need help finding a job? start here by Alison Green on May 8, 2024 Here’s a round-up of some of the most key job-searching advice on this site. Resumes and Cover Letters The first thing to know is, if you’re not getting interviews, you probably need to fix your resume and cover letter. If you’re thinking your materials are fine, I’ve got to tell you: More often than not, […] Read the full article →
this is how to write a cover letter that will get you a job by Alison Green on July 25, 2023 I’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible – and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, […] Read the full article →
here’s an example of a great cover letter … with before and after versions by Alison Green on February 27, 2023 A reader recently sent me an example of a great cover letter that I want to share — and it even comes with a before version too, so you can see exactly how she improved it. First, though, here are the caveats I’ve learned to give when sharing these: The writer has allowed me to […] Read the full article →
here’s a template to make writing cover letters easier by Alison Green on April 18, 2022 I recently received this letter from a reader: I wanted to add another chorus to the thank you’s for your straightforward cover letter advice. I am a reasonably strong and fast writer, but for some reason always used to get futzed over a cover letter. Now I can bang out a high quality one in an hour, or even […] Read the full article →
this is why you need a good cover letter by Alison Green on August 5, 2021 A reader writes: I wanted to offer some testimony on why cover letters are so important. I am currently reviewing applications for several positions with a government agency. Our online application system doesn’t require a cover letter, but applicants can add them if they want. I have a relatively small pool of applicants and quite […] Read the full article →
here’s an example of a cover letter that will make you a stronger candidate by Alison Green on May 10, 2021 I frequently get asked for examples of good cover letters, and a reader recently sent me a good one that I want to share. I’m always telling people “don’t just use your cover letter to summarize your resume — add something new.” This is a good example of what that can look like — the […] Read the full article →
here’s an example of an excellent cover letter by Alison Green on October 26, 2020 I often get asked for examples of good cover letters, and a reader recently sent me a good one that I want to share. I’m always telling people “don’t just use your cover letter to summarize your resume — add something new.” This is a really nice example of how you can talk about your work […] Read the full article →
here’s a bunch of help finding a new job by Alison Green on July 8, 2020 Since lots of people are job-searching right now, here’s a round-up of some of the most key job-searching advice on this site. Resumes and Cover Letters The first thing to know is, if you’re not getting interviews, you probably need to fix your resume and cover letter. If you’re thinking your materials are fine, know […] Read the full article →
this is one of my favorite cover letters ever by Alison Green on November 25, 2019 Today I’m sharing with you one of my favorite cover letters of all time. This is a superb example of how to use your cover letter to make a strong case for yourself without resorting to repeating your resume … which is the most common mistake I see people make. The caveats I’ve learned to […] Read the full article →
here’s a real-life example of a fantastic cover letter by Alison Green on April 9, 2019 I often get asked for examples of good cover letters, and a reader recently sent me a great one that I want to share. This is a fantastic example of how someone without a ton of work experience (she’s still a student!) can make a compelling case for why they’d be a good hire. When […] Read the full article →