Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter for Your New Master's Degree

Applying for your first job after getting a new master's degree? Make sure you avoid these common cover letter mistakes!

Now that you've completed your master's degree, it's time to start looking for a job. But don't forget to include a cover letter with your resume! Here are some mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter for your new master's degree.

Forget to Focus on the Future

When writing a cover letter, it's important to focus on the future, not the past. Your cover letter should be all about what you can do for the company with your new degree. This means including an explicit explanation of what skills you gained in the education program as well as how that is relevant to the job that you want next.

Your experience before the degree is relevant. But, if you also completed an internship or thesis, then make sure to include the details about those more relevant initiatives to show how you have also gained practical experience during the degree program.

For some people, the reason why they obtained a master's degree helps to explain what they want for the future. This could be a desired career change, additional knowledge, or some other reason. So, make sure to include this detail to give the employer context on what you want for the future if provides the context needed to stand out.

Rehash Your Resume

Your cover letter is not the place to simply rehash your resume. Instead, use it to highlight the most important points from your resume and elaborate on them. Explain why you're the best candidate for the job and what you can do for the company.

You can use examples from your resume to illustrate your point in the cover letter. But, the value of a cover letter is to tell the story behind your resume. Thus, go beyond what is on the resume to convey your message as a new master's grad.

Use a Generic Cover Letter

A generic cover letter is a huge mistake. You might be tempted to use the same cover letter for every job application. But, each company is different and each position requires a unique set of skills. So, make sure to tailor your cover letter to each job that you apply for.

Use specific examples from your education and experience to demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the job. This will show that you've done your research and that you're truly interested in the position.

Additionally, avoid using generic phrases like "I'm a hard worker" or "I have a great attention to detail." These are empty phrases that don't tell the employer anything specific about you. Instead, use specific examples to illustrate these qualities.

For example, you could say "I maintained a 4.0 GPA while working 20 hours per week" or "I identified errors in the company's production process and suggested solutions that saved the company $X."

A generic cover letter is a huge mistake. You might be tempted to use the same cover letter for every job application. But, each company is different and each position requires a unique set of skills. So, make sure to tailor your cover letter to each job that you apply for.

Submit Your Cover Letter in the Wrong Formats

Submitting a cover letter in the wrong format could mean it isn't opened or viewed improperly. For example, not every company has Pages or Google Documents. Or, worse, someone opening the word document may be able to see how long you (or someone else) edited the file (in the details section). Thus, the best practice is always to submit the cover letter as a PDF. This will ensure that the employer can open it and that your formatting doesn't get messed up.

If you're not sure how to save a document as a PDF, you can use this free online converter. Just upload your document and choose the PDF option.

Misstate or Overstate Your Experience or Qualifications

It's important to be honest in your cover letter. Don't try to overstate your experience or qualifications as this will likely come back to bite you later on. For example, if you say that you have 5 years of experience in a certain field but the employer finds out that you only have 2 years of experience, this will reflect poorly on you.

Instead, provide specific examples of your experience and explain how they meet or exceed the qualifications for the position. This will show the employer that you have the skills and experience that they're looking for without having to overstate anything. Plus, the person skimming your cover letter will appreciate the fact that you have made their job easy by connecting the dots for them.

Additionally, avoid making any promises in your cover letter that you may not be able to keep. For example, don't say that you're available to start work immediately if you're still finishing up your degree. This will only lead to disappointment later on.

Lack of Structure in Your Letter

People skim cover letters. This means that you need structure to keep that person's attention to convey the concepts that they want. Failing to do so means that the potential employer won't bother. They could presume that you didn't gain sufficient communication or writing skills in your master's program - or worse.

The best standard for a cover letter is simple. Start with a brief introduction, then move on to explain why you're the best candidate for the job. Use specific examples from your education and experience to illustrate your point. Finally, conclude with a call to action, such as asking for an interview.

By following this structure, you'll ensure that your cover letter is well-organized and easy to read.

Make it Too Long or Too Short

Your new master's degree cover letter should be concise and to the point. This means that you shouldn't include any unnecessary information or ramble on for too long.

A cover letter should be 1 page. This will give you enough space to introduce yourself, explain why you're the best candidate for the job, and conclude with a call to action.

If your cover letter is too long, the employer may not bother to read the whole thing. And if it's too short, you may not have enough space to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Forget to Proofread your Letter

It is easy to forget, but a huge mistake that many new master's grads forget. Checking for grammar and spelling errors is a simple fix to show your skills. But, it also means ensuring that the letter is coherent and flows well.

If possible, have someone else read over your cover letter to catch any errors that you may have missed. This could be a friend, family member, or even a professional editor.

Proofreading your cover letter is essential to making a good first impression on the employer. So, don't forget to do it!

If you’re guilty of any of these mistakes as a new master's grad, it may be time to get some expert help. At the very least, make sure to proofread your letter carefully and check for errors. A well-written, customized cover letter can make all the difference in getting your application noticed or rejected – so don’t neglect this important step in the job search process.