💼 Employment · Cover Letter

Cover Letter Mistakes UK — 10 Errors Killing Your Applications

📅 March 2026 · ⏱ 6 min read · 🇬🇧 UK Job Market

UK recruiters see thousands of cover letters and reject most of them within seconds. The same mistakes appear again and again. Here are the 10 most common cover letter errors — and exactly how to fix each one.

1. Starting With "I Am Writing to Apply For..."

The most common and most forgettable opening in existence. Every recruiter has read this sentence thousands of times.

✓ Fix: Start with a compelling hook — a specific achievement, a genuine reason for wanting this role, or something you admire about the company.

2. Copying Your CV Into the Letter

A cover letter should complement your CV, not duplicate it. Listing the same jobs and dates tells recruiters nothing new.

✓ Fix: Pick 2–3 key achievements most relevant to this role and expand on them with context your CV can't provide.

3. Using a Generic Template Without Personalising It

Recruiters immediately recognise a generic cover letter. "I am passionate about working in [industry]" could have been written by anyone.

✓ Fix: Name the company, reference something specific about them — a product, initiative or value — that genuinely resonates with you.

4. Wrong Length — Too Long or Too Short

More than one page buries the key points. Less than half a page looks like you couldn't be bothered.

✓ Fix: Aim for 3–4 focused paragraphs, 250–400 words. Quality over quantity every time.

5. Focusing on What You Want, Not What You Offer

"This role would help me develop my skills in..." reads as self-centred. Employers want to know what you bring to them.

✓ Fix: Frame every paragraph around what you can contribute. Your development goals can come up at interview.

6. Spelling and Grammar Errors

A single typo in a cover letter signals poor attention to detail — fatal for most professional roles.

✓ Fix: Read it aloud, use spell check, and ask someone else to proofread before you send.

7. Wrong Tone for the Company Culture

A formal, stiff letter to a creative startup or a casual letter to a law firm are both red flags.

✓ Fix: Research the company's tone of voice from their website and social media, then mirror it appropriately.

8. No Clear Call to Action at the End

Ending with "I look forward to your response" is weak. Be direct about what you want to happen next.

✓ Fix: "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further — I am available for interview at your convenience."

9. Not Addressing the Right Person

"Dear Sir/Madam" or "Dear Hiring Manager" when you could easily find the right person on LinkedIn.

✓ Fix: Spend 2 minutes finding the hiring manager's name. "Dear Ms Johnson" always beats generic salutations.

10. Sending a PDF When Word Was Requested (or Vice Versa)

Not following basic application instructions suggests you won't follow instructions in the job either.

✓ Fix: Always read the job ad carefully and send your cover letter in the exact format requested.

Generate a Mistake-Free Cover Letter

Doxly generates professional, tailored cover letters in minutes. Free to preview.

Create My Cover Letter → £4.99