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Job Hunting Tips: Cover Letter Don'ts

4 Common Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid: Tips from Juno's Career Services Team

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Blog — Career Tips Job Hunting Tips: Cover Letter Don'ts

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The Juno Team

By The Juno Team

At Juno, our award-winning Web Development Immersive Bootcamp is dedicated to helping you land a job as a developer, fast. In addition to Juno's inclusive community of diverse learners, hands-on learning, and flexible payment options, our Career Services are a huge reason why grads choose us over other coding bootcamps. As a grad, you'll get the support you need to succeed not only in the classroom, but in your career - we're with you during every step of your tech journey.

Whether you're applying for a new job as a fresh grad or a seasoned dev looking for new opportunities, it's important to stay on top of best practices - and we're not just talking in tech, but in your job search, too! Here are common cover letter mistakes according to our Career Services Team, and how you can avoid them:

Too Generic

While it may seem like a time-saver to use the same "To whom it may concern..." message to each company, this risks your cover letter looking too generic. Instead, take the time to tailor each letter specifically to every application. Carefully review keywords from the posting or job description and incorporate them into your letter when describing your experiences and skill sets. Not only does this show the company exactly how you're a great fit, it tells them that you're dedicated and did your research!

No Action Items

Whether you're looking to arrange a meeting or simply inquiring about the next steps of the hiring process, make sure to include this information prominently in the body of your letter and in your sign-off. Don't be afraid to suggest dates and times for a meeting!

Too Boring

Being professional doesn't mean that you can't let your enthusiasm and personality shine through! Don't hold back on hyping up your skills, sharing your excitement about your accomplishments, and showing what you can bring to the table. Your flair and positivity will make you a memorable candidate!

Wrong Length

When proofreading your cover letter, make sure you're not only editing for typos, but also for length. Is it too wordy? You'll want to make sure your letter is clear and concise. Consider removing parts that are less relevant to the job posting, as well as any repeated/redundant points. On the flipside, is your cover letter too short? Take the time and space to expand on some of your points by providing real-life examples that showcase your skills, expertise, and personality.


Need to spruce up your resume?

Our Career Services Team has written a handy checklist that can help make your resume stand out from the rest. Download it for free below:

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