12 Cover Letter Mistakes That Get You Rejected (and the Fixes)
The 12 most common cover letter mistakes that get job seekers in Tanzania rejected, with wrong/right examples and fixes.
Alexander Phillip
Career Coach and Recruitment Expert
Recruiters in Tanzania reject most cover letters within the first few seconds. The reason is rarely the candidate's qualifications. It is usually a small mistake that signals carelessness or a lack of understanding.
This guide lists the 12 most common cover letter mistakes and shows you how to fix each one. Every mistake includes a wrong and right example. If you want a clean letter from the start, use our free cover letter builder.
Mistake 1: Generic Copy-Paste
A generic letter tells the recruiter you sent the same letter to ten companies. It shows no effort and no real interest.
Wrong
"I am writing to apply for the position advertised by your company. I believe I have the skills you need."
Right
"I am applying for the Customer Service Officer role at NMB Bank. In my current role at a mobile money agency, I have reduced complaint resolution time from two days to under four hours."
Mistake 2: Repeating the CV
The letter should explain, not list. If the recruiter can get the same information from your CV, the letter is wasted.
Wrong
"I worked at ABC Company from 2022 to 2024. Then I worked at XYZ Company from 2024 to 2026."
Right
"At ABC Company, I built a customer follow-up system that increased repeat purchases by 20%. I want to bring the same approach to your sales team at TBL."
Mistake 3: Wrong Company Name
Sending a letter to CRDB that mentions NMB is an instant rejection. Always double-check the company and role names before sending.
Before sending, check these names
- Company name. Did you update it from the last letter?
- Job title. Does it match the advert exactly?
- Recipient name. Did you spell it correctly?
- Reference number. Is this the right advert?
Mistake 4: Apologizing for Your Background
Never start with what you lack. Focus on what you offer.
Wrong
"Although I do not have much experience, I am willing to learn."
Right
"My degree project gave me hands-on experience in data analysis, and I am eager to apply those skills to your research team."
Mistake 5: Fake Enthusiasm
Phrases like "I am extremely passionate" sound empty unless you prove it. Show enthusiasm through specific interest in the company.
Wrong
"I am extremely passionate about this amazing opportunity."
Right
"Your NGO's water access project in rural Manyara matches my own community development experience, and I would welcome the chance to contribute."
Mistake 6: Walls of Text
Long paragraphs are hard to read on a phone. Keep paragraphs to one to three sentences.
Wrong
"I am writing to apply for the position that was advertised on your website last week because I believe that my qualifications and experience make me a suitable candidate for this role and I have always wanted to work for a reputable organization like yours where I can grow my career and contribute to the success of the company in a meaningful way."
Right
"I am applying for the Accountant position advertised on your website. With four years of experience in financial reporting, I am confident I can support your finance team."
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Start my cover letterMistake 7: Invented Numbers
Never make up statistics. If a recruiter asks about a number in an interview and you cannot explain it, you lose trust.
Wrong
"I increased sales by 500% in one month."
Right
"I increased sales by 25% over six months by building relationships with repeat customers."
Mistake 8: Machine-Written Text
Letters that read like generic AI output get discarded. Avoid overused phrases and long, mechanical sentences.
Wrong
"Leveraging my multifaceted skill set, I am poised to synergistically contribute to your esteemed organization's strategic objectives."
Right
"I can help your team process invoices faster and reduce errors, as I did in my current role at a Dar es Salaam retailer."
Mistake 9: Missing the Ask
Your letter should ask for an interview. If you end weakly, the recruiter has no clear next step.
Wrong
"Thank you for reading my letter."
Right
"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience can support your team. I am available for an interview at your convenience."
Mistake 10: Typos in Names
Spelling the company or recipient name wrong shows you did not proofread. Read the letter aloud before sending.
Mistake 11: Wrong File Format
Do not send Word documents unless asked. PDFs preserve formatting. Name the file clearly.
File mistakes to avoid
- Document.docx. Use PDF instead.
- coverletterfinal2.pdf. Use FirstName_LastName_Cover_Letter.pdf.
- Large image scans. Keep files small and readable.
