A well-written cover letter can set you apart—especially in Africa’s rapidly evolving job market. At Bliss HR Africa, we’ve seen how simple missteps in cover letters cause otherwise promising candidates to miss opportunities. Let’s walk through the key mistakes to avoid, and how you should craft your letter instead.
Mistake 1: Highlighting what you lack
Some applicants begin their cover letters by admitting gaps: “Although I have not yet done X…” or “I’m still learning Y…”. In Africa’s competitive hiring climate, such admissions can undermine your position before you even show your potential. The best approach is to emphasise what you can bring—skills, achievements, experience—and how they apply to the role.
Mistake 2: Sending it out without proofreading
Typos, wrong names of companies, incorrect roles—these may seem minor but they signal carelessness. A cover letter filled with errors says more about your work habits than you might intend. Always proofread thoroughly, use a second pair of eyes if possible, and ensure the document is clearly personalised for the employer.
Mistake 3: Living in the past
Your cover letter isn’t a place to dwell on why you left a job, your setbacks, or long-gone roles that don’t relate to your current goals. Recruiters want to know what you’re doing now and how you will contribute. Focus on the present and near future: what you’ll bring, what you aim to do, and how you fit this role.
Mistake 4: Talking about salary or benefits too early
The moment you mention pay expectations or bonus structures in your cover letter you risk shifting focus away from value and fit. Save compensation details for later in the hiring process. Use your cover letter to spotlight the match between you and the employer.
Mistake 5: Making it all about you
A cover letter that reads like a hero narrative—“I did this, I achieved that”—without tie-in to the employer can backfire. Employers look for candidates who ask: “How can I solve your challenges?” Make sure your letter shows how your skills serve the organisation and the specific role.
Mistake 6: Over-reliance on AI or generic templates
In an era of AI and copy-paste templates, recruiters are becoming more alert to letters that feel impersonal, generic, or duplicated. Using an AI tool is fine as a starting point—but make sure your voice comes through, your details are specific and the letter is unique to the employer and position.
What to Do Instead: Best Practices for Africa
- Personalise deeply: Address the hiring manager by name if known, mention something unique about the company or role, and show you understand the context (local market, culture, region).
- Keep it concise and relevant: One page, three to four paragraphs. Relate your recent accomplishments to the job at hand rather than repeating your résumé.
- Lead with what you can offer: Start by summarising how your experience or skills match major job requirements.
- Show, don’t just tell: Instead of “I’m a team player”, say: “In my previous role I led a cross-functional team of five to deliver X ahead of schedule.”
- Tailor for the African context: If you’ve worked in local markets, served diverse communities, or delivered in regional environments—highlight that experience.
- Proof it thoroughly: Spelling, grammar, the right company name and correct role title are basic yet too often missed.
- Allow your voice to shine: Even in formal letters, one sentence reflecting your motivation or cultural fit helps the reader connect.
- Keep compensation discussion for later: In the cover letter your focus is value, fit, contribution—not salary.
Final Thoughts
The cover letter remains a crucial tool in today’s job search—even in African markets where competition is increasing. Avoiding these six common mistakes gives you a stronger chance to stand out. When you craft a letter that is personal, concise, employer-focused and tailored, you show professionalism, preparation and cultural awareness. At Bliss HR Africa, we support both candidates and employers in making every communication count.
