reddit cover letters are stupid

I've Read More Than 300 Cover Letters, And This Is How I Decide If They're Good Or Bad Within Three Minutes

Shutterstock

I’ve read a lot of cover letters throughout my career. When I was a fellowship program manager, I reviewed them in consideration for more than 60 open positions each year. So I saw it all—the good, the bad and the standout examples that I can still remember.

As a result, I’ve become the go-to friend when people need feedback on their job applications. Based on my own experience putting people in the “yes” (and “no”) pile, I’m able to give these cover letters a quick scan and immediately identify what’ll turn a hiring manager off.

Watch On Forbes:

While I can’t give you insight into every person’s head who’ll be reading your materials, I can share with you the feedback that I give my own loved ones.

1. The Basics

First things first, I skim the document for anything that could be disqualifying. That includes typos, a “Dear Sir or Madam” or “ To Whom It May Concern ” salutation, or a vibe so non-specific that it reeks of find-replace. I know it seems harsh, but when a hiring manager sees any one of these things, she reads it as, “I didn’t take my time with this, and I don’t really care about working here.” So, she’s likely to pass.

Another thing I look for in this initial read through is tone. Even if you’re applying to your dream company, you don’t want to come off like you think someone entertaining your candidacy is the same as him offering you water at the end of a lengthy hike. You don’t need to thank the hiring manager so incredibly much for reading your application—that’s his job. If you align considering your application with the biggest favor ever, you’ll make the other person think it’s because you’re desperate .

So, skip effusive thanks and demonstrate genuine interest by writing a cover letter that connects the dots between your experience and the requirements of the position. Telling the reader what you’ve accomplished and how it directly translates to meeting the company’s needs is always a better use of space than gushing.

2. The Opening Sentence

If your first line reads: “I am writing to apply for [job] at [company],” I will delete it and suggest a swap every time. (Yes, every single time.) When a hiring manager sees that, she won’t think, “How thoughtful of the applicant to remind me what I’m reading!” Her reaction will be much closer to, “boring,” “meh” or even “next!”

Compare it to one of these statements: ‌ ‌• “I’ve wanted to work in education ever since my third grade teacher, Mrs. Dorchester, helped me discover a love of reading.”

‌• “My approach to management is simple: I strive to be the kind of leader I’d want to work for.”

‌• “In my three years at [prior company], I increased our average quarterly sales by [percentage].”

See how these examples make you want to keep reading? That’s half the battle right there. Additionally, it makes you memorable, which’ll help when you’re competing against a sea of applicants.

To try it out for yourself, pick a jumping off point. It could be something about you or an aspect of the job description that you’re really drawn to. Then, open a blank document and just free write (translation: write whatever comes to mind) for 10 minutes. Some of the sentences you come up with will sound embarrassing or lame: That’s fine—no one has to see those! Look for the sentence that’s most engaging and see how it reads as the opening line for your cover letter.

3. The Examples

Most often, people send me just their cover letter and resume, so I don’t have the benefit of reviewing the position description. And yet, whenever a letter follows the format of “I am skilled at [skill], [skill], [skill], as evidenced by my time at [place].” Or “You’re looking for [skill], and I am a talented [skill], ” I could pretty much recreate it. Surprise : that’s actually not a good thing.

Again, the goal isn’t just to show you’re qualified: It’s to make the case that you’re more qualified than all the other applicants. You want to make clear what distinguishes you, so the hiring manager can see why you’re worth following up with to learn more. And—again—you want to be memorable.

If you write a laundry list, it’ll blend into every other submission formatted the same way. So, just like you went with a unique opener , do the same with your examples. Sure, you might still include lists of skills, but break those up with anecdotes or splashes of personality.

Here’s a real, two-line excerpt from a cover letter I’ve written before:

If I’m in a conference room and the video isn’t working, I’m not the sort to simply call IT and wait. I’ll also (gracefully) crawl under the table and check that everything is properly plugged in.

A couple lines like this will not only lighten up your letter, but also highlight your soft skills. I got the point across that I’m a take-charge problem solver, without saying, “I’m a take-charge problem solver.” Plus the “(gracefully)” shows that I don’t take myself too seriously—even in a job application. If your submission follows the same list-type format all the way through, see if you can’t pepper in an example or anecdote that’ll add some personality.

You want your cover letter to stand out for all the right reasons. So, before you click submit, take a few minutes to make sure you’re putting your best (and most memorable) foot forward.

