10 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter's Conclusion
Have you ever wondered why you weren't considered for a job, even after sending what you thought was a perfectly good cover letter? You might have spent hours making sure every sentence in the main body was just right, but did you pay enough attention to how you wrapped it up? Sometimes, it's not what you say but how you say goodbye that can make or break your chances. Let's dive into what could be going wrong in the closing part of your cover letter.
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter's Conclusion
1 - Ending with Uncertainty:
A closing like, "I hope this job is still open," displays doubt and lack of research. It can make you seem unprepared or unsure about your application, casting a shadow on your qualifications.
2 - Typos or Grammar Errors:
The quickest way to ruin your cover letter is to have grammatical errors in its conclusion. Nothing screams lack of attention to detail louder than a cover letter filled with typos. A cover letter filled with mistakes can be a deal-breaker. Proofread your closing carefully. It’s your last chance to capture the attention of the recruiter - make use of it wisely.
3 - Skipping the Call to Action:
You might think it's obvious that you want the job, but not including a clear call to action can be a big mistake. Encourage the recruiter to contact you for an interview. Something as simple as "I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team" can work wonders.
4 - Appearing Desperate:
Concluding with a sentence like, "I really need this job," can come off as desperate. It shifts the focus from what you can offer to your personal needs, which isn’t appealing to employers.
5 - Being Too Casual or Informal:
Even if you wrote a really beautiful cover letter, ending it with a sign-off like "Catch you later" or "Cheers" will definitely put the recruiter off. The sign-off is overly casual and inappropriate for a professional document. It undermines the seriousness of your application and can reflect poorly on your understanding of workplace etiquette.
6 - Making Assumptions:
Avoid endings like, "I will call you next Monday to schedule an interview." This can be perceived as presumptuous and intrusive. It’s important to be respectful of the hiring manager’s process and timeline.
7 - Focusing Only on Yourself:
An ending focused only on your benefits, such as, "This job would be the perfect stepping stone in my career," can come across as self-serving. It’s important to balance how the role fits your goals with what you can contribute to the company.
8 - Being Overly Formal or Robotic:
Using a highly formal or outdated closing, like, "I remain, sir, your most obedient servant," can seem out of touch. It's essential to strike a balance between professionalism and modern communication styles.
9 - Mentioning Salary or Benefits:
The conclusion of your cover letter isn't the right place to talk about salary expectations or benefits. Keep the focus on what you can offer, not what you hope to receive.
10 - Using Overused Phrases:
Phrases like, "Thank you for your time and consideration" are overused and can make your cover letter blend into the pile. They lack originality and fail to make your application stand out.
In the end, the way you finish your cover letter is your final chance to show the recruiter that you're the right person for the job. Keep it professional, genuine, and focused on what you can bring to the role.
Remember, a well-crafted ending can be the difference between getting that interview call or being passed over. So, take a moment to review your cover letter's conclusion – it might just be the key to unlocking your next great opportunity.
