Cover Me: Walking The Cover Letter Tightrope

In part two of our series on embarking on the job process, we tackle the subject of cover letters. But given the subject, perhaps tackle is the wrong word. The cover letter is a difficult tightrope; It must be unique and at the same time, pretty generic.

The standard format is an introductory paragraph about what you're applying for and why, then a paragraph about your work and extra-curricular experience, then why your experience matches up with the open position. The master key to life, keeping it real, not surprisingly also unlocks the door to writing a great cover letter. Keep it earnest. Be honest and serious. Using a cover letter as a forum for getting out a few mediocre jokes is typically a horrible idea.

Let's check in on Intern Ted for some advice on this matter:

"In my college career, I applied for many summer internships, but sent the following cover letter to prospective employers. Read it and then guess how many interviews I landed that application process!

During my time at Harvard, I have tried to take advantage of everything my university has to offer. My activities have been numerous and varied. I play on the Junior Varsity basketball team, my written work has been published in five different publications on campus, I have acted in two plays, and opened up for rapper Busta Rhymes, placing in second in a campus wide freestyle rap battle. I led a campus wide effort to encourage college students to vote in the last presidential election, led an unsuccessful campaign to reinstate Chick-Fil-A at Harvard, performed as the lead singer with my rock band, The Broviet Union, at a concert at a Swiss Ski Lodge bar, tutored middle school students in inner-city Boston for two years (Something of an exaggeration), and am a peer educator for the office of sexual assault prevention.

'How does he have time for studies?' you might wonder. Well, my poor academic record might shed some light onto that matter ;)

Though my work experience has been primarily in the field of finance, I recently decided that I wanted to pursue a career as a writer. After starting a blog last spring, I feel like I am pretty close to perfecting the art of colloquial writing. Recently, I have been wondering if I made the wrong choice in studying the field of writing with respect to first person narration. Therefore, I have made efforts in learning to write the second person.

Either way, my blog covers a myriad of subjects. For example, there is a detailed account of a one trip to Washington D.C. for a national Rock Paper Scissors championships taken while fighting off the runs.

In summation, I think I would be a great asset to your company!"

Clearly Intern Ted was not rolling in job offers after circulating that gem. So the point of Intern Ted's story is, be honest, but maybe not too honest. And definitely don't joke around. Getting hired is all about trust. Trust that you'll do a good job. Trust that you're not some insane joker.

Keep that in mind while crafting your own cover letter and check back next week when we give tips on how to prepare for an interview. Assuming you heed Intern Memo advice and don't follow Intern Ted's cover letter template, you should have plenty of offers coming your way.

© 2008 MonsterTRAK