Comments on: Break the Mold: Don’t Be a Cookie Cutter

By: Shari

Shari — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:02 +0000

Wow. That is a good cover letter. Probably the best, yet unconventional one I’ve seen yet.

By: Barbara Safani

Barbara Safani — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:57:08 +0000

Heather,

Wow! I love the authenticity of this letter. This freelancer sounds like a keeper!

By: Miriam Salpeter, Keppie Careers

Miriam Salpeter, Keppie Careers — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:26:15 +0000

Heather – What a perfect reminder that there is “no one RIGHT way” to apply for a job. Thanks for sharing a story that demonstrates that every document is as good as the connection it makes with the reader.

I would not recommend a long cover letter to my clients, either, but the message this letter shares hits just the right note!

I’m so glad you are part of the Career Collective and look forward to future posts!

By: Priscilla Hernandez

Priscilla Hernandez — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:22:04 +0000

Thanks for sharing this! I completely understand this person being that I am going through the same situation. This post has definitely sparked a few ideas to improve my own cover letter. Again, thanks for the insight!

By: Chandlee Bryan

Chandlee Bryan — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:10:38 +0000

Heather,

Thanks for sharing this great cover letter. It’s a terrific example of how to create a “conversation” with your potential employer.

I agree with you, cover letters don’t need to be long; they just need to answer the basic questions the employer wants to know:

How did you learn of this position?

How do your skills and experience align with my needs?

Why are you interested and how does this fit your goals?

A letter that answers all these questions–and shows a strong understanding of the type of work involved with the position–goes a long way in answering these questions! (And frequently rises to the top of the pile.)

All the Best,
Chandlee

By: Megan Fitzgerald

Megan Fitzgerald — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:58:16 +0000

Great teaching through example Heather!

I look forward to exploring future career collective topics with you!

My best,
Megan

By: Gayle Howard

Gayle Howard — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:28:44 +0000

This is an excellent post and so true Heather. Essentially, doing what everyone else is doing is just marching in time. Without that proactive component of breaking out of the mold, how can anyone truly stand out in such a tough, competitive job market? Great work!

By: Dawn Bugni

Dawn Bugni — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:45:08 +0000

Wow. Great post Heather. Great letter too. You’re right completely it’s against anything I would have recommended, but boy did s/he demonstrate his/her passion for Come Recommended and his/her chosen profession.

What a great reminder that standing out in a job search is essential. This individual is truly a standout. I would have hired them too.

Excellent.