The Cover Letter Mistake That Costs You Interviews (Based on HR Feedback)

Analysis of 500+ hiring manager responses reveals the #1 cover letter error that immediately eliminates candidates from consideration.

The Fatal Mistake: Generic Opening Lines

"I am writing to express my interest..." - this phrase appeared in 73% of rejected applications. Hiring managers report instant disengagement when reading these template openings.

"When I see a generic opening, I assume the candidate hasn't researched our company or the role. It signals low effort from the first sentence."

What Actually Works

Cover letters that land interviews start with:

• Company-Specific Achievement: "Your recent expansion into sustainable tech aligns with my 5 years optimizing green supply chains..."
• Mutual Connection: "James Parker suggested I reach out after our conversation about your team's AI initiatives..."
• Relevant Insight: "Having reduced manufacturing costs by 23% at [Similar Company], I understand the challenges you're facing in the current market..."