Which is the most often flaw in candidates applications and how can I avoid it?

Thank you for reaching out Patricia.

One of the major mistakes that candidates usually do, that can easily be avoided, is that they create a Generic Motivation/Cover letter, which they use for almost all the applications that they submit.

What you or any other candidates can do is to mirror your motivation letter based on each and every job that you apply to. Cover letter work as a summary of how and why you are interested in that specific position. That being said, it is of vital importance that you spend some time drafting your motivation letter in order to see a positive outcome of any given application.

This would be my recommendation for any cover letter. Follow the 3 paragraph principle. I personally love 1 page cover letters because if you can not convince a recruiter in a one pager, then I don't think an extra page would help.

1. In the first paragraph, please state how you heard about this position and why that specific company
2. Second, how your skills, experience and education has prepared you to fill this vacancy and what will you bring on the table
3. Last paragraph, some interesting & fun facts about yourself and perhaps you can also state your desired starting date

Thank you and hope this helps you with your question

Thanks a lot for this very insightful response, Nasir! I'll make sure to dedicate more time to my cover letters from now on.

Most welcome and wish you all the very best :)