned a simple retail experience into something unforgettable. As someone passionate about customer engagement, I knew immediately: This is where I want to be.

The “I Have Attached My Resume” Waste of Space

Example:

I am interested in the Marketing Coordinator position at your company. Please find my resume attached for review.

Why it’s awful:

• Redundant – They know your resume is attached.
• No enthusiasm – It reads like a boring transaction, not a compelling introduction.
• Wasted opportunity – If you only have a few seconds to grab their attention, don’t use them stating the obvious.

How to fix it:

Instead of restating what’s in your resume, tell a quick, compelling story:

When I was 10, I started a “business” designing posters for my neighbors’ garage sales. I charged $1 per design. Fast forward 15 years, and I’m now an experienced marketing specialist who still loves using creative visuals to capture attention and drive engagement.

The “Obnoxiously Overconfident” Brag Fest

Example:

I am the best candidate for this job. No one works harder than me. If you don’t hire me, it’s your loss.

Why it’s awful:

• Confidence is great—arrogance is not.
• You sound like a nightmare to work with.
• Hiring managers don’t want the best ever—they want someone who fits the team and the culture.

How to fix it:

Instead of telling them you’re great, show them through a compelling example:

During my tenure with , I noticed that our social media engagement was plateauing. I tested new strategies, including interactive polls and behind-the-scenes content. Within six months, engagement increased by 47%. I love identifying problems and finding creative solutions, which is why I’m excited about the opportunity at [Company Name].

The “Overly Formal, 1800s Business Letter” Approach

Example:

To Whom It May Concern,

I hereby submit my application for the aforementioned position. I humbly request the opportunity to discuss my qualifications at your earliest convenience.

Why it’s awful:

• Nobody talks like this anymore.
• It’s cold, distant, and unapproachable.
• It makes you sound like a robot from a Dickens novel.

How to fix it:

Write how you speak—professionally, but naturally:

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I was thrilled to see an opening for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. As someone who thrives in [specific skill or industry], I’d love the chance to bring my experience to your team.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Actually Works

Now that we’ve covered what not to do, here’s how to write a cover letter that complements your resume and actually lands interviews.

Start With a Hook

Your opening line should grab attention immediately. Skip the bland introductions and start with a strong, personal hook.

Instead of this:

I am writing to apply for the Sales Associate position.

Try this:

Last year, I turned a customer complaint into a record-breaking upsell. That’s when I realized: I love sales.

Connect Your Experience to the Company’s Needs

Hiring managers don’t care about your skills in isolation—they care about how they apply to their company.

Instead of this:

I have five years of experience in graphic design.

Try this:

Your company is known for bold, creative branding. With five years of experience in graphic design—specializing in modern, high-energy visuals—I’d love to contribute to your next big campaign.

Show, Don’t Tell

Rather than listing adjectives about yourself, prove your qualities through examples.

Instead of this:

I am a team player with strong leadership skills.

Try this:

At my last job, I led a team of five designers to launch a rebrand ahead of schedule. Collaboration and leadership weren’t just part of my job—they were essential to our success.

End With a Call to Action

Close your cover letter with confidence and an invitation to continue the conversation.

Instead of this:

Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon.

Try this:

I’d love to chat about how my skills can help [Company Name] reach its goals. Let’s connect!

Here are two lovely templates as a takeaway:

EXAMPLE 1

First Name Last Name

email@email.com | 00 00 00 00 00 00 | linkedin.com/in/name | Place

Hiring Manager Name

Designation

Company Name

Dear Mr. / Ms.  - This will remain formal (or) Dear First Name – This will remain personal

Twenty years ago, I sold my first car—a 1998 Ford Explorer to a hesitant first-time buyer who walked in “just browsing.” By the time he drove off the lot, he wasn’t just a customer; he was a lifelong client who returned for three more vehicles over the next decade. That moment solidified my passion for sales—not just moving units, but building trust, relationships, and brand loyalty. Today, as a seasoned automotive sales leader, I’m eager to bring that same strategic expertise and results-driven leadership to Tesla Motors as your next Regional Sales Director.