"I've Read Over 300+ Cover Letters And This Is How I Decide If It's Good Or Bad Within 3 Minutes" was originally published on The Daily Muse .

Sara McCord is a Staff Writer/Editor for The Daily Muse.

Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
Resume Builder
Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
Cover Letter Builder
Cover Letter

Can you use a funny cover letter?

1. Research and personalize

2. align your profile with the employer’s, 3. show - don’t just tell - your skills, 4. add a call to action, 5. edit your work.

You may have seen a few funny cover letters floating around the internet. Perhaps you’ve even ended up asking yourself whether it’s worth trying it yourself. . The truth is that injecting humor into your writing is a risky balance to nail. However, in some cases, it could be the key to making your profile stand out from other candidates.

This blog post is here to help you to identify whether a light-hearted approach can be the right way to highlight your unique selling points as a job candidate. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, we’re here to provide the considerations you need as you embark on writing your very own funny cover letter.

In this blog post we will cover:

Whether or not a funny cover letter is a good tactic for landing a job
The top characteristics of an effective cover letter (funny or not)

Mistakes to avoid when writing a funny cover letter

How you should approach writing your funny cover letter

Will a funny cover letter get you the job?

Depending on your profession, you may be thinking that the idea of writing a funny cover letter is one of two things: either genius or terrible. The truth is that funny cover letters are nothing new. While the ones you may have read online aren’t always advisable to replicate, when it’s done right some humor could be the key to standing out from other candidates.

Before you start writing, research the company and the people who work there. What is their company culture like? What is their sense of humor like? Is there room for a sense of humor in their company culture at all? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your humor appropriately.

The purpose of a cover letter, after all, is to help you land an interview. If you’re attempting to land a role in an industry or organization where light-hearted humor is accepted, your funny cover letter is more likely to yield favorable results. If not, you might need to dial it back. Puns, sarcasm, or plain old silliness may be less appreciated in, say, a corporate law firm in comparison to a creative startup.

At the same time, a funny cover letter could be an excellent approach to make a dry topic more interesting and enjoyable to read. There will always be a level of risk with a funny cover letter, but by injecting humor in reasonable doses and doing your research thoroughly, your jokes are more likely to land right.

Consider the following when deciding whether or not to try your very own funny cover letter:

Will it be engaging or off-putting? This is the best way to hook a hiring manager’s interest. If you have a natural flair for being funny, there’s a good chance that you can capture that through your writing to engage the reader.
Will it show your value? Hiring managers are looking for talent that they can retain and will do a good job. If you can show excellent communication skills through a well-targeted cover letter tone that is funny, it’s a good sign that you would be a positive addition to their team.
What is the work culture? Industry and company norms play a big part in how your writing will be received. Does humor play a role in what’s important to this prospective employer from what you can find out about them?

Whether your research leads you towards some subtle humor or full-blown satire, don’t try too hard. Regardless of your position, the best jokes land when they feel like they’re not overly engineered.

What to do when it’s not the time and place for jokes

A funny cover letter isn’t for everyone. If you want to read further into some more traditional tips, check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter.

Funny purple smileys with keep the humor light and work appropriate

What are the 5 steps to crafting an effective cover letter?

Before you do or don’t attempt to write your funny cover letter, take a moment to think about what a cover letter needs to be at its core. Here are five characteristics you should make sure any cover letter includes and how to tweak it if you decide to make it more entertaining.

Personalizing your cover letter can be an effective way to stand out from the crowd and show your potential employer that you value their time and attention. Nobody wants to feel unimportant, and taking the time to research the company and the people who work there can go a long way in making a positive impression. When you know who you’re writing to, you can also tailor your witty remarks to something they’re likely to respond positively to.

When writing a cover letter , it's important to show how your values and philosophies align with your potential employer’s. If humor is part of the work culture, this is where it fits in. When you adopt this approach, a funny tone can help you establish a connection with your reader and prove that you fit in with their company culture. While this will make your cover letter more memorable, just remember to keep it appropriate and professional.

Where possible, it’s far more effective to show, and not tell, your skills. Your cover letter could be the perfect opportunity to do this before you’ve even met the hiring manager.

For most hiring professionals in 2023, strong communication skills are one of the most important abilities for new hires. Pitching your profile with a dynamic narrative and striking the right balance on that humorous tone is excellent proof that you can engage the intended audience when you communicate.