Mistake 12: No Tailoring
Every job is different. Your letter should reflect the specific requirements of the advert.
Wrong
"I have many skills that would be useful in your company."
Right
"Your advert asks for experience with Excel and monthly reporting. In my current role, I prepare monthly sales reports and manage inventory records using Excel."
Quick tip: Read your letter aloud before sending. If any sentence sounds unnatural, rewrite it in your own voice.
Closing Lines by Career Stage
Different career stages call for slightly different closes. A fresh graduate can show eagerness. An experienced professional can emphasize results.
Fresh graduate
"I am eager to apply the skills I gained during my studies and attachment to your graduate programme. Thank you for considering my application."
Experienced professional
"With my track record of leading high-performing sales teams, I am confident I can contribute to your growth targets. I look forward to discussing the role."
Career changer
"My experience in logistics has prepared me to transition into operations management, and I am excited to bring this perspective to your team."
How Long Should the Close Be?
A closing paragraph should be two to four sentences. Any shorter feels abrupt. Any longer introduces new information that belongs earlier.
Too short
"Thanks. John."
Too long
"Thank you for considering my application. I believe I have the skills, experience, and attitude needed for this role. I am also proficient in Excel, QuickBooks, and Tally. In my previous role, I managed a team of five people. I am available for an interview at your convenience."
Just right
"I would welcome the opportunity to bring my accounting experience to your finance team. Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your convenience."
Sign-Off Mistakes That Hurt Your Letter
The sign-off is the last impression you make. A mismatch in tone can feel awkward.
Sign-off mistakes
- "Cheers" or "Thanks." Too casual for formal applications.
- "Yours truly." Acceptable but less common in Tanzania.
- No sign-off at all. Always include one.
- Wrong pairing. "Yours sincerely" with "Dear Sir/Madam" is incorrect.
Typed Name vs Email Signature
For printed letters, leave space for a signature above your typed name. For emails, your typed name is enough. You can add your phone number below your name for convenience.
Printed letter
Yours sincerely,
____________________
Grace Mwakasege
Best regards,
Grace Mwakasege
+255 712 345 678
How to Get Feedback After Rejection
If you are rejected, you can ask for feedback. Not every employer will reply, but some will. Keep the request polite and brief.
Feedback request
Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you for informing me of your decision. If possible, I would appreciate any brief feedback on my application so I can improve in future.
Kind regards,
Grace Mwakasege
A Quick Self-Editing Checklist
Before you send any cover letter, run through this checklist. It takes two minutes and catches most mistakes.
Final checks
- Company name is correct. Search and replace from the last letter.
- Job title matches the advert.
- No em dashes or emojis. Use commas, colons, or periods instead.
- Paragraphs are short. One to three sentences each.
- You asked for an interview. Do not end weakly.
- Attachments are named clearly.
What If You Already Sent a Mistake?
If you notice a typo after sending, do not panic. For small errors, let it go. For major errors like the wrong company name, you can send a brief correction.
Correction email
Dear Hiring Manager,
I noticed that my previous email referred to the wrong company name. Please accept my apology. I have attached a corrected cover letter and CV.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
Grace Mwakasege
Fix your opening with our guide on how to start a cover letter and your close with how to end a cover letter. For format help, see cover letter format.
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Start my cover letterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest cover letter mistake job seekers make?
Sending a generic copy-paste letter is the biggest mistake. Recruiters can tell immediately, and it shows little interest in the specific role or company.
Should I use numbers in my cover letter if I am not sure they are exact?
No. Only use numbers you can explain. If you are unsure, describe the result in plain language. Invented statistics will damage your credibility in interviews.
How long should paragraphs be in a cover letter?
Keep paragraphs to one to three sentences. Short paragraphs are easier to read on mobile and show that you can communicate clearly.
Can a cover letter sound too formal or too casual?
Yes. Match the tone of the employer. Banks and government offices expect formality. Startups and NGOs may accept a warmer, more personal tone. When in doubt, stay professional.
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Answer a few questions and CV Chap Chap writes a clean first draft you can edit and download. No payment needed for the letter.
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