As the National Sales Manager at Ford Motor Company, I have led a team of 85+ sales professionals across 12 regions, overseeing an annual revenue of $950M. Over the past five years, my leadership has:

• Increased regional sales by 38%, exceeding quota in 9 out of 12 territories.
• Boosted customer retention rates from 42% to 67% by revamping our loyalty and follow-up programs.
• Implemented an AI-driven lead qualification system, reducing response times by 54% and increasing conversion rates by 22%.
• Developed and led a training program for sales associates, improving closing ratios by 15% company-wide.

pioneering role in EV adoption and direct-to-consumer sales excites me, as I have spent my career navigating the shifting landscape of automotive retail. My experience leading high-performing sales teams, adapting to changing consumer buying habits, and leveraging data-driven strategies positions me to drive continued market penetration and revenue growth for Tesla.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how my expertise in sales leadership, strategic growth, and customer engagement can contribute to Tesla’s success. Let’s connect—I’m available at your convenience. Looking forward to your thoughts.

Best regards,

First Name Last Name

Why This Stands Out:

Strong Industry-Specific Hook – Opens with a memorable, personal sales story.

Data-Driven – Uses real numbers to highlight impact.

Tailored to Tesla – References EV industry trends and direct-to-consumer sales model.

Clear Leadership Value – Showcases experience in scaling sales teams, retention strategies, and digital transformation.

EXAMPLE 2

[Date]

Hiring Manager Name

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Technical Architect position at [Company Name]. With over 16 years of experience in the IT industry, I have developed a comprehensive skill set that includes leading technology transformations, designing cloud-native solutions, and building high-performance distributed systems. My work spans across a wide range of industries, including healthcare and banking, where I have helped organizations navigate complex technological challenges and achieve their strategic business goals.

In my current role at XXXX, I have been responsible for architecting scalable, hybrid cloud solutions that enable clients to embrace digital transformation with greater agility and efficiency. By leveraging cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure, along with microservices architectures using Java, Spring Boot, and Kafka, I have helped deliver innovative solutions that drive business growth and enhance system performance. One of my key achievements has been reducing time to market by 30% through the optimization of workflows and the introduction of automated CI/CD pipelines. I also pioneered the development of test automation frameworks, which resulted in a 40% improvement in release velocity.

Prior to XXXX, as a at XXXXX, I led the design and implementation of mission-critical systems that supported enterprise-level business operations. My leadership in driving cloud adoption through GCP and AWS, along with my focus on performance optimization, helped clients reduce operational costs and improve system reliability. I also played a key role in Agile transformations, ensuring that development teams adopted best practices and delivered high-quality solutions within tight timelines.

Throughout my career, I have built a reputation for not only delivering technical excellence but also for fostering a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. My leadership style emphasizes mentorship, continuous improvement, and aligning technology with business objectives to achieve lasting impact.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity at [Company Name] because of its commitment to [mention a specific aspect of the company or its goals that excites you]. I believe my experience in cloud architecture, microservices, and leadership can help contribute to the continued success of your team and help drive the innovative solutions your organization is known for.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can contribute to the future growth and success of [Company Name]. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

First Name Last Name

Why This Works

Strong Industry-Specific Hook – Opens with a clear statement of expertise, immediately establishing credibility in cloud architecture and digital transformation.

Impact-Driven Metrics – Uses real numbers (30% reduction in time to market, 40% improvement in release velocity) to demonstrate tangible results.

Tailored to the Role – Highlights experience in cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), microservices, and automation—directly relevant to a Technical Architect position.

Leadership & Strategy – Showcases ability to lead teams, implement Agile transformations, and align technology with business goals.

Company-Specific Connection – Expresses excitement about the company’s vision and how the candidate’s expertise aligns with it.

Your Resume and Cover Letter Work as a Team

A great resume gets your foot in the door. A great cover letter gets you invited inside.

By avoiding common mistakes and injecting personality, storytelling, and a clear connection to the company’s needs, you’ll stand out in a sea of generic applications.

So, the next time you apply for a job, don’t treat your cover letter as a formality—treat it as your best shot at proving why you’re the person they need to hire.