7 things to cut from your cover letter

Your cover letter is a unique opportunity. It's your chance to tell a story and make a human connection before the recruiter even scans your resume. However, many job seekers waste space with generic language, clichés, or excessive humility that does more harm than good. 

To help you ensure your cover letter stands out for all the right reasons, we spoke with Elizha Corpus, an HR Consultant specializing in Learning & Development, who shares eight common mistakes professionals must eliminate from their cover letters. 

1. "To whom it may concern ..." 

In today's digital age, these phrases can come off as impersonal or even a bit lazy. Corpus notes that modern HR professionals value effort and personalization. Using generic greeting signals that you might not have researched the company or the specific team you are joining. Use a formal, yet direct approach. Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name. If the name isn't in the job post, a quick search on LinkedIn or the company's website can often reveal it. If you still can't find a specific name, Corpus recommends using: "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Recruitment Team." This small shift shows you’ve done your homework and understand exactly which team you’re talking to.  

2. "In my previous role…” 

The cover letter should not be a narrative version of your resume's 'responsibilities' section. “Hirers are looking for proof of performance, not a list of tasks,” Corpus explains. Instead, she suggests using the letter to explain the impact of your work, not just the duties. “Frame your experience using the Action-Result model: ‘I streamlined the daily reporting process, which cut the team's data entry time by 30%.’" 

3. ‘I believe’ or ‘I feel’ 

Opinion-based phrases or excessive humility often signal a lack of conviction in your own abilities. The goal is to sound confidently factual, not self-promoting. 

Corpus expert advice is to replace opinion with evidence. “When describing attributes and performance, focus on results and behaviors—what you did and what changed because of it. For example, replace ‘I believe I am a good leader’ with ‘I led a team of 6 to deliver a client project ahead of schedule.’”  This tone projects confidence by simply presenting facts that speak for themselves. 

4. Overly complex sentences and big words 

Hiring managers and recruiters typically go through dozens of documents in one sitting. They don't have time to decipher overly formal or "flowery" applications. Corpus advises, “Simplicity is key. Having a clear, structured format is more effective. Make your cover letter simple, but clear and meaningful.’” She encourages applicants to present their claims under clear headings like Experience, Skills, Attributes, and Performance to aid quick scanning. 

5. Proactive 

These words blur together and lose meaning without a supporting context. What matters is the evidence behind the claim. 

“Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying ‘I’m resourceful,’ write: ‘I streamlined a manual reporting process by creating an Excel tracker that reduced submission time by 40%.’ 

6. Salary 

Leading with salary can unintentionally shift focus away from your professional value and make the tone too transactional. It might result in you being cut from the application process before the recruiter has a chance to get to know you better. Corpus advises reserving salary discussion for the interview stage. “Your cover letter's main job is to secure that interview. Keep the focus entirely on the value and impact you will bring to the organization.”  

7. Willing to be trained 

While genuine, this is passive language. It implies you lack the necessary core competencies and shifts the burden of development entirely onto the employer. “Instead of stating a willingness to learn, point to a specific skill or software you mastered quickly in a previous role: ‘In my last six months, I independently implemented the new CRM system, reducing setup time for all new clients by 15%,” says Corpus. Typos and Grammar mistakes  

The cover letter is a sample of your professional communication. “A single typo or an inconsistent font style suggests carelessness and a lack of respect for the application process,” Corpus says. Her advice is to treat the cover letter as a final deliverable. Always proofread it aloud and ensure the formatting (margins, font, alignment) is clean and professional before sending. A clean, easy-to-read document reflects well on your discipline. 

Your cover letter should be clear, concise, and focused entirely on the future benefit you will bring to the team. By cutting these generic and ineffective elements, you allow your unique achievements and professional value to shine through.