Cover letters are usually the first thing an employer will see. Here are 10 common mistakes people make when writing their own covering letters. Avoid them and you'll make a great first impression.

1. It's all about the opening

Well all struggle a bit when it comes to the first sentence. It could be an essay, a book ... or a covering letter. But it's usually the first line that will grab someones attention. So it needs to be punchy.

Don't start with: Please consider me for the job of assistant manager.

Something better could be: I am the highest performing regional assistant manager and would like to expand my experience in your company as a store manager.

2. Not too long, Not too short: It's Just Right

The general rule for cover letters is one page. Not one full page, but one page after you've included the addresses at the top. If you go over that then you're in danger of putting people to sleep. Only manage 1 or 2 paragraphs then you probably haven't covered the essential points.

A cover letter is all about selling yourself. Put in the key experiences, but be mindful that the employer could potentially have to read a lot of covering letters - so keep it concise.

3. Me, Me, Me .. and more Me: Don't over use 'I'

The covering letter is not about your life story. It's about the ways in which you meet the job criteria and how you can benefit the company. Spell out how your experience matches the job description and the attributes that you could bring to the job. Minimise the use of 'I', especially at the start of your letter.

4. Are you sending out the same letter?

If you're looking for a job then you're probably applying for quite a few. And that usually means you're altering one letter and using it for a number of different jobs. Makes sense! That's fine, and a good way of saving time, but make sure that you're customising each one. Don't forget to update the new address, job title, company and relevant skills. And make sure you change the contact name - Ms Jones won't be impressed if you address your letter to Mr Smith.

5. Don't repeat your CV or Resume

Your covering letter shouldn't just be a letter form of your CV (or Resume). Use the letter as a teaser for your CV (or Resume), so by the time the employer has finished your letter, they can't wait to go through your CV (or Resume). You could talk about some specific examples or some challenges in your letter which aren't in your CV.

6. Want the best price? Sell yourself

A covering letter is there to help you sell your skills and qualities. Fail to do that and you could struggle to get the job. Your covering letter should be interested and have the reasons why you should be offered an interview.

The best covering letters match the job specification or requirements with the persons own experience.

The requirement: Excellent Communication Skills

You include something like: My communication skills have developed to a high level courtesy of 2 years public speaking experience with **insert company/name** and 4 years experience writing different levels of reports from clients.

7. Don't be rude

Remember that you are the one applying for the job. Don't presume it's in the bag or that you can get away with talking to potential employers the way you talk to your friends. You need to be respectful and courteous and remember that you are approaching them

8. Be Specific

Where did you hear about the job? What's the job title? What is the job reference number?

These questions should all be answered with in the first 2 sentences on your covering letter. Applications are usually sent off to people working in Human Resources or a Recruitment Branch so they could be looking at several different job openings. If you make it hard for them then your letter could end up in the wrong pile ... or the trash can. Make sure the content in your letter is aimed at how you meet the needs of the employer and the position advertised.

9. Ending Passively

Try not to end your letter passively. Show the potential employer that you are really interested in working for them by committing to phoning them, rather than requesting a call back like most people.

Rather than: Thank you for your consideration. I can be reached on 07552313321 if you would like any further information.

Try: Thank you for your consideration. I will try to contact you in the a couple days to ensure that I have included all of the requested information. If you have any questions in the meantime, my telephone number is 07552313321.

10. Sign, Sealed, Delivered

If you're sending a covering letter in the post, don't forget to sign the bottom. Lots of people forget to sign the bottom making the letter seem unprofessional and impersonal. It may not get you the job but it will complete the overall 'professional' image of your covering letter.

If you're sending an email, you don't need a signature.