Let’s be real: nobody tells you how awkward it feels to write your first cover letter. I remember sitting at my laptop, staring at a blank document for ages. It wasn’t just writer’s block; it was a full-on “who am I supposed to be right now?” moment. If you’re in that boat—maybe for your first job, maybe for a coveted internship—you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, juggling nerves, imposter syndrome, and the sneaking suspicion that everyone else just knows what to say.
Spoiler: most people don’t.
The good news is, there are some classic mistakes almost everyone makes the first time around. I’ve made them, I’ve watched my friends make them, and over time, I’ve learned how to dodge them (mostly). If you’re hoping to avoid the cringe factor, land the interview, or just write something you’re not embarrassed to read later, this is for you.
Let’s break down five cover letter blunders you’ll want to steer clear of—and how to actually tell your story with some heart.
1. The “Dear Sir or Madam” Trap
Okay, confession: I used this opening on my very first cover letter, because that’s what the internet told me. Looking back, it makes me cringe so hard. Nothing says “I copied a template at midnight” quite like a generic salutation. I get it—it’s awkward when you don’t know who will read your application. But here’s the deal: companies love it when you put in even a little effort to make your greeting personal.
If you can, find the hiring manager’s name. LinkedIn, the company website, even a quick phone call can do the trick. If not, go for something specific to the team or role (“Hello Marketing Team” or “Dear Editorial Hiring Committee”). It’s a tiny detail, but it instantly makes you look more engaged—and less like a robot.
2. Turning Your Cover Letter Into a Copy-Paste Resume
Let’s be honest, your cover letter shouldn’t be a repeat of your resume. I fell into this trap the first time—listing every club, job, and GPA boost like I was reading from a script. Not only is it boring, but it also wastes the one real chance you have to show who you are, not just what you’ve done.
Instead, tell a story. Share what actually excites you about the company, or how a weird summer job taught you something useful. Maybe you spent last semester organizing events on campus—talk about what went wrong, what you learned, or how it changed the way you work. Show them there’s a real person behind the grades and bullet points.
And don’t worry if your story feels a little imperfect. That’s the point. Employers aren’t looking for superhumans—they want someone honest and self-aware.
3. Forgetting to Show How You Fit
Here’s something I wish I’d known: cover letters aren’t just about you—they’re about them too. I used to spend whole paragraphs explaining why I wanted the job, but never really connected it back to what the company was looking for.
If you want to stand out, dig into the job description. What skills or qualities keep popping up? Mention those, but in your own words, and tie them to a real example. If they want someone detail-oriented, tell a quick story about how you spotted a problem on a group project and fixed it. If they mention teamwork, share how you navigated a tricky situation in your student organization.
It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, just real.
4. Ending With a Whimper
This one gets me every time: the awkward, wishy-washy sign-off. You know the type—“Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.” It’s polite, sure. But it doesn’t leave an impression.
I remember reading about better ways to wrap things up and being surprised by how much it changed my response rate. There’s a subtle art to knowing how to close a cover letter in a way that feels confident, not desperate. Sometimes, it’s as simple as expressing your excitement for the role or mentioning you’d love to discuss your ideas in an interview. Don’t be afraid to put a little personality at the end—just enough to make them remember you.
5. Skipping the Proofread (Or Letting Your Brain Skip It)
Let’s be real: typos happen. But nothing undercuts your credibility faster than an obvious mistake in a first impression. I’ll never forget the time I sent out a cover letter that started with “I am writing to apple for the marketing internship…” (Yep, “apple.” I did not get a call back.)
Always read your letter out loud. Better yet, ask a friend (or a brutally honest sibling) to take a look. And if you’re ever unsure about what’s expected, reading through examples of a cover letter for internship can help you spot the small differences that make a letter stand out.
Extra Tips (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Honestly, it gets easier. The first cover letter feels huge, but after a few tries, you’ll find your own voice. Here are a few things I picked up along the way:
- Don’t overthink the format—clarity beats creativity.
- Don’t be afraid to show some excitement (even a little bit of humor if it fits you).
- Always tie your story back to what the company cares about.
- Keep it concise. Less is more, especially when you’re new to the game.
- Remember, rejection happens to everyone—even the most qualified candidates.
What I Wish I’d Known
I spent way too long worrying about being “perfect.” But the best cover letters—the ones that actually got me interviews—were the ones where I was honest, specific, and let a little of my personality shine through. It’s scary, putting yourself out there. But you have nothing to lose by being genuine, and everything to gain.
So if you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start, just write like you’re explaining to a friend why you’d be a good fit. Tell a story. Ask questions. Don’t stress about sounding fancy—just make it sound like you.
Final Thoughts: Your First Cover Letter Is the Hardest—But Not the Last
If you’re sweating over your first cover letter, trust me: everyone else has, too. You’re not supposed to know everything right away. The only mistake you can’t recover from is not trying at all.
So go for it—write something honest, proofread it twice, and hit send. Whether you land this job or not, you’ll learn something valuable for next time. And who knows? Maybe your “imperfect” letter is exactly what a hiring manager needs to read.
You’ve got this. And if you ever want a reminder, just picture all the “Dear Sir or Madam”s floating in the hiring manager’s trash folder. Yours will be the one they remember.