A call to action is a crucial element in any cover letter, but it's especially important in a funny one. After showcasing your personality, remind the hiring manager that you mean business with a clear and concise call to action that encourages the potential employer to take the next step. This could be as simple as asking for an interview or offering to discuss your qualifications further.

When writing any cover letter, it is important to include only the most relevant information in an order that makes sense. This requires lots of proofreading and tweaking. It’s easy to get lost in the minutia of writing, so taking a break and reading again to make sure the style lands is always a good idea. This is twice as important when you’re attempting a funny cover letter. You want to create a lasting impression for the right reasons.

Flex those desirable soft skills

One reason a funny cover letter could help you is that it shows your excellent communication skills in practice. However, humor is an excellent opportunity to showcase other desirable soft skills such as creativity and emotional intelligence.

How do you write a unique cover letter?

Have you arrived at this point and decided that a funny cover letter is not for you? Don’t worry. That doesn’t mean that you won’t have the opportunity to differentiate yourself from your competition. There are plenty of ways to make a distinct impression on the hiring manager.

The most important thing to focus on is storytelling. The narrative you create behind your professional profile is a powerful tool to make a cover letter that is not replicable. Other tips you could try implementing are starting your cover letter with a bold question or statement to grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Also, consider how to make sure the design of your cover letter will stand out. Usually, this means adopting a well-considered and polished design rather than any gimmicky graphics. When done right, all of these examples could help to make your cover letter stand out when your industry peers simply aren’t in it for the laughs.

It is possible to overdo it when writing a funny cover letter. While you want to amuse the hiring manager, this is still a professional document. Use humor sparingly and strategically to make sure that when you do use it, it hits just right.

Include a balance of entertaining and serious passages.
Vary your language and punctuation.
Ask for feedback on your cover letter from a trusted colleague in your field.
Make sure your professional story is the primary focus.
Stay away from the toilet humor and keep it family-friendly.
Make every sentence an opportunity to try and be funny.
Use slang or excessive exclamation points.
Send your funny cover letter without reading it out loud first.
Forget to highlight your professional skills and experiences.

Typos are no laughing matter

No matter how witty you are, the hiring manager won’t appreciate basic spelling and grammar errors. In fact, they could likely get your cover letter tossed out altogether. So, don’t forget to check your work for these errors too!

Tips on how to write a funny cover letter

So, you’ve taken the decision to entertain and amuse the hiring manager with a funny cover letter. Your approach to your cover letter should center around the intended reader and, of course, showcasing your professional personality. While comedy will always be subjective, one thing is for sure: you want to make sure your cover letter is funny for the right reasons. You can do this by considering some of the following tips.

Regardless of where your cover letter starts and ends, you want to make sure you take the reader on a journey.
Vary the styles and levels of humor so your cover letter stays engaging rather than predictable.
The space on your cover letter is limited - one page is ideal - so choose what to add carefully.
Every sentence should contribute to a story of how your previous experience made you the perfect candidate for this role.Finally, as you proofread your cover letter, you want to make sure the entire document matches the style and tone of your prospective employer. Think about the tone of voice they use on official communications such as their website, social media, and press releases.

Key takeaways

Research your prospective employer’s company culture to identify what sort of funny cover letter could work for you.
Flex your soft skills such as effective communication, creativity and emotional intelligence with your wit and charm.
Vary the humor with serious passages and don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience.
Read your funny cover letter out loud before you send it.

How to End a Cover Letter (Best Closing Paragraph Examples)

CVs & Résumés

Dec 6, 2015

7 Most Funniest Cover Letters (Real Examples)

When applying for a job, we always try to impress, but some try too hard or too little. See those which made our list of the funniest cover letters.

Katarina Milovanovic

When applying for a job, we always try to write a killer cover letter , so that we can look professional, show a bit of our personality and show the employer why we are the perfect candidate for the job. However, as there are many people with similar skill set and experience, or even with more experience than we have, it’s important to think outside the box and create a cover letter that will stand out and catch the hiring manager’s eye. So, we turn to writing something funny, which will show our originality and uniqueness. But, is it really funny? Before submitting your cover letter , you should get some feedback from your friends and family because something you wrote might seem hilarious to you, but it very well might be plain awkward or embarrassing. There is a thin line between being funny and being awkwardly dim-witted. Depending on the job position, you can choose to be a bit creative, but just remember not to try and sound too awesome. Some people really failed when they tried to be funny, but they certainly grabbed our attention. Let’s see what not to do when writing a cover letter, and let’s just hope that these people weren’t being serious and thought that their cover letter rocked .

