When searching for a job, a cover letter has to go hand in hand with an application letter. 

A cover letter is a formal letter you send alongside your resume. It basically allows the job seeker to introduce themselves to the hiring manager, provide circumstances for their achievements and qualifications, and explain their inspiration for joining the company.

Although a cover letter can improve your application for a job, you can also lose out if the information provided is wrong or includes errors. 

These are some of the things to avoid in your cover letter;

Irrelevant information 

Daniel Ganza, a public relations consultant in Kigali explains that however much you want to impress, you don’t need to share irrelevant information, such as personal information, or anything that has no connection with the position you are applying for. 

"Your cover letter shouldn’t also contain information that distracts the recruiter from focusing on your compelling qualifications,” he says.

Typos or grammar errors

You are not the only person applying for this specific job, probably there are thousands of candidates you are competing with and the recruiter has no time to correct or guess what you meant, remember errors or typos are easily seen and are a sign of unseriousness, something that can be basis for your elimination from the candidate’s list, Ganza states.

He further notes that you should read your cover letter as many times as possible, or get someone you trust to be good at grammar to review it for you, your own mistakes are not easy to notice. 

The wrong company name, wrong contact person name

The PR expert stresses that there is nothing as embarrassing as addressing the wrong person. Imagine addressing the person differently and using a different company’s name. There is a higher possibility of not giving looking at your letter because you are indicating that you are confused or not sure of the company you even want to work for. 

Long paragraphs 

Ganza adds that you only have one chance to make a first impression, which is why you should be precise and concise. 

For him, a cover letter should be between half a page and one full page in length. Therefore, divide your cover letter into three or four short paragraphs that can be read in around 10 seconds or less. 

He says, the first paragraph should indicate the reason you are writing and how you heard about the position. The second paragraph should be used to explain your qualifications and indicate with specific examples how your skills, experience or research match what the employer is seeking. 

The third paragraph should be used as a closing paragraph to thank the reader for their consideration and to request an opportunity to meet to discuss the specific position further.

Ganza also points out that neatness attracts readers which is why he urges you to include plenty of white space at the top and bottom of your letter and in between paragraphs.

Personal information

He discourages using your personal reasons to want to earn the job, but rather put your focus on the professional reasons you would love to be hired. Don’t talk about the bad times in your past employment. Do away with topics like politics, or information that makes you seem unavailable such as dealing with a bad divorce, transport issues, health problems and so forth. 

Your salary expectations 

Experts advise against mentioning salary expectations if not asked to. If your salary requirement is too high, the employer will dismiss your candidacy. It’s always wise to let the employer mention salary first. As a candidate, you’re required to demonstrate to the employer your interest in the job itself and not make it seem like money is your primary motivation.