Curing the common cover letter

When it comes to writing cover letters, too often we "play it safe." But safe is boring and it won't get you noticed. Sure, it depends on the industry and it depends on the position you're applying for, as to how far you can go. Still, push yourself. Read the job description. Search for clues as to how you can make yourself stand out.

Then. Be creative. Be yourself. Be humorous. Be "dangerous" (remember, cautious leads to invisibility).

For example, I recently applied for a position with a company that allows employees to bring their dogs to work. Perfect! This is the cover letter I sent:

Hello,

I’m Bailey, Jenn’s dog, and she doesn’t know I’m sending this job application. But when I read she could bring me to work, well, I knew XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX was the place for us.

I don’t mean to brag, but not only is Jenn a great master (she buys delicious treats and takes me for walks twice a day), she’s also an amazing copywriter. I’m not really sure what that is, but everyone says so. Just read the quotes on her resume!

Jenn is one talented human. That woman has performed every advertising and marketing trick you can think of:

·      Websites, print, digital, apps, collateral, social media, press releases, branding, video, annual reports, radio, trade shows, outdoor and advertorials

·      Research, concept, develop, write, copy edit and proofread

·      B2B, B2C and trade

She’s a detail-oriented self-starter; a multi-tasker; and a driven professional who thrives under new challenges and tight deadlines. Plus, she plays well with others, which is more than I can say for myself after “the poodle incident” at Cherokee’s dog park.

Now about money. She needs to keep me in quality dog food – the fancy kind at Feeders Supply – and her salary has ranged from XXXXXXXXXXXXXX. So obviously we’re going to want to land on the higher end of XXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

One last thing. She’s serious about her work, but she’s also seriously fun. So give her a call, she answers to “Jenn.”    

Bailey,

Jenn Wagley’s dog

PS: I’ve been eyeing the Orvis leather dog bed with its $279 price tag. Imagine me, luxuriating on it at your office. Let’s make this thing happen. 

I'll keep you updated as to whether I get the job. In the meantime, I can tell you this. These types of cover letters are a lot more fun to write -- and I'm sure they're a lot more fun to read, too.

Originally published on LinkedIn, March 26, 2018.