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Why They’re Not Even Getting to Your Resume

What to Bring to Every Interview | PrideStaff Dallas

If you think cover letters are an optional document to accompany your resume, you’re sorely mistaken. Including one with your resume is always essential — even when it’s listed as optional. A 2016 CareerBuilder survey of the five most common job seeker pitfalls revealed 45 percent of applicants opt to skip the cover letter, which is simply unacceptable.

Of course, not including a cover letter certainly isn’t the only reason employers are bypassing your resume. Failing to place as much attention on this key document as your resume can easily lead to your downfall. Before applying to any more jobs, take the time to perfect your cover letter.

3 Cover Letter Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make

  1. Failing to Personalize

You already understand the importance of personalizing your resume for every job opportunity, and the same goes for your cover letter. It will take some extra time and effort, but every cover letter you submit must be written from scratch. Try your best to find the name of the hiring manager and personally address it, use the job title listed in the posting and explain what you can bring to this specific opportunity.

  1. Restating Your Resume

There’s no point in having a cover letter if it contains all the same information as your resume. Your complete job history and entire skill set are already included on your resume, so use your cover letter to introduce yourself. This is your chance to add some personality to your job application, making the hiring manager want to meet you in person. Of course, you still need to sell yourself as the best fit for the job, so highlight a few of your most relevant skills and achievements.

  1. Spelling and Grammatical Errors

Employers want candidates who take pride in their work and pay attention to detail. If your cover letter contains even one spelling or grammatical error, you’ll probably be eliminated from the running. The hiring manager knows you have spell check, so if you can’t be bothered to proofread something as important as a cover letter, they’ll assume your work will always be laden with errors.


Finding a great new job is hard work, so allow the expert recruiters at PrideStaff North Dallas to guide your search. We’re here to help you secure the right temporary, temp-to-hire or direct hire opportunity with a leading Dallas area employer. Take the next step towards your future and contact us today!

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