1. Attended the employer’s funeral: So, the position is open, right?

Searching for a job, level: expert. This cover letter really made me laugh, and I’ve never seen a person more determined to get a job at a company than this guy. He really lives by the motto “Patience is a virtue”, and now there is no reason for the company not to hire him, as he clearly has proof that there is an opening – a death certificate. What do you have to say in your defense, hiring manager? The man is clearly determined, patient, ambitious and detail-oriented, a person who will always provide you with cold hard facts. He possesses the skills of a Technical Manager, but let’s just hope he didn’t watch “How to Get Away with Murder”.

2. He’s definitely seen and done it all

This guy is the embodiment of “been there, done that, bought a T-shirt”. It seems like it was only yesterday that he was a mere skateboarder, and today he is a professional genious. The spelling is definitely wrong, but there is a much bigger problem – what does a professional genius actually do? Judging by his cover letter, good spelling isn’t one of the skills required for attaining this glamorous title. However, he is a sociable person, a gentleman and a scholar, so he is perfect for a friendly work environment. Besides, this guy can hook you up with some nasty merchandise, so who knows when he will come in handy. And what about aliens? He definitely goes beyond the limits of science and logic that our simple terrestrial brains can comprehend.

3. Cock, food prep, pizza maker. Wait, what?

This cook, or let’s call him a chef, definitely has experience, but experience in cocking pastas – is that a thing nowadays? To be honest, this looks more like a name of a video on Porn Hub (maybe there’s an actress called Pasta). Okay, the first thing that comes to our minds is a male reproductive organ, or in the best case scenario a rooster. But, let’s have a grammar lesson as well. Cocking is a gerund of an actual verb, “to cock”, and it means tilting. Therefore, tilting pastas may be the real deal. However, as you are probably imagining a man making pasta with a rooster, let’s not go into that. We have all learned a valuable lesson – always check your spelling.

4. He just wants to feel again

Is there anyone out there who wouldn’t want to hire this guy? Because, he’s “A best”, and obviously approved by Koreans. Besides, his qualifications indicate that he might be a new member of the Avengers (lifting a bear is a huge deal, and not only in Russia). As far as trains are concerned, I think he only outran the ones from Serbia, since they all move at a snail’s pace. Although his cover letter looks like something that would end up in your spam folder, helping someone feel again is a noble deed, and thus a reward in itself. As we should never make fun of someone who speaks broken English, because it means they know another language, I think this guy definitely deserves a chance to prove himself.

5. You got Caged

Although there is nothing wrong with this email, the attachment is rather disturbing. What does this picture mean? Did Nicolas Cage intercept this email? Is Nicolas Cage a metaphor for accepting any role? Is the author of this email Nicolas Cage himself or did he simply approve it? Honestly, the picture of Nicolas Cage as a cover letter is definitely the only way to say “I would do anything to get a job,” without coming off as desperate. Always check what you have attached before clicking the send button. However, this person should be happy it is Nicholas Cage, because it could have been worse. It could have been a picture of Justin Bieber.

6. Mike aka Da-Bomb

Upon first reading this cover letter, I thought it was really funny, as it sounds a bit like Cartman (South Park), and I laughed out loud when I got to the end, where he tells the employer to call him and ask for “Liam.” Why Liam, and why use apostrophes? The best thing you can do with this cover letter, except for deleting it forever, is make a rap song out of it. This guy shouldn’t be a developer; he should be a project manager as he can evidently clone great workers like Larry from a single hair. However, when you read it again, you realize just how stupid it is. Cramming as many swear words as you can into a sentence can only be funny and acceptable in movies directed by Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie.

7. Words are overrated

According to this person, there is no need to tell someone about your experience – it’s better to stay mysterious. No need to write anything down, the person is obviously incredibly popular and fabulous. If you take a look at the previous cover letters, this is probably the smartest move, as it is better to stay silent, than to make a total fool of yourself. I don’t think someone ever called this person, but unless you are Richard Branson, don’t just write your name on the cover letter. A little more information is always needed.

These cover letters are hilarious, but I guess that we are all wondering whether these people were joking or being serious. If they were serious, then I don’t want to live on this planet anymore. These job seekers probably didn’t get the job, except for maybe Larry, aka Lars, as he got a pretty good recommendation from the credible Mike “Da-bomb”. Don’t try this, because a small joke can ruin your reputation , unless you are Richard Branson, of course. What is the strangest cover letter you have ever seen or written? Your thoughts or comments below please...

