Is Your Cover Letter Letting You Down? Find Out

Is Your Cover Letter Letting You Down? Find Out

By Kibet Tobias
There is a lot of debate as to whether to include or not include  a cover letter when applying for a job.
The answer is obvious.  Every CV you send must be accompanied by a cover letter. However, it is not just a cover letter but a relevant, presentable and professional one.
Remember your cover letter should introduce you to the employer by conveying your experience and important information that explain to the employer why you are qualified for the job.
But have you ever wondered why you are never invited for interviews after making several applications?  Truth is, your cover letter is a mess and it probably has a lot to do with your jobless situation right now.

Here are reasons why your Cover Letter is letting you down

1. Wrong salutation
We have all been advised to always respect strangers. If someone called you Jane and you are Joseph, how would you feel? It is embarrassing. If you don’t know my name, it is better to use a general salutation when greeting me.
In other words, your salutation on your cover letter makes a whole lot of difference.   It be the difference between you getting a job or your cover letter ending up in the trash. Just imagine if the hiring manager is a man and he has been addressed as `Dear Madam’, it will be a complete turn off.
If you don’t know the name of the hiring manager, just use the general “Dear Sir/Madam” salutation
However, if you have the means, just call the company and ask who you should address your cover letter to.
Also read >>> Major Reasons Why You Are Not Getting The Jobs
2. You cover letter is boring
One of the reasons why you miss interview invitations is your boring and vague cover letter. Instead of focusing on your specific qualifications and skills, it roams around your personal life. It only talks of you and your needs. What this shows is someone who is not serious about the job and no one will waste their time going through such a cover letter.
A company hires because they want to fill a role and so consider their needs too.
Remember the main aim of you cover letter is to sell you to the recruiting manager. Therefore, it should be as compelling as possible for them to even consider you for an interview.
For example if you are applying for an IT Manager Job, use the chance to explain your skills and experience related to the job.
3. Lying
The habit of lying with Kenyans is at its peak especially in the competitive job market. Job seekers give false information on their Cover letters and even CV in order to present themselves as qualified candidates.
What they do not know is that recruiters are not fools. One way or another the truth will come out, either during the interview or after they have given you the job, and you don’t want it to go to that. Remember employers do background check of their candidates’ previous work experiences and any other important information to figure out if you will be a good fit.
That’s why applicants always provide referees on their CVs. Don’t you know that?
Now, what if they discover you initially lied to get a job? You will be fired. No one wants a dishonest employee.
In short, always be honest during you job search process. Let your cover letter speak on your behalf instead of cooking up lies just to get the job.
4. Grammatical errors
Even if you are poor with grammar, don’t show it to the hiring manager. Too many errors in your cover letter create bad impression of who you are. It shows you are careless and not keen to detail. No one will hire someone who can possibly mess the whole company with silly errors.
Remember, the reader is going through several other applications. Do you think he/she will  stick to your error-filled cover letter? Put yourself in their shoes too.
Ensure you always proofread you cover letter and CV before clicking send. If you cannot do it, let an expert edit it for you now.
5. Too long cover letter
Your cover letter should always be precise and clear. However, Kenyan job seekers keep making this mistake of personalizing a very long one that can confuse the reader.
Remember it only give brief information contained in the curriculum vitae. If you it interests the recruiter, he/she will dig for further details in the CV. Don’t explain all the roles, accomplishments and experiences you have in details.
So keep it brief and compelling.  The rest you discuss at the interview level.
If you are not sure if your cover letter contains the above mistakes, check out the best samples here.
The writer is a content writer at Career Point Kenya. For any related queries contact tobias@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke Or comment on the section below.