8 things to cut from your cover letter
A cover letter is like an introduction to a future employer – it’s your first chance to make a good impression, and outline who you are and why you’re suited to the job. So, when you set out to write it, there are some words you’d be wise to avoid.
The language you use in your cover letter can set you apart from the competition. While other people might use the same buzzwords and generic phrases that hiring managers see over and over, using active language that shows how and why you suit the role, will help you stand out.
Here are eight words and phrases to cut from your cover letter – and what to think about writing instead.
Watch the quick video below for the most common to avoid:
(Things to cut from your cover letter (plus common mistakes to avoid for job)
‘To whom it may concern’
It’s an impersonal and dated greeting, says Mark Smith, Managing Director of recruitment agency people2people.
“If you can’t find the name to address the letter to, use a job title, such as ‘Dear hiring manager’ or ‘Dear recruitment manager’,” he says.
“In the context of a cover letter, ‘Dear’ sounds more professional than ‘Hi’, but avoid ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ – it’s a really outdated greeting.”‘Self-starter’
Some terms are so overused that they’ve lost all meaning – and ‘self-starter’ is one of them, says Smith.
“It’s a cliché and recruiters are tired of reading it,” he says. If you want to show that you’re motivated to succeed, Smith suggests including an example of when you have shown initiative and the results it delivered.
“Clichés provide very little value, so be specific about your qualities and achievements,” Smith says. “If you initiated a new business development program, for example, what was the result?”Passive language
When recounting your recent or past achievements, it’s important not to understate your role.“Using confident language and active verbs immediately signals to a hiring manager that you are someone who takes ownership and is not just along for the ride,” says Chad Lawson, General Manager at Recruitment Agency u&u.
“Passive language such as "I was responsible for," "I helped with," or "I was involved in" makes your role in the achievement or outcome less important,” Lawson explains.
According to Lawson, a cover letter gives the reader insight into how you communicate. “When your language is clear and decisive it reflects your ability to add value quickly and make an impact.” For example, “Phrases like "I led," "I delivered," "I built," "I streamlined” all show action and accountability.”
Buzzwords
Buzzwords will not set you apart from other cover letters in the pile. They are often clichés that lack clear meaning and fail to communicate your actual skills or value.
“Dynamic is a word that belongs in a game of business buzzword bingo,” Smith says. “What does it really mean in the context of what you can bring to an organisation?”
Rather than ‘dynamic’, Smith suggests including an example of when and how you have adapted to change. “Adaptability is a valuable skill, but don't just say ‘I’m adaptable’ – show examples.”
He also recommends replacing buzzwords with keywords that may be picked up by companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and sort cover letters and resumes.
“Make sure you read the job ad carefully, identify the skills and relevant verbs and include them in your cover letter along with how and why they are relevant to you.Overused terms
While it is important to sound confident in a cover letter, try to avoid overused, hyperbolic statements to describe your qualities.“Vague and generic statements like. “I am a great multi-tasker”, “I am a people person” or “I thrive in high paced environments” sound great but don’t really differentiate you,” Lawson explains.
Instead, “job seekers should describe themselves in a way that is grounded in evidence” and avoid broad personality claims or cliches.
For example, saying “I am a people-first leader who builds high-performing teams through clarity, coaching and accountability” ties to business outcomes and “connects who you are with what you have done and why that matters for this specific role.
‘Salary’
Mentioning salary in your cover letter may limit your opportunity to negotiate, so don’t include it.“A cover letter should not be used to negotiate your employment terms,” says Lawson.
In fact, it can even eliminate you from the application process. “You are in a much better position to negotiate this once the employer has context around your experience, capability and potential impact.”
To give yourself the best chance, he says a cover letter should focus entirely on your fit for a role, and to “not give the employer a reason to overlook your experience.”
‘People person’
Almost every job will require you to work with at least one other person, so why mention it?
If teamwork is a vital part of the role, Smith recommends stating how you have worked with others to achieve something.
“For example, ‘I initiated weekly team meetings to increase collaboration’, and include the impact of this,” he says.Inflated claims
While it’s important to sound confident, avoid exaggerated claims and overreaching words and statements, like ‘I am an incredible salesperson’ or ‘I delivered huge results’. You’ll risk sounding arrogant or self-congratulatory.
“Let the results speak for themselves,” Smith says. “Talk about the fact that you generated half a million dollars in sales or there was a 30% increase while you were sales manager. This allows a recruiter to quantify your skills. It’s hard to quantify a word like ‘incredible’ or ‘fabulous’.”
Your cover letter is an opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition. Give yourself the advantage by cutting out the clichés and generic phrases, and focus on showing examples of your skills and experience in action instead.
By focusing on your skills and sharing examples, you’ll be giving the employer a much better insight into what makes you someone they should consider for the role.
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