5. Saying Too Much.

Cover letters should be one page, max. Period.

4. Saying Too Little.

A cover letter should do more for you than a post-it that says “Here’s my resume!” The letter is an opportunity to show off your personality, your writing skills, and your grasp of why you should get the job. Getting all that into two or three paragraphs will do more for your job search than just about anything else you do.

3. Saying the Wrong Thing.

Don’t say how much you want the job. Say how useful you will be to them when you have it.

2. Not Asking for the Interview.

Self-explanatory.

1. “To Whom It May Concern”

A cover letter isn’t a piece of junk mail. It needs to go to a specific person. If you don’t know who it is before you write the letter, call the company and find out.