Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts in 2025

A cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, showcasing your personality, skills, and fit for the role. However, writing one can feel daunting, especially with the fine line between standing out and making mistakes. A strong cover letter can open doors, while a poorly written one can close them just as quickly. In this guide, we’ll break down the key do’s and don’ts of crafting a cover letter that captures attention and convinces hiring managers you’re the right person for the job.

Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Do Personalize Your Greeting

Avoid starting your cover letter with a generic salutation like "To Whom It May Concern." Instead, take the time to research and identify the name of the person who will be reading your application. This could be the hiring manager, department head, or recruiter. A personalized greeting like "Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]" immediately shows that you’ve put in the effort to tailor your application, making it feel more sincere and thoughtful. If the name isn’t listed in the job posting, check the company’s website, LinkedIn, or even call their office for clarification.

Don’t Overuse Buzzwords

Buzzwords like “results-driven,” “team-oriented,” and “innovative thinker” might sound impressive, but they’ve been overused to the point of losing their meaning. Relying too heavily on these phrases can make your letter blend into the pile of generic applications. Instead, focus on concrete examples that back up your claims. For instance, instead of saying you’re a “dynamic leader,” describe a specific project you led, the challenges you faced, and the measurable outcomes you achieved. This approach not only avoids clichés but also makes your application stand out as authentic and specific.

Do Tailor It to the Job

A one-size-fits-all cover letter won’t make the impact you need. Take the time to customize your letter to align with the specific job description and the company’s mission. Highlight your skills and experiences that directly relate to the position and demonstrate your understanding of the company’s needs. For example, if the job posting emphasizes teamwork, mention a time you collaborated successfully on a project. Tailoring your letter shows that you’ve invested time in understanding the role and are genuinely interested in contributing to the organization.

Don’t Repeat Your Resume Word-for-Word

Your cover letter shouldn’t be a rehash of your resume. While it’s important to highlight key aspects of your experience, repeating your work history in list form wastes valuable space and offers no new information. Instead, use your cover letter to expand on one or two accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the role. For example, if your resume lists “Increased sales by 25% in Q1 2023,” your cover letter could explain the strategies you implemented to achieve that result and why they were effective. This approach adds depth and context to your application.

Do Start With a Strong Opening

Your opening paragraph sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter, so make it count. Avoid bland statements like “I am writing to apply for [Position Name].” Instead, lead with something engaging and relevant, such as why you’re passionate about the role, a specific achievement that aligns with the job, or a connection to the company. For instance, “I’ve admired [Company Name] for its innovative approach to [industry focus], and I’m thrilled at the opportunity to bring my skills in [specific expertise] to your team.”

Don’t Focus on Irrelevant Details

Including unrelated information about hobbies and interests or achievements can distract from your qualifications. For instance, mentioning that you enjoy hiking or baking might be interesting, but unless it’s directly relevant to the job, it doesn’t add value. Stay focused on experiences, skills, and qualities that align with the role and the company. If you feel compelled to mention something personal, tie it back to the job—such as how your passion for team sports has helped you excel in collaborative work environments.

Do Show Enthusiasm

Employers want to hire people who are excited about the job and the company. Use your cover letter to convey genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Mention what excites you about the role or the company’s mission. For example, if you’re applying to a company known for sustainability, express how their values align with your passion for environmental responsibility. Enthusiasm is contagious, and showing it can make you a memorable candidate.

Don’t Use an Unprofessional Email Address

Your email address is often one of the first things a hiring manager will see, and an unprofessional address can undermine your credibility. If your current email address is something like “[email protected]” or “[email protected],” it’s time to create a new one. Choose a simple, professional address that uses your name, such as “[email protected]” or “[email protected].” This small detail can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.

Do Highlight Relevant Achievements

Your cover letter is an opportunity to go beyond your resume by providing context for your achievements. Select 2–3 key accomplishments that directly relate to the job description and explain how they’ve prepared you for this role. For example, if you’re applying for a sales role, you might write, “In my previous role, I increased sales by 30% within six months by developing targeted marketing strategies and fostering strong client relationships.” This not only demonstrates your qualifications but also highlights your impact.

Don’t Make It All About You

A cover letter is your chance to show how you can meet the company’s needs, not the other way around. Avoid statements that focus solely on what you hope to gain, such as “I’m looking for a role where I can grow my career.” Instead, demonstrate how your skills and experiences will benefit the organization. For example, you might write, “My background in marketing and my passion for innovative campaigns can help your company expand its reach and engage new audiences.” Shifting the focus shows that you understand and prioritize the company’s goals.

Do Focus on How You Can Add Value

While it’s natural to think about what you want from the job, your cover letter should focus on what you can bring to the table. Consider the company’s pain points or goals and explain how your skills can address them. For instance, if the company is launching a new product, mention your experience in product launches and how you can contribute to a successful rollout. Employers are looking for problem-solvers, so framing yourself as someone who adds value is key.

Don’t Forget to Research the Company

Failing to research the company can result in a generic and uninspired cover letter. Employers can tell when you’ve sent the same letter to multiple companies, and it can make you appear uninterested. Take the time to understand the company’s mission, values, and recent projects. Mention specific details in your letter to show you’ve done your homework. For instance, if the company recently launched a new product, reference how your skills in product marketing could support its success. This demonstrates genuine interest and a proactive mindset.

