In today’s competitive job market, a well-edited cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview or getting lost in the application pile. While creating a first draft is important, the real magic happens during the editing process. Let’s explore how to transform your cover letter from good to exceptional through careful editing.
Why Professional Cover Letter Editing Matters
The statistics are sobering: over 75% of resumes and cover letters are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before human eyes ever see them. Even if your application passes this digital gatekeeper, recruiters spend an average of just 7 seconds scanning your documents before deciding whether to continue reading.
A professionally edited cover letter:
- Makes a strong first impression that showcases your attention to detail
- Aligns your qualifications with job requirements using ATS-friendly keywords
- Eliminates errors that might signal carelessness to employers
- Conveys your message clearly and concisely, respecting the recruiter’s time
As one hiring manager put it, “When I see a typo-free, well-structured cover letter, I immediately assume the candidate will bring that same level of professionalism to the job.”
Essential Elements to Review When Editing Your Cover Letter
Language and Grammar Check
Nothing undermines your professionalism faster than grammatical errors or awkward phrasing. When editing, watch for:
- Inconsistent tense: Stick primarily to present tense when describing skills and past tense for achievements
- Passive voice overuse: Replace “The project was completed by me” with “I completed the project”
- Filler phrases: Cut “In order to” to simply “To” and eliminate “I would like to state that”
- Spelling errors: Pay special attention to commonly confused words like their/there/they’re
Grammarly’s Tone Detector can help ensure your language strikes the right balance between confidence and professionalism, which is particularly important in American job applications that value assertiveness.
Content and Messaging Review
Beyond grammar, your cover letter must tell a compelling story that aligns with the job description. Review for:
- Relevance: Each paragraph should connect directly to the position requirements
- Achievement focus: Include quantifiable results (e.g., “Increased customer satisfaction by 27%”)
- Value proposition clarity: Clearly answer “Why should they hire me?”
- Customization evidence: Show you’ve researched the company with specific references
Using tools like Jobscan’s Keyword Suggestions can help identify the most important terms to include for both human readers and ATS systems.
Step-by-Step Cover Letter Editing Process
Follow this systematic approach for thorough editing:
- Wait before editing: Let your draft “rest” for at least a few hours, ideally overnight
- Content edit first: Review for relevance, impact, and alignment with the job description
- Structure second: Ensure logical flow with clear introduction, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion
- Language polish third: Check grammar, tone, and word choice
- Format check last: Verify consistent formatting, appropriate length (typically one page), and proper contact information
Professional editors recommend at least three separate review passes, focusing on different elements each time rather than trying to catch everything at once.
Digital Tools for Cover Letter Editing
Modern technology offers powerful assistance for cover letter editing:
| Tool | Best For |
|---|---|
| Wobo | Adapting tone to match company culture |
| Grammarly | Grammar, spelling, and readability checks |
| Teal HQ | Matching your content to job descriptions |
| SkillsFirst | ATS optimization and terminology adjustments |
While these tools are valuable, remember they’re assistants, not replacements for your judgment. As one career coach notes, “The best cover letters maintain your authentic voice while being technically flawless.”
ResuFit offers comprehensive cover letter optimization that combines AI-powered editing with professional templates designed specifically to pass ATS systems while impressing human reviewers.
Getting Feedback: The Human Element of Editing
Technology can’t replace the value of human feedback. Consider these approaches:
- Peer review: Ask someone in your target industry to review for field-specific expectations
- Reciprocal editing: Exchange editing services with fellow job seekers using cover letter generator tools to create initial drafts
- Professional review: Consider career services or resume feedback from industry experts
When receiving feedback, ask specific questions like “Is my value proposition clear?” rather than just “What do you think?” This guides reviewers to provide actionable insights.
Many job seekers find that using AI prompts to use when writing a cover letter helps generate solid initial content that can then be refined through human feedback.
Final Cover Letter Editing Checklist
Before hitting send, review these critical elements:
- ☑ ATS-friendly keywords from the job description naturally incorporated
- ☑ Opening paragraph that immediately conveys value and relevance
- ☑ Quantifiable achievements highlighted with specific metrics
- ☑ Company-specific references demonstrating research and interest
- ☑ Consistent formatting with appropriate margins and font (10-12pt)
- ☑ Contact information complete and accurate
- ☑ Proper greeting with specific name when possible
- ☑ Strong closing that includes a call to action
- ☑ Error-free content verified through multiple review passes
- ☑ Appropriate length (typically 250-400 words)
For specialized applications, you might need additional elements. For instance, a portfolio cover letter requires different emphasis than a standard application.
Conclusion
Thorough editing transforms an average cover letter into a powerful marketing document that opens doors to interviews. While it may be tempting to rush this final step, dedicated editing often makes the critical difference in crowded applicant pools.
Remember that every job application represents a potential career opportunity. By applying these editing techniques, using appropriate tools, and seeking quality feedback, you’ll ensure your cover letter presents your qualifications in the best possible light.
For those seeking a streamlined approach, ResuFit offers an all-in-one solution that helps create, edit, and optimize cover letters specifically designed to impress both ATS systems and hiring managers.
Ready to take your job applications to the next level? Start by applying these editing techniques to your next cover letter, and watch your interview invitations increase.