(no subject)

[apocalypsos]

I can write anything else on the planet, but ask me to write a cover letter and I'll spend a week banging my head against the desk trying to come up with something.

There's got to be a more professional way of saying, "Hi, I could use a job within walking distance since I don't own a car and my great-uncle used to work for you guys," but hell if I know what it is.

*goes back to staring blankly at the computer screen*

Comments

Idea

[timba.livejournal.com]

(perhaps it should be more formal? and, I have no idea what position you're looking for)

I'm interested in your company for [whatever reason made you apply] and because [relative] has always spoken highly of his time with you.

If you have any available positons that fit my abilities, please consider me.

:-D

[karenbear.livejournal.com]

Have you googled for any sites that help with this kind of thing? I used to have a couple of decent links but for the life of me I can't seem to find them. I found them through google in the first place though, so it might be worth a look.

[fernwithy.livejournal.com]

Ugh, I know. I can write 2,000 words in an hour when I'm really on, but cover letters? Fuhgeddaboudit. I'll agonize all afternoon.

I think the trick is in making it all seem to be for them, not for you. Something along the line of, "Your company has always been a positive influence in this neighborhood (establishes your location, while kissing up), and a stable one, as my Uncle Uncleman, who worked in the Widgets department from 1920-1990 (legacy), always told me. Living nearby allows me to come in at short notice in any kind of weather..."

Shrug.

[ottawa-fan.livejournal.com]

I'm never comfortable talking about how great the company is or how my unique self can directly increase corporate profit - if feels like pointless sucking up, unless it's totally true.

Just a straightforward - Hello, I would like to apply for position XYZ with your company. I believe that my skills and experience, including ...{insert appropriate marketing}... would be a good fit in your organization.

Once you have the bare bones, you can go back and elaborate if anything strikes you. If not, heck, it's short, but it's done!

[strix-an-stones.livejournal.com]

I used to be good at these kinds of letters. Do you have a person to address it to or just to an anonymous face in human resources?

Dear (Sir),

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to apply for a position with your firm. As you can see by my attached resume, my work and educational experience are compataible with your needs in the field of (insert job title here). In the past, my family enjoyed working for your company as I do now.

Please, fell free to contact me or any of the persons on my reference list, should additional information be required. I look forward to the opportunity to work with your firm.

Sincerely,

You

(just an example to help the writer's block)

*ahem*

[seferin.livejournal.com]

To whom it may concern.

My name is Jennifer and I am interested in a position with your company. My great uncle worked for you previously, and always considered your firm to be a respectable place to work, with friendly and courteous staff and co-workers. I am living local to your location, and traffic would therefore not be an issue to my arrival time.

Really, really cute,
Jennifer

[florahart]

On the flip side, I have ranted before about bad cover letters people send in. You want someone to run it by? If so, you can send me. If that's creepy or scary, I remain unoffended. ;)