Great Letters Are Life Changing

"Pennies make nickels, nickels make dimes, dimes make quarters, and quarters make dollars!" My mama used to say that when I questioned her instinct to stop traffic, put her hands in dirt, and dig into dusty seat cushions to pick up loose change.   It's very wise advice meaning that even the smallest, most insignificant thing, can lead to something of relevance.   

Today I googled "how to write a great cover letter".  I read over the advice but wasn't able to take it to heart.  I understand the goal of a great cover letter is to sell yourself but they all seemed so cold and watered down.  Some even offered templates where all you do is enter the name of the company and position. 

Since when did the ultimate sales pitch become cliche?

I know the power of letters first hand.  When I was applying to go to Chapel Hill, I was put on the waiting list as an out of state student [OSS].  You may or may not know, but its REALLY tough to get accepted as they are mandated by the UNC General Admin to take 82% of their student body from in-state.  I was heart broken when I received the news about their decision, but channeled that energy into something productive: I wrote.  While other kids were packing away and planning dorm layouts, I wrote.  It was April 10, 2003.   

I wrote the Board of Admissions a letter and I printed it on bright Carolina Blue paper before I licked the stamp and mailed it off.  In it I painted pictures of being exposed to UNC's legacy as a young'in because I watched my older brother attend basketball camp in Chapel Hill.   I went over my achievements with an uninhibited sense of pride because I felt like I had nothing to lose.  I talked about how I was aware of the challenges regarding acceptance as an OSS but moved past them and applied anyway.  And even THEN I talked about my mom and included yet another wise lesson: anything good is worth waiting for.  I signed it "A Tar Heel in Waiting" and scribbled my name.  I swear, a week later I received my acceptance letter and a scholarship for a brand new computer.

I looked over that letter today and 5 years later, I applauded myself for the courage it takes to believe. 

After my trip down memory lane, I tended towards the career advice I'd found with reckless abandonment.  Everything I do is guerrilla, baby.  I sat down to write my cover letter and wrote it just like I did my letter to UNC and just like I would any blog post (minus the expletives).  I had a stance, great content, and I even attached the proof (resume).  I was genuine and heartfelt and can only hope I conveyed that I am worth the chance.  And if not for the chance, that I'm at least worth meeting in person--the interview is half the battle.   

My fingers are crossed that I am considered for the position and that my boldness is not taken out of context.  But if it is, it probably wasn't the position for me...Because everything I do is guerrilla, baby

To take a note from my mama's logic: letters make words, words make job offers, job offers make careers, and careers change lives.  Don't slack on your cover letter, folks.    

Comments

[Tiffany]

Absolutely great advice that I couldn't agree with more. When I write a coverletter I try my hardest to write from the heart and express my utmost excitement and enthusiasm for the position. I have shown recruiters and they have said that its not "business" enough and I have reminded myself that I'm not all "business" or at least their definition of "business".

Like my idol Mary J. Blige once said, "Take me as I am or have nothing at all."

Wishing you mad luck!!!!!