How to write a cover letter that gets results

If, in your job quest, you’ve sent out what feels like your weight in cover letters, but you’ve yet to receive any positive feedback…you have my sympathy. That is no kind of fun. But, as your kvetch coach (same difference), I’d ask you to step back and really consider the cover letters you’ve been sending out. Think about your letters from the POV of their recipients: Are you writing cover letters to achieve your professional goals, or to thwart them? As a coach, many clients will send me drafts of their cover letters, so I’ve seen amazing cover letters, amazingly bad cover letters and many others that span the spectrum.

Here’s some things to consider:

1. Does your cover letter clearly identify who you are, and what job you’re applying for, and why you believe you’re qualified? I know, that sounds crazy, but, humor me. You might be surprised at how many cover letters I read wherein the job in question is never mentioned, and the reader is never let in on the secret of why the applicant thinks he is right for the job. You want to write a concise, relevant cover letter that any (intelligent) reader could read and think, “Okay, yes, I have a reason to interrupt my day and contact this person; s/he has made it very obvious as to why they’re applying for this position, and all they have to offer us.” It’s up to you, the job applicant, to make it as simple as possible for the reader to help you. Some (misguided) people say, “Well, I’m just going to send them my resume, and see what they can do for me.” Um, they can give you cash and a place to go 5 days a week, so maybe you should aim a little higher, and take some responsibility for your choices.
2. Is your cover letter written in a manner that is relevant to the industry in question? If nothing else, spend some time on the company’s website: is it restrained, formal, old-fashioned? If so, I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest that your rambling, overly-casual cover letter, with lots of inappropriate and tedious information, is going to make an immediate impression…in someone’s trash bin. When you eventually get your ideal job, and, over time, establish yourself as a titan of industry then sure, live life on your own terms. Break all the rules and people will call you a “visionary.” (Example: William M. Gaines, the publisher of MAD Magazine, was (in)famous for how badly he dressed. He looked like a bum…except that he was the publisher, so he could do what he liked. One time, he filled the office water coolers with wine, and watched as his staff got loopier than usual. He was also very wealthy, and the brilliant publisher of a cultural institution.) You, on the other hand, while also awesome, are currently trying to improve your career, not totally sabotage it. Right about now, you need to knuckle down and prove to potential employers that you are are worth their time.  You need to write a cover letter that creates the impression of what a bonus you’d be for 8+ hours a day in the office, not the next office pariah. (Does that sound harsh? Welcome to Corporate America. Similar to high school but so much worse.)
3. Does your letter demonstrate your competence, and value…or is it simply loose talk and humblebrag? An ideal cover letter will establish your ability to potential employers through how you communicate, as much as what you communicate. Much more powerful than a letter droning on about how amazing you are, is a pithy letter that through your narrative skills, grammar and overall presentation makes the reader immediately think, “…very interesting! Let’s see his LinkedIn profile…” This has nothing to do with education, and everything to do with emotional intelligence. This is about writing a cover letter from the POV of your ideal reader’s needs. Thus, before you send out your next cover letter, have some trusted friends/family members/mentors read it over, not just for spelling mistakes, but for content. Ask the people who support you to read your letter from the POV of your career goals. Ask them if they understand what position you’re applying for, and why you’re a good match. I know, that sounds miserable. But come on: it’s far more miserable is to spend months, unemployed, or under-employed, or working full-time for a boss whom you despise, because all of your cover letters and emails are going exactly nowhere.
4. Finally,  before you tell me that you don’t have anyone whom you trust to look over your letter and give you constructive advice…: wow. What am I, chopped liver? Become a fan of my Facebook page, “Carlotaworldwide Creativity Yenta,” shoot me an email at carlotazee@gmail.com and I’d be thrilled to spend your free consultation helping you tweak your cover letter and resume. Even better, I’ll help you create a strategy to get your ideal job, so you be done having to send out any more cover letters!