stop telling me you’re the best candidate for the job by Alison Green on November 28, 2011 Please stop opening your cover letters with this sentence and all variations of it: “I’m applying for this position because I’m the best candidate for the job.” No, you’re not. The best candidate has the sense to know that she has no idea what the rest of the candidate pool looks like. Somewhere along the […] Read the full article →
G is for gimmick by Alison Green on October 17, 2011 A reader writes: One of my recent ex co-workers asked me to review their cover letter. They used a gimmicky style where they used their name to highlight traits. An example would be “Don: D-Dedicated, O-On top of things, N-Never give up.” They are applying to a professional accounting firm. Is this professional? I know […] Read the full article →
here’s an example of a great cover letter by Alison Green on September 14, 2011 A reader recently sent me one of the best cover letters I’ve ever seen, and she nicely agreed to allow me to reprint it here in case it inspires anyone else. Note: Don’t steal this letter or even parts of it. The reason this letter works is because it’s so customized to the writer’s situation […] Read the full article →
is referring to an orgy in my cover letter going to hurt me? by Alison Green on August 15, 2011 A reader writes: I was applying to jobs in advertising and I put the following paragraph in my cover letter. I haven’t been contacted by a single agency and, after reviewing my cover letter, I am concerned that putting the word “orgy” in the letter might have been inappropriate: “Although I enjoy my current role […] Read the full article →
how long should you spend writing a cover letter? by Alison Green on July 19, 2011 A reader writes: How long do you suggest job seekers spend on writing each customized cover letter? I have been really slow with this, always editing, rewriting, searching more information about the company to write the “why you” pieces, etc. There’s procrastination elements in it too, which makes it even worse. Consequently, I don’t have […] Read the full article →
your age doesn’t go in your cover letter (or your resume) by Alison Green on July 4, 2011 “Hello, my name is ___. I’m 23 and I’m applying for your ___ job.” Generally speaking, you should probably stop introducing yourself with your age somewhere well before adulthood. Is there anyone out there willing to admit to having done this in a cover letter who will explain to us why? I’m desperately curious. Sincerely, […] Read the full article →
is it worth calling to find out the hiring manager’s name? by Alison Green on June 16, 2011 A reader writes: I am a new graduate looking for my first job and have spent hours on your site learning to become the best candidate. My question is, should I call a company to find out the name of the HR Manager when its not provided so I can address my cover letter to […] Read the full article →
things that aren’t good ideas #78 by Alison Green on March 22, 2011 The reader who received the cover letter excerpted below described it as “things that make your heart break,” and I have to agree. Don’t do this. Read the full article →
yes, you really should write a better cover letter by Alison Green on March 7, 2011 Periodically I hear from readers who tell me that after they started approaching their cover letters differently, as I advise here, they started getting interviews. And yet I know many of you are still unconverted and since I would like you to actually get interviews, I’m going to continue to beat you over the head […] Read the full article →
2 reasons your cover letter sucks by Alison Green on October 29, 2010 Two reasons your cover letter sucks: 1. It doesn’t exist. You just send your resume. Adding a three-sentence note in the email doesn’t count. 2. It exists, but it might as well not, because it just repeats the same info that’s on your resume. Think about this for a minute: Why would an employer want […] Read the full article →