HuffingtonPost

Cover Letters

Job Applications

Recommended for you

You aren't stupid, cover letters actually just suck, instructions for writing a cover letter...but like....less pg and normal humans can actually understand them..

Two months before my sister finished her last year of nursing school, she came to me to ask me how to write a cover letter. As a business student, I was shocked. I had to write at least three cover letters within my first month of college alone. Asking a business major how to write a cover letter is like asking a chef how to use salt - no one actually knows the specifics, we've just had to do it so much we kind of figured it out.

To be transparent with you, I hate cover letters. I hate them. I have actually not applied to multiple jobs solely because I didn't want to write the cover letter. However, if I had decided to write it, I know I would've had the resources to complete it. Talking to my sister really brought to my attention the advantage business students have over other students when it comes to applying for things. Half of our college education is on how to write applications, resumes, cover letters and anything else of the sort. But for people in other majors, there are no advisors to give them direction and there aren't templates that are actually useful for making a cover letter in real life.

I don't think that's fair. Given my major, I've had to write so many cover letters that I have kind of defined a system (full disclosure, I still have no idea if I'm doing this right but I have a decent success rate). So here, in terms that real people can actually understand, is how to write a cover letter.

PHONE

ADDRESS, CITY, ZIP

Dear Recipient Name,

Ok, so you get 3 paragraphs and the first one sucks. Literally, all we need in this one is the most basic details about yourself: name, major, hometown, and school you're attending. If you can, spice it up with a little bit about your end goal in life, but don't go into too much detail.

This is your second paragraph and it is way better than the first. This one is fun because you get to talk about yourself and let's face it, everyone loves to talk about themselves. This is where you get to brag about what separates you from the crowd. What YOU can offer that Chad from Sigma Alpha Pi Chi can't buy with daddy's money. Are you driven? Brave? Creative? Passionate? Hell, yeah you are. Now, support your statement and tell the company why they should care. Don't get me wrong, I hate the corporate world as much as the next jaded millennial, but money matter and that's what the company will be thinking of 90% of the time they are reading this. Try telling them about how you can make a team work smoothly together, how your optimism is contagious or even how you are just genuinely invested in helping grow yourself and the people you are involved with. You don't have to tell them directly about the sales you will make them, but they need to see that they are adding someone to their team that is going to be more than just a fun coworker.

This is your last and most vital paragraph. This paragraph is where you talk about why you are applying to the position you are applying for. What is it that drew you to this company? Your reasoning should be on both a personal and professional level. Make it sincere. Make it genuine. However, if you're having issues making a paragraph on why you want to work somewhere you're applying to… maybe it's time to apply somewhere else. Finally, close it out with a "thank you for your consideration... blah blah blah" line, and that's it!

Sincerely,

Your name

My biggest tip to leave you with is be genuine. I don't care how badly you think you want to work somewhere if you lie throughout your entire interview process to get chosen, you're going to hate it. I would never wish that anyone would ever have to write a cover letter, even my worst enemy; but if you do, I hope this helps!

Subscribe to our Newsletter

25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble .

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

Top Creators

1. Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society 2. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook 3. Kristen Haddox , Penn State University 4. Jennifer Kustanovich , SUNY Stony Brook 5. Clare Regelbrugge , University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

"To Cover Up Delays...": Centre On Mamata Banerjee's Letter On Rape Cases

The bjp had called mamata banerjee a "liar" over her letters, and questioned her over why she has not done anything to ensure implementation of existing "stringent" rules and regulations to protect women in her state.

The BJP has called Mamata Banerjee a "liar" over her letters

The Union Women and Child Development Minister has responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's second letter, seeking a stringent law and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes such as rape and murder.

Ms Banerjee in her second letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought a mandatory provision for time-bound disposal of rape and murder cases. The two letters came amid the CBI investigation into the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The BJP had called her a "liar" over her letters, and questioned her over why she has not done anything to ensure implementation of existing "stringent" rules and regulations to protect women in her state.

"With regard to the information contained in your letter about the status of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) and exclusive POCSO courts in West Bengal, I may mention that according to information received from the Calcutta High Court, West Bengal has established 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), which are not the same as the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) covered under the Central Government Scheme..." Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi said in her response to Ms Banerjee.

