here’s a real-life example of a great cover letter (with before and after versions!) by Alison Green on February 10, 2014 I had sworn off sharing more examples of real-life resumes and cover letters for a while because when I’ve done it in the past, I’ve found it supremely frustrating that people want to tear them apart and quibble with details. But a reader just sent me a cover letter that I can’t resist posting, especially […] Read the full article →
how to write a cover letter that will get you an interview by Alison Green on February 10, 2014 If you’re like most job seekers, you’re not taking advantage of one of the best ways to get a hiring manager’s attention: writing a great cover letter. Cover letters can be what gets you pulled out of a stack of applications and called for an interview. They can make the difference between hearing nothing from […] Read the full article →
something your cover letter does not need to do by Alison Green on December 3, 2013 I’ve seen a few people lately advising others that a cover letter needs to address every single one of the qualifications listed in the job ad. This is not true, and it will usually make for a crowded, less effective cover letter. You do want to be sure that the qualifications described in the job posting […] Read the full article →
this is a resume and cover letter that work by Alison Green on November 14, 2013 A reader recently shared with me the resume and cover letter she used to get a new job, and I liked them so much that I got her to agree to let me share them here. Note: Do not steal these and make them your own. The reason they work is because they’ve so customized […] Read the full article →
does a cover letter have to sound like an infomercial? by Alison Green on October 17, 2013 This post was originally published on October 25, 2010. A reader writes: I really appreciate your blog and your candor, and I have used your advice many times during my job search. In fact, the interview chapter from your e-book made a huge difference on my last interview and I really felt like I was […] Read the full article →
what IS a cover letter, anyway? by Alison Green on July 29, 2013 A reader writes: This is a long email to ask a very short question: what is a cover letter? I know it’s really basic, but that’s why it’s throwing me so much! How would you explain what a cover letter is, to someone who had never heard of one? I just ran into this situation […] Read the full article →
don’t start your cover letters with “if you’re looking for…” by Alison Green on July 8, 2013 I see a lot of cover letters that open with some variation of “If you are looking for a dynamic professional who can XYZ, you’ve found the right person.” You must stop this. It is salesy, it’s incredibly over-used, and it signals to the reader that whatever follows is likely to be boring and stilted […] Read the full article →
is it time to close down college career centers? by Alison Green on February 25, 2013 I recently got a letter from a senior in college asking if her cover letters were too focused on herself and not enough on the organizations she was applying to. She showed me a typical letter, which included the following (pieces redacted to protect her privacy): “As a graduating senior double majoring in __ and […] Read the full article →
10 phrases that don’t belong in your cover letter by Alison Green on January 28, 2013 Think your cover letter is perfectly crafted? Check to make sure you’re not including any of these no-no’s in it. 1. “I meet the requirements for the position.” Hundreds of candidates will meet the requirements for the position. That’s not enough to get you a second look. You want to explain why you’re an excellent […] Read the full article →
if you’re not getting interviews, read this by Alison Green on December 26, 2012 I have talked to a lot of people lately who aren’t getting interviews and who can’t figure out what the problem is. They tell me that they know their resume and cover letter are fine (and often people have looked those over for them and verified that), and they can’t figure out what they’re doing […] Read the full article →