Your cover letter helps you stand out and appeal to recruiters. However, some phrases in your cover letter might come across as negative or generic and decrease your chances of getting an interview. Here are phrases you should avoid in your cover letter if you want to get an interview.
When writing a cover letter, the words and phrases you choose can make all the difference in whether or not you get shortlisted for an interview. While there is no magic formula for the perfect cover letter, there are phrases you should avoid in your cover letter. We’ll explore 10 of those phrases in this article.
Overused phrases you should avoid in your cover letter
"I am a team player"
This is one of the most overused phrases in cover letters. While it's essential to show you can work well with others, this phrase has become cliché. It doesn't add any value to your cover letter. Instead, demonstrate your teamwork skills by describing specific examples of how you have worked with others in the past.
"I am a quick learner"
Another cliché phrase is "I am a quick learner." This phrase is often used to demonstrate your ability to adapt and learn new skills, especially when you’re inexperienced. Yes it can come across as generic. Instead, try to provide specific examples of how you have learned new skills in the past. Provide examples of how you have been proactive in your career development. For example, if you have taken courses or workshops to develop new skills or if you have sought out mentorship or networking opportunities.
"I am highly motivated"
Saying that you are highly motivated is another cliché that doesn't add much value to your cover letter. Instead, try to demonstrate your motivation by describing specific examples of how you have been motivated in the past and how you have used that motivation to achieve your goals. Explain why you are interested in the company and the specific job you are applying for. This can include why you are excited about the company's mission and values, and how you can contribute to its success.
Vague phrases you should avoid in your cover letter
"I have excellent communication skills"
Saying you have excellent communication skills is a vague phrase that doesn't give the hiring manager any concrete information. Instead, try to provide specific examples of how you have used your communication skills in the past. You can also demonstrate your communication skills by being clear and concise in your writing.
"I am a hard worker"
Saying that you are a hard worker is a common claim that many applicants make in their cover letters, but it is an ambiguous phrase that doesn't provide any specific information to the hiring manager. To truly showcase your work ethic and set yourself apart from other candidates, it's important to provide concrete examples of how you have demonstrated your hardworking nature in the past.
One way to do this is by highlighting specific accomplishments that demonstrate your work ethic. For example, if you were able to successfully complete a project ahead of schedule, or increase productivity in a previous role, these examples can demonstrate your ability to work hard and achieve results.
"I am a problem-solver"
Saying that you are a problem-solver is a common phrase that many applicants use, but it can come across as vague and generic. It is essential to provide specific examples of how you have solved problems in the past in order to give the hiring manager a clear understanding of your problem-solving abilities. One effective way to do this is by using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method.
The STAR method is a structured way to present your problem-solving skills by describing a specific situation, the task you were faced with, the actions you took, and the result you achieved. This allows the hiring manager to understand the context of the problem, the steps you took to solve it, and the outcome of your actions.
"I have strong attention-to-detail"
Don’t use this phrase. To truly showcase your attention to detail and set yourself apart from other candidates, it's important to provide concrete examples of how you have demonstrated your attention to detail in the past.
One way to do this is by highlighting specific accomplishments that demonstrate your attention to detail. For example, if you were able to catch and correct errors that others missed, or improve the accuracy of a previous role, these examples can demonstrate your ability to pay attention to details and improve processes.
"I am a creative thinker"
Saying that you are a creative thinker is a vague phrase that doesn't give the hiring manager any concrete information. Instead, try to provide specific examples of how you have used your creativity in the past.
Phrases that indicate desperation
"I am looking for a change"
When discussing your job search with potential employers, it is important to frame your desire for a new opportunity in a positive light. Mentioning that you are looking for a change can be interpreted as a sign that you are dissatisfied with your current job, which can be a red flag for hiring managers.
Instead, you should focus on how the new job aligns with your career goals and how you can contribute to the company's success. Emphasize your skills and experience that make you an ideal candidate for the position and how you are excited about the opportunity to take on new challenges and grow professionally.
"I need a job"
This is one of the phrases you should avoid in your cover letter because it doesn’t portray you as a motivated and enthusiastic candidate. Saying that you "need" a job can come across as desperate, and may make hiring managers question your level of motivation and commitment to the position. Instead, you should focus on highlighting your qualifications and how they align with the position and the company's needs.
Conclusion
These are some of the phrases you should avoid in your cover letter if you want to get an interview. By avoiding common phrases that can come across as negative or generic, you can make your cover letter stand out as a clear, specific, and positive representation of your skill set.
Instead, highlighting your achievements and experiences will give the hiring manager a clear picture of what you have to offer and the value you can bring to the company. These tips will help you ensure your cover letter is an effective tool for communicating your qualifications and interest in the job and increase your chances of getting an interview.
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