"... ln spite of pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the state has not operationalised additional 11 FTSCs which may be exclusive POCSO courts or combined FTSCs dealing with both rape and POCSO cases, as per the state's requirement. As may be seen, the information contained in your letter in this regard is factually incorrect and appears to be a step in the direction to cover up the delays in operationalizing the FTSCs by the state," Ms Devi said.

BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya has also questioned the Bengal Chief Minister over not doing enough to ensure rules and regulations to protect women and girls are strictly followed.

"It is incumbent on Mamata Banerjee to explain why the West Bengal government hasn't done anything for implementing the stringent rules and regulations, which exist for protecting women and girls," Mr Malviya said in a post on X. "Stop writing letters. Answer the questions. You are accountable," he added.

On Ms Banerjee's demand for permanent judicial officers in FTSCs, instead of only retired judicial officers as prescribed in the FTSC scheme guidelines, the Women and Child Development Minister said, "... I may inform you that the scheme guidelines clearly provide for one judicial officer and seven staff to work exclusively for disposal of Rape and POCSO Act cases. Hence, additional charge of FTSCs cannot be given to any permanent judicial officer or court staff. This position was clarified earlier to the state of West Bengal..."

The rape and murder of the junior doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sparked outrage across the nation, with doctors and others in the medical profession calling for fundamental reforms to ensure dignity and security at their workplace.

Promoted Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

The Trinamool Congress has alleged the BJP has politicised the incident. The BJP has, however, pointed the finger back at Ms Banerjee's party with allegations that the medical college was ridden with insidious corruption.

The college's former principal Sandip Ghosh is under investigation. The Central Bureau of Investigation has also arrested the key suspect Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, who was seen on CCTV outside the seminar room of the hospital where the junior doctor's body was found.

Track Budget 2023 and get Latest News Live on NDTV.com.

Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world .

India Elections | Read Latest News on Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Live on NDTV.com . Get Election Schedule , information on candidates, in-depth ground reports and more - #ElectionsWithNDTV

Watch Live News:

How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences Recruiters Will LOVE

Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.” But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. If you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll show you. Keep reading to find tips on how to start a cover letter, along with 30 creative cover letter opening lines and sentence examples.

Still looking for that perfect next role? One of these open jobs on The Muse just might be the one »

5 tips on how to start off a cover letter

Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we’re getting there, we promise!—to craft your own:

1. Avoid boring or overused openers

Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like “I’m excited to apply for the front-end engineering position,” or “Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…” so often they could wallpaper their homes with them. While those are OK and still acceptable, you'll have a better shot at impressing potential employers with a less cliché opening line.

2. Be lively and personable

People like reading interesting, engaging stuff—the kind that paints a picture, tells a story, and maybe even makes them smile. People like it when you’re human, genuine, and memorable. So figure out something about yourself and your background that relates to the company or position you're interested in, and use that to build a connection.

3. Show what you bring the company

You’ll get more into the details after your opening paragraph, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, “This person can do something for us,” rather than, “This job would really help them.”

4. Stick to the point

Your opener, while creative, should still be relevant to the job. Don’t begin by highlighting an unrelated accomplishment or recounting an anecdote that never connects back to why you’re applying for the job. Part of writing an effective cover letter is curating key information that relates to that specific job opportunity and shows the reader that you're a good fit for the role.

5. Don't start with “To Whom It May Concern”

Find an alternative to “ To Whom It May Concern .” Seriously, banish those five words from your cover letter vocabulary forever. Nowadays, this phrase is seen as outdated, overused, and even rude—especially when better options exist.

30 cover letter opening sentence examples

We’ve come up with 30 creative cover letter opening sentence examples and separated them by the method they use to grab the reader’s attention. We don’t recommend copying and pasting because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests.

But you can most definitely use these examples to get inspired for your next application. (If you’re looking to see what an entire cover letter might look like, check out our article on the best cover letter examples for every type of job seeker .)

Start with passion

Employers want to hire people who care about what they’re doing. If you start your cover letter off talking about your passions and how they relate to the job, you’re telling the reader that you’ll be an engaged and motivated employee who’s likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a good way to tell the company a bit about who you are as a person right off the bat. Just be honest and realistic.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the folks at [Analytics Company] feel the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.

I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found an open personal stylist position at [Company].

After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “ find your passion “ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.

The other day, I took a career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.

As a kid, I once gave up a day of a family vacation to transport an injured lizard I found by our hotel two hours each way to the nearest animal hospital (and talked my dad into driving me pre-GPS!). When I was a bit older, I found out I could care for animals every day for a living, and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since.

