What are the worst cover letter mistakes and how to avoid them?
Spent two hours on a cover letter just to get an email 6 months later that they have moved forward with another candidate…Does this sound familiar to you?
Next time you draft your application documents try the following and make sure you avoid those common mistakes in your cover letter.
The United Career Coalition talked to HR experts and did some research on what recruiters DON’T like to read in a cover letter!
Yes, they do read your cover letter!
In fact, its not uncommon in HR departments to read the cover letter prior to reading your CV.
The cover letter is your chance to showcase your skills, your knowledge about U.N. system initiatives, the SDGs, or gender related initiatives and more importantly your background and work experience!
Having experienced myself how cumbersome and lengthy the U.N. application process is, I can ensure you that you will not only need lots of patience but more importantly attention to detail when drafting your cover letter.
The U.N. receives about 800 job applications for each post that is open annually through its digital employment portal, Inspira. You want to make that in your application your skills and experience stand out!
Over the past years, UCC has supported numerous friends and people interested in a career with the UN system and we have identified the same patterns of ‘mistakes’ and observed that most people, who desire to get a job at the UN, make the same faults that I did over and over again.
“To whom it may concern”
This salutation works well in cases where you don’t know the name of your recipient(s) and want to come across professional and respectful, but in some contexts, it is not the most appropriate choice. In most case it is most appropriate to address your letter to its recipient by name “Dear ….”. Do your homework and personalise the salutation as much as you can. It is so important to personalise your cover letter, especially in today's world where most information is very easily accessible.This simple act will make your correspondence more respectful. Alternatively, we recommend you use “Dear Hiring Team”.
No Duplications
Avoid putting all sorts of information from your CV in the cover letter. We recommend you tailor the cover letter specifically to the role you apply for and the skills needed for this role. Make sure you showcase to the reader and hiring manager that you carried out all key task expected listed in the vacancy and DO NOT recap information that is in your resume in your cover letter!
So what is key:
No standard template; tailor each application to the role, especially the cover letter
Keep the document short 400-600 words max
Stay professional and avoid emotional language
Showcase your writing skills (proofread, spelling, grammar)
Curious to learn more? Looking for ways to kickstart your international career? We share the best cover letter tips and structure for 2021! Learn how to craft a cover letter that stands out with UCCs 20 page Illustrated guide of cover letter tips
The United Career Coalition aims to share knowledge, insights, tips & advice from those that have applied, interviewed and secured United Nations system roles!
Want to learn more on how to spot relevant skills and competencies in a UN system vacancy or the best method to convey your skills in a cover letter? Get in touch with one of our UN insiders or download UCC’s 45min cover letter webinar with tips and advice from UN insiders!
Join those who have already signed up for UCCs newsletter and never miss FREE UN insider advice or latest international career updates.