7 Phrases Your Cover Letter Should NEVER Say

Writing a cover letter is not an easy task. Sometimes you get engrossed in writing tips that you start to sound more like a robot in your writing. While it’s important to sound like a professional version of you and showcase parts of your personality in your writing, it’s crucial that you leave out these phrases from your cover letter.

1.  “With my skills and experience, I’m a perfect fit.”

When you include a generic statement like this without demonstrating a reason for why you’re a good fit, you’re telling the hiring manager that you haven’t taken the time to do your research. Before writing your cover letter, review what makes you qualified for the position or even what specific skills makes you the “perfect fit,” so you can include examples and demonstrate them in your cover letter.

2.  “…looking for an opportunity to work in this industry.”

No one wants to hire someone seeking to work in a specific industry. Hiring managers want to hire people who want to work for their specific company. Not all companies are interchangeable within an industry and it makes it seem like you would work for their competitor just the same as their company.

3.  “…experienced, goal-oriented team player…”

Anybody can say generic attributes about themselves and they all are. Express what makes you different from all of the other applicants.

4.  “Although I don’t have experience in…”

DO NOT highlight any lack of experience or qualification in your cover letter. This immediately gives a hiring manager reason to trash your application. Instead, emphasize other qualifications and key skills that they are looking for. If you don’t have any qualifications or skills that match the requirements, then you shouldn’t be applying in the first place.

5.  “I left my previous company because…”

Don’t bring up the past until they ask you in the interview. Whether you got fired or left on your own terms, this piece of information should not be included in your cover letter. How to Answer in an Interview: “Why did you Leave your Last Job?”

6.  “…my desired compensation…”

Unless they give you specific instruction to provide salary requirements in the cover letter, you should not include this. Many employers are looking to hire someone who cares about the job and the company. If you bring up money in your cover letter, you are clearly stating that you are applying solely for the paycheck.

7.   “Thank you for taking the time to read my resume.”

This is a very passive and weak closure statement. Another weak statement is “I hope to hear from you soon.” By saying these statements, you give the hiring manager the choice to call you back. Instead, end your cover letter asking for an interview. You can also include your availability. This direct tone is more likely to persuade the hiring manager to give you a chance.

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