I am constantly checking my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds—and not because of FOMO. Because I’m someone who wholeheartedly believes in the power of sharing ideas in online communal spaces, and I’m positive that I can help spark meaningful conversations as your next social media assistant.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I still love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

Start with admiration

Companies often want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. What better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because while everyone likes a compliment, no one likes obvious self-serving B.S.

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.

It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first inspired me to apply to your operations assistant opening—not only have we used your app to find other dogs to play with in our neighborhood, he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day. As I learned more about how [Company] is using modern tech to help pets thrive in cities, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of it, too.

Example 10:

When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across your events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.

Example 11:

When I attended SXSW for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.

Example 12:

If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So a customer service role at [Apartment Search Company], where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.

Example 13:

[Vacation Rental Company] is synonymous with luxury and escape, known for spaces that inspire. I’ve felt this firsthand every time I’ve stayed at one of your properties—whether I was throwing a bachelorette party or working from home in a new locale—and I would love the chance to contribute to this reputation as your destination manager.

Example 14:

I was an hour out from hosting my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across [Delivery Service Company]. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing this amazingness to nervous hosts like me as your next social media and community manager.

Example 15:

Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager, seeing the job description for your company’s PR director position stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been wearing your glasses for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.

Example 16:

A group of us IT folks were sitting around talking about our favorite Pacific Northwest companies this morning (coincidentally, over coffee). As you might figure, Starbucks was among the first names that came up. What makes you such a standout among Seattle-based corporations? Here’s the list we compiled:

Start with accomplishments

For any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other job seekers—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. A great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out.

Example 17:

My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to your open office manager position.

Example 18:

Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill this customer service leader position.

Example 19:

Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at your company is exactly what I’m looking for.

Example 20:

After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an interoffice memo in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work as a consultant for executives looking to level up their communications strategy.

Example 21:

While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.

Example 22:

If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig into data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.

Example 23:

I recently relocated my family to Texas. As we neared our new home, I noticed with intrigue the many wind turbines dotting the landscape. Suddenly, it hit me: “This is the career for me.” After unloading the moving van, I promptly researched companies in this sector that may benefit most from a skilled field engineer with expert electromechanical skills. And I discovered that [Company] is where I want to be.

Example 24:

You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial expert, and I think that means I’m your person.

Example 25:

Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for [Company].

Start with humor and creativity

OK, before you read any of these, we have to stamp them with a big, blaring disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learn everything you can about the company and the hiring manager to gauge whether or not they’d appreciate some comedic relief or a bit of snark. If it seems like they would, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Try a different approach.

Example 26:

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sound incredulous that you haven’t made more progress since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.

Example 27:

Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at [Company]! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas for what I would do once in the role.

Example 28:

I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter and describing all the reasons I’m the one who can take [E-Commerce Company]’s business to the next level.

Example 29:

I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered [Phone Repair Company]—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.

Example 30:

If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at [Company]. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start off a cover letter.

When unsure how to open a cover letter, a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of clichés or overused opening lines. Instead, start by highlighting a passion or accomplishment relevant to the company or role you're applying for. You could also mention something about the company that caught your attention. Get creative, but keep it professional and make sure your narrative makes sense in that context.

How to start a cover letter greeting?

Try to find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn or the company's website and address them directly, like “Dear Jane Doe”. If you can't find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a good alternative. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as it sounds outdated and impersonal.

How do I introduce myself in a cover letter?

Introducing yourself in a cover letter is straightforward: just share a bit about yourself. For example, “I'm a copywriter with seven years of experience in online content writing. At least officially. Since my first year of college I've been working on personal projects and keeping a track record of my accomplishments throughout the years.” No need to repeat your name since it's already in your contact information at the beginning of the letter.

How to start a cover letter without a name?

If you don't know the name of the person receiving your cover letter, start with “Dear Hiring Manager” or similar. Other possibilities include: “Dear Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “Dear Recruiter/Recruiting Team”, or “Dear Hiring Committee” if your industry evaluates cover letters and applications through a board.

Jenny Foss , Erica Breuer , Regina Borsellino , Amanda Cardoso also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

Get the Reddit app

Reddit's largest humor depository

Best resume/cover letter submitted yet!

