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Started By
Message
What is an excellent cover letter?
Posted on 1/29/14 at 3:52 pm
Posted on 1/29/14 at 3:52 pm
What distinguishes an excellent cover letter from a decent cover letter?
4
Posted on 1/29/14 at 3:55 pm to TheOcean
Not sure the answer to your question, but I would lay low on the SECRB for a while.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 3:57 pm to OnTheBrink
If only I cared 
And to add more to my OP, I'm talking about excellent cover letters for jobs that are extremely competitive.
And to add more to my OP, I'm talking about excellent cover letters for jobs that are extremely competitive.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 4:00 pm to TheOcean
quote:
If only I cared
[pulls out notepad]
[pens note to self about never making a bet with TheOcean]
Posted on 1/29/14 at 4:01 pm to OnTheBrink
Keep the bullshite on the SECR. Thanks.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 4:06 pm to TheOcean
Posted on 1/29/14 at 4:08 pm to OnTheBrink
I appreciate the link, but that's advice that is very general. I'm more focused on what companies are trying to hear in a cover letter.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 4:29 pm to TheOcean
I'd leave out the part about going back on your word if I were you. It might make a bad impression. 
Posted on 1/29/14 at 7:28 pm to chattabama
And leave out the sour grapes about your DC taking a lateral move.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 7:41 pm to TheOcean
Are you certain you need a cover letter? If you're applying to a big corporate HR nobody is going to read it, they only want resumes that clearly spell out what they're looking for.
A small firm somewhere may be different though.
A small firm somewhere may be different though.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 7:51 pm to TheOcean
quote:
[pens note to self about never making a bet with TheOcean]
Posted on 1/29/14 at 7:53 pm to foshizzle
quote:
Are you certain you need a cover letter? If you're applying to a big corporate HR nobody is going to read it, they only want resumes that clearly spell out what they're looking for.
I'm applying mostly to very competitive govt gigs (even though I might already have one lined up). Unfortunately they all require cover letters. I have no problem writing them, and have pumped out a decent amount, but I want to hit every aspect of my application out of the park. Some of these gigs are extremely competitive and I have to believe a great cover letter can help set you apart (although that may not be true).
Posted on 1/29/14 at 8:12 pm to TheOcean
quote:
I'm applying mostly to very competitive govt gigs
In that case you should highlight that your word is total bs and you have no intention of ever sticking by what you say. You'll fit right in.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 8:17 pm to TheOcean
quote:
I'm applying mostly to very competitive govt gigs (even though I might already have one lined up). Unfortunately they all require cover letters.
Ah. In that case yes, you must dot the i's, cross the t's, and write a cover letter.
I have no idea how much it will impact your chances of getting hired. For more senior gigs the person doing the hiring already knows who he wants and puts out the ad because he is required to by law. For lower-level jobs it might matter but I don't know. Good luck.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 9:48 pm to TheOcean
You asked a very generalized question and followed it up with a very generalized "clarification". As long as you put more than that into the cover letter, you should be fine.
What exactly is the role? Why is a government job so competitive, and why will you be better than the next guy? What in your past experiences is going to help your add value from Day 1? We can't help you very much without any details.
What exactly is the role? Why is a government job so competitive, and why will you be better than the next guy? What in your past experiences is going to help your add value from Day 1? We can't help you very much without any details.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 10:09 pm to TheOcean
quote:
If only I cared And to add more to my OP, I'm talking about excellent cover letters for jobs that are extremely competitive.
The best cover letter for that is a high at the corp vouching for you. Maybe I am too cynical but unless you know someone you aren't getting a "highly competitive job"
This post was edited on 1/29/14 at 10:11 pm
Posted on 1/29/14 at 10:28 pm to TheOcean
Let me give you some advice on competition from someone who has hired for competitive positions. After a while, all cover letters sound the same. If you're applying to something competitive your resume will speak to your credentials. Let your CL speak to you. Make it stand out.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 11:06 pm to TheMightyTerrier
I don't even understand what you guys mean by a "competitive" job. What half-decent job isn't competittve?
Posted on 1/29/14 at 11:08 pm to TheMightyTerrier
quote:
After a while, all cover letters sound the same.
Yes, but in government you have to provide one if the ad says one is required.
But even then all you have to do is write something that passes for a cover letter, it won't give you a leg up on the competition.
If you haven't already won the job b/c you know someone, then you win the job in the interview. All the resume and cover letter have to do is get the interview, and the bar is pretty low.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 11:14 pm to foshizzle
Fair point. I have no experience in government work.
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