Do Use Keywords From the Job Description

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. These systems look for specific keywords from the job description. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your cover letter to improve your chances of passing the initial screening. For example, if the job description mentions “project management,” “team leadership,” or “budget planning,” be sure to include these terms in your letter while providing examples that demonstrate your proficiency in these areas.

Don’t Neglect to Address Gaps or Red Flags

If there are potential concerns in your application, such as employment gaps, a career change, or a lack of direct experience in the field, don’t ignore them. Addressing these issues briefly but positively in your cover letter shows self-awareness and confidence. For example, if you took a career break, you might write, “During my time away from the workforce, I focused on developing new skills through online courses and volunteer work, which have prepared me to excel in this role.” This proactive approach can turn potential red flags into strengths.

Do Keep It Concise

While it’s important to include enough detail to make your case, remember that hiring managers are busy and may only spend a minute or two reading your letter. Aim for a concise and focused letter, ideally no longer than one page. Use short paragraphs and clear language to communicate your points effectively. Every sentence should serve a purpose, so avoid unnecessary fluff or repetition.

Don’t Use Negative Language

Speaking negatively about previous employers, coworkers, or experiences is a major red flag for hiring managers. Even if you had a difficult work situation, framing it negatively can make you appear unprofessional or hard to work with. Instead, focus on what you learned from the experience and how it helped you grow. For example, instead of saying, “I left my last job because the management was poor,” you could say, “I’m looking for a role that aligns more closely with my professional goals and values.”

Do Include a Call to Action

End your cover letter with a strong call to action that encourages the hiring manager to take the next step. This could be as simple as “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can contribute to [Company Name].” Express confidence and initiative without being pushy. For example, you could add, “I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].”

Don’t Forget to Follow Instructions

Many job postings include specific instructions for applicants, such as requiring a particular file format, asking for a portfolio, or addressing certain questions in your cover letter. Failing to follow these instructions shows a lack of attention to detail and could disqualify you. Carefully read the job posting and double-check that you’ve included everything requested. If the instructions say to submit your application as a PDF, don’t send a Word document. These small steps show that you’re thorough and capable of following directions.

Do Proofread Carefully

Even a small typo or grammatical error can create a negative impression. Proofreading is essential to ensure your cover letter is polished and professional. Read your letter aloud, use spelling and grammar tools, and ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it. Double-check details like the recipient’s name and the company name to avoid embarrassing mistakes.

Don’t Write in a Wall of Text

A cover letter with long, dense paragraphs is difficult to read and off-putting to busy hiring managers. Break your letter into smaller sections with clear topic sentences to guide the reader. Use bullet points sparingly to highlight key achievements or skills, and leave enough white space to make the document visually appealing. A well-organized letter is more likely to be read in its entirety and leaves a better impression.

Do Use a Professional Tone

Your cover letter should strike a balance between professionalism and personality. Avoid overly casual language, slang, or emojis. However, don’t be so formal that your letter lacks warmth and authenticity. Use a tone that reflects the company’s culture—if the organization seems traditional, lean toward a more formal tone. For creative industries, you might adopt a slightly more conversational style.

Don’t Use Humor or Sarcasm

While it’s important to let your personality shine, humor and sarcasm are risky in professional communication. What seems funny to you might come across as unprofessional or even offensive to the hiring manager. Unless you’re absolutely certain the company culture embraces humor (and you have a strong grasp of their style), stick to a professional and respectful tone.

Do Format It Properly

Presentation matters. Use a clean, professional layout with consistent fonts, margins, and spacing. Choose a standard font like Roboto, Neuton, Merriweather or Playfair in 10–12 point size, and ensure your letter is well-organized. Use bold or italics sparingly to emphasize key points. A well-formatted cover letter not only makes a good impression but also ensures your message is easy to read.

Don’t Assume Your Experience Speaks for Itself

Even if your resume is impressive, your cover letter needs to connect the dots for the hiring manager. Don’t assume they’ll automatically see how your experience aligns with the role. Use your cover letter to explicitly link your accomplishments to the job’s requirements. For example, if the position requires strong leadership skills, describe a time when you successfully led a team to achieve a challenging goal.

Do Sign Off Professionally

Your closing should leave a lasting positive impression. Use a formal sign-off such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Yours truly,” followed by your full name. If submitting electronically, consider including your contact information below your name for added convenience. For hard copies, leave space for a handwritten signature above your typed name.

Don’t Submit Without a Final Check

Submitting a cover letter without a thorough review can undermine all your hard work. Beyond checking for typos, review your letter for consistency in tone, formatting, and content. Ensure the recipient’s name, the company name, and the job title are all correct. Reading your letter aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing or errors you might otherwise miss. Enlist a friend or mentor to review it for an extra set of eyes.

Conclusion

Crafting a great cover letter doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you focus on the right strategies. By tailoring your letter, highlighting relevant achievements, and presenting a professional tone, you can demonstrate your value effectively. At the same time, avoiding common mistakes like generic writing, unprofessional formatting, and lack of attention to detail will ensure your efforts pay off. With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cover letter that helps you land your next big opportunity. To start building cover letters for your applications, check out Huntr’s AI cover letter generator or you can sign up for Huntr today.