Make a strong first impression with a well-written cover letter that demonstrates your fit and enthusiasm for the job. Writing a tailored cover letter shows an employer that you are a serious ...

During the job application process, you should always submit a cover letter alongside your resume. This is particularly important when you’re applying for more competitive, senior positions. A ...

Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on culture, society, human interest and technology. Her stories hold a mirror to society, reflecting both its malaise and its beauty.

In the last few years, we have experienced candidate-driven markets in America, but the trend started to change in 2023. In April 2024, Reuters, for example, wrote about another 7% increase in layoff ...

Over the course of my career, I’ve read probably tens of thousands of cover letters. (And yes, that’s as boring as it sounds.

When sorting through dozens—or hundreds—of résumés and cover letters, certain patterns start to wear thin fast. Whether it's vague bullet points, inconsistent formatting or overused buzzwords, small ...

Recruiter Steve Levy finds most cover letters disingenuous and uninspiring. Levy recalls receiving only one in his career that was truly original and captivating. He stressed the importance of finding ...

As someone with decades of experience as a job interviewer and applicant, I’m always surprised when I encounter dismissiveness—and outright disdain—of cover letters (especially when that sentiment ...

Kevin Cash has applied to more than 1,200 jobs since being laid off in November 2022. He started using a "no-nonsense" cover letter after getting fed up with not hearing back. Cash hopes recruiters ...

This as-told-to essay is with Steve Levy, an independent corporate recruiter in Long Island, New York. In the old days, before there were applicant-tracking systems, we would get résumés mailed or ...