PLEASE help me write! (job related)

[MrsAxilla]

I just saw a new posting for a job I wasn't even interviewed for 6 months ago. I guess either the job sucks or they didn't hire the right person. Maybe I'm the right person; I'm definitely qualified. I figured I'd spruce up the cover letter and reapply. When I read it, I realized it sucks ass - yet I can't think of a single thing I should change. I can write precise legal crap like nobody's business, but I'm a total failure with passion and platitudes. I'm pretty sure the reason I haven't gotten a job yet is because employers are asleep before they get through the first paragraph of my cover letter. I just don't come across on paper nearly as well as I do in person.


Does anyone have any advice? I've read through some websites and resources on cover letters, and I think I'm doing what they say, but obviously I'm not. Whenever I got fed up at my last job, I'd throw out a resume with a 3 sentence email and I got several interviews that way. Maybe I'm trying too hard?

[Deleted]

I don't even bother reading cover letters unless I like the resume.

Just throw out your resume with a 3 sentence email.

[brookles]

Whenever I'm feeling blocked, I scrap whatever I'm working with and start completely from scratch. Don't even use your original cover letter as a starting-off point if you aren't happy with it. Just try working from the job description and go from there!

[earlgreyhot]

Ditto septimus, I never read cover letters. Not even if I like the resume.

As for your resume, maybe change up the layout of your resume, change up the key words. Oh and maybe sub out a writing sample instead of the cover letter?

I also had to apply twice to a job that was reported after not getting any response. Was told I looked too qualified, but in the second round of submission I made sure I stated how interested I was in the position. Maybe begged a little. Got the job, and stayed for 7 years, and still miss it. Good luck.

[charminglife]

Do you know anyone at the firm where the job is posted? Can you slip your resume in that way?

[ringstrue]

I saw this article and it helped me:

www.careerealism.com/cover-letter-mistakes/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+careerealism+%28CAREEREALISM%29

I've had the opposite experience, that people ARE reading the CLs and very interested in finding out the *real* you through that since resumes are hard to build a true picture of you from.

One of the classic techniques is to literally take their phraseology and use it in your CL. So if the job says "Excellent communication skills and does well in a fast-paced environment." You say, "My excellent communications skills have help me accomplish X" and "Fast paced environments are my forte" - you get the idea.

I'd also consider reorganizing your resume - if you have more skills than past employers, list your skills first.

[Deleted]

I disagree with the no cover letter advice. I've gotten at least two interviews where my cover letter was specifically mentioned. One interviewer told me that he was surprised how many people submitted poorly written cover letters or no cover letter at all. Given how much writing is involved with the job (including correspondence), he wanted to see that people could write.

Sure, some people may not read them, but I can't imagine a cover letter hurts you. And for some jobs, it will help.

As for the content, I'd be happy to take a look if you want to PM me. I've spent a lot of time recently redoing my cover letter. I'm no expert, but I do get a fair amount of interviews. (Of course, I keep losing out on actual positions to more experienced people, but I don't think that's related to my cover letters.)

[MrsAxilla]

I have tied to parrot the job postings, especially when they mention a soft skill, like managing difficult groups or meeting tight deadlines. This particular job is a good example. They're looking for someone who can become familiar with all aspects of their organization. I knew EVERYTHING at my last job, like more than the president since I was involved with everything.

AH - I think I'll take you up on that.

[Nosycat]

I always read everything an applicant submits. It's the quality and content of cover and reference letters that will affect my impression of you. Short and concise is best. Your precise legal writing is better than a lot of subjective self praise. Accurate facts and grammar is best. I never like to see factual discrepancies or errors in the materials applicants submit (like work history dates don't match up with dates shown in resume). It shows me a lack of attention to detail at best and dishonesty at worst. Think of your audience. The employer is trying to figure out who you are and whether you're the best choice for the job. Sell yourself and depict yourself accurately, but address the terms the employer is using to measure you as a choice. Think of your cover letter and resume as the packaging on the product of you. You want to make the package as attractive as possible so they'll want to see what's inside.

You'd get a lot more specific feedback if you post your current cover letter.