The Difference Between a Good Cover Letter and a Bad Cover Letter
In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference between landing an interview or being passed over. While your resume showcases your experience and skills, the cover letter is your opportunity to present your personality, enthusiasm, and how you align with the company’s needs. So, what makes a cover letter effective? And, more importantly, what are the pitfalls that can turn it into a deal-breaker? Here are the key differences between a good cover letter and a bad one.
Personalization Is the Difference Between a Good Cover Letter and a Bad Cover Letter
A Good Cover Letter: A good cover letter is tailored to the specific job and company. It demonstrates that you’ve done your research and understand the company’s mission, values, and needs. For example, it might open with something like:
"I was excited to see your opening for a Marketing Manager at XYZ Corp. With my 5 years of experience in digital marketing and a passion for customer engagement, I believe I can contribute to your team’s goals of expanding market share in the tech industry."
This shows the hiring manager that you’re genuinely interested in this role and not just applying to every job you come across.
What a Bad Cover Letter Does
A bad cover letter is generic and lacks personalization. If you start with something like:
"To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my interest in the position at your company."
This fails to show any specific interest in the company or the role. It suggests that you’re sending the same cover letter to multiple employers without consideration for their unique needs.
Value-Focused Writing vs Self-Focused Writing in Cover Letters
A Good Cover Letter Shows Employer Value
A good cover letter focuses on the value you bring to the company. It connects your skills, experience, and achievements to how they can solve the company’s challenges or contribute to their success. You might say something like:
"In my previous role, I implemented a customer retention program that increased client loyalty by 20%, which I’m eager to replicate in your company to support your retention goals."
This highlights what you can offer and ties your previous successes to the company’s potential needs.
A Bad Cover Letter Talks Only About the Candidate
A bad cover letter focuses solely on what you want from the job, rather than what you can give. Phrases like:
"I am looking for a job that will help me grow my skills and allow me to advance in my career."
While it’s fine to have career aspirations, leading with your own desires rather than the value you provide comes across as self-centered and uninterested in the employer’s needs.
Professional Tone vs the Wrong Tone in a Cover Letter
The Right Tone in a Good Cover Letter
The tone of a good cover letter strikes a balance between professional and personable. It reads as respectful, enthusiastic, and confident. For example:
"I look forward to the opportunity to bring my unique skills in project management and team leadership to your organization."
This is formal enough to be professional, but still shows warmth and enthusiasm.
The Wrong Tone in a Bad Cover Letter
A bad cover letter can go too far in either direction—being either too casual or overly formal. Something too casual might sound like:
"Hey there! I’m super excited about this job and can’t wait to chat!"
On the other hand, being too formal can feel stiff and robotic, such as:
"I hereby submit my application for the position mentioned, and I hope you will consider my humble request for an interview."
Neither extreme leaves a good impression. The goal is to be approachable, but professional.
Clear and Concise vs. Lengthy and Unfocused
A Good Cover Letter Is Easy to Skim
Recruiters skim. A good cover letter:
Stays under one page
Highlights relevant experience only
Uses clear, direct language
Every sentence has a purpose, and it’s easy for the hiring manager to skim and pick out important points.
A Bad Cover Letter Rambles
A bad cover letter tends to ramble and includes unnecessary details. Hiring managers don’t have time to read through several paragraphs of unrelated information. For example:
"I started my career in retail, but soon realized my true passion was in event planning. After working in several industries, I eventually decided to take a course in project management, which helped me land my first marketing job, although I was originally unsure about it."
This type of unfocused narrative makes it hard for the employer to see how your experience aligns with their needs.
Error-Free vs. Full of Mistakes
What Recruiters Expect
A good cover letter is:
Proofread
Consistently formatted
Free of spelling or grammar errors
What Hurts Your Chances
Your typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies in a cover letter are red flags to employers. For example:
"I believe I would make a great addition to your team because of my skills in data analysis."
Mistakes like these suggest a lack of care or diligence, which could make a hiring manager think twice about bringing you in for an interview.
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About Career Coach and Author
Hi, I’m Elizabeth Harders. I’m a former recruiter turned career strategist who has spent years on the other side of the hiring table. I’ve seen thousands of resumes and cover letters, some great, most forgettable. Now, I help professionals craft applications that actually stand out and lead to interviews.
My specialty? Helping ambitious professionals land six-figure roles at Fortune 500 companies. Whether it’s fine-tuning a resume, optimizing a LinkedIn profile, practicing for an interview, or crafting a powerful cover letter, I make sure my clients present themselves as the best possible candidate for the job they want.
If you’re tired of sending applications into the void, book a free career strategy session.
FAQs About Good Cover Letter and a Bad Cover Letter
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One page or less. Most recruiters expect three to four concise paragraphs focused on impact, not history.
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Yes. A good cover letter is tailored. Reusing the same letter across applications often results in rejection.
In Conclusion
A strong cover letter reinforces your resume, positions you as a solution, and signals professionalism. A weak one quietly removes you from consideration. If you want interviews, offers, and leverage in your job search, understanding the difference between a good cover letter and a bad cover letter is non-negotiable.