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

IMAGES

Cover Letter Template Reddit
cover letter for reddit.pdf
Cover letter for reddit to rate.pdf
7 Most Funniest Cover Letters (Real Examples)
reddit cover letter critique.pdf
Reddit cover letter.pdf

VIDEO

What was the stupidest thing someone has asked you 100% seriously?
Stupid and Anxious
What is just stupidly overpriced
Whats the dumbest thing someones ever said to you with complete seriousness
20 stupid letters istta in my hand😅 enjoy watching my shorts from tiktok 🙌☺️
Stupid Chain Letters

COMMENTS

Cover letters are a joke. "Seriously, we need you to beg us ...
Cover letters are something you do when you have no experience under your belt, and you need to suck up to get your first job. After some experience, a CV should be enough. Hell, even a LinkedIn profile should suffice. Reply reply [deleted] •
I'm so fucking sick of cover letters : r/recruitinghell
I've seen multiple hiring managers on reddit say they never read cover letters. I use cover letters as an attempt to clear up my resume if it seems like I'm not qualified, but I know for a fact most of the time, no one reads it.
Writing cover letters when applying for jobs is stupid and ...
People who don't want to write a cover letter don't apply or get tossed in the bin, it reduces the amount of work they have in reading resumes and cover letters. Hiring is actually an exercise in risk management. For a company Alpha risk (not hiring someone who they should have hired) is much easier and cheaper than Beta risk (accidentally ...
When to skip the cover letter—and the 1 time you absolutely ...
Cover letters get you noticed quickly, show you've gone the extra mile and demonstrate how much you really want the job. But a bad cover letter (i.e., one you modeled off of via Google) can hinder ...
4 Ways to Make Writing Cover Letters Suck Less
Nobody enjoys writing cover letters—but they're a necessary evil in the job search.
I've Read More Than 300 Cover Letters, And This Is How I ...
Whenever my friends ask me to review their job applications, I read their cover letters with an eye out for these three very common mistakes.
3 Common Cover Letter Mistakes That You Can Fix
I've read a lot of cover letters throughout my career. When I was a fellowship program manager, I reviewed them in consideration for more than 60 open positions each year. So I saw it all—the good, the bad, and the standout cover letter examples that I can still remember.
20 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)
Discover the worst cover letter mistakes that hiring managers hate seeing, and learn what to do to save your application.
Do I Need a Cover Letter? Answers From Hiring Professionals
Meaning, yes: Cover letters do still matter and they can help you get to the next round in the hiring process. "One of the biggest takeaways was that tailored cover letters are far superior to generic cover letters when it comes to boosting a job applicant's chances of being hired," says Peter Yang, CEO of ResumeGo.
Cover letters are stupid. I only do them when explicitly ...
Cover letters are stupid. I only do them when explicitly requested to do so. Employers that wax poetic about them in their unsolicited online job advice should have to write them to candidates too. The application process is a two way street. Interviews
A Stupid Mistake on My First Cover Letter
I hate cover letters. But, not for the reason you hate them. I'm actually pretty good at writing them, and I especially love editing them. So, why do I hate them? PTSD.
Can you use a funny cover letter?
Learn everything about when a funny cover letter could work for you. Check out our blog with expert tips!
7 Most Funniest Cover Letters (Real Examples)
Some people really failed when they tried to be funny, but they certainly grabbed our attention. Let's see what not to do when writing a cover letter, and let's just hope that these people weren't being serious and thought that their cover letter rocked.
here's a real-life example of a great cover letter (with before and
Here's a before and after of a great cover letter -- see for yourself what a fantastic cover letter makeover looks like and then do your own.
Cover letters are fucking stupid : r/TrueOffMyChest
Cover letters are fucking stupid Turning what should be a 10 minute process into an hour for background research, customizing every little detail and then not hearing anything back 1/2 the time is just fucking stupid.
You Aren't Stupid, Cover Letters Actually Just Suck
To be transparent with you, I hate cover letters. I hate them. I have actually not applied to multiple jobs solely because I didn't want to write the cover letter. However, if I had decided to write it, I know I would've had the resources to complete it. Talking to my sister really brought to my attention the advantage business students have over other students when it comes to applying for ...
Reddit
We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us.
To Cover Up Delays, Centre On Mamata Banerjee's Letter On Rape Cases
The Union Women and Child Development Minister has responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's second letter, seeking a stringent law and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes such ...
How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences
Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, "Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company." But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.
Best resume/cover letter submitted yet! : r/funny
It depends on the organization or HR department, but a good practice for job seekers is to include the same words used in the "job duties" or "required qualifications" of the job posting. spend a while googling resume action words, then include them all in size 3, white font on your pdf.