Why This Guy's Cover Letter is Better Than Yours

Posted by in Career Advice


This man's cover letter has been making the rounds across the Internet. Some sites are using it for a laugh, like Funny or Die, while others are posting it as an example of how not to write a cover letter. However, when I read this one, I couldn't help but think that this applicant clearly shows that he has a firm understanding of what a cover letter is all about. Allow me to explain:

 

The first thing I noticed was that the applicant doesn't have a strong grasp of the English language. It's easy to notice, and he freely admits it. Still, he attempts to communicate as best he can. Depending on the type of job he is looking for, his English skills may not be that important. But, let's look past his awkward sentence structure and examine the content of the letter more carefully.

 

First, he introduces himself. In his introduction, he explains that he is looking for a job and gives some indication of the job type that he would like. He handles the primary objection that any hiring manager would have by explaining that his English skills aren't so good. He goes on to say that he has a strong work ethic and had often been complimented on his hard work in the past.

 

Next, he gives some brief information about his previous work history and his experience in customer service. He mentions that he enjoys the work and that he's passionate about helping others and working with a smile. He goes on to say that he also has experience working behind the scenes in restaurants and as a waiter.

 

Finally, he does the most important part: he asks for the job. Although I'm sure that he was exaggerating by claiming that he is faster than a train, he does a great job of showing his personality and enthusiasm for the job. Although I don't think that asking for no pay until an employer agrees that he is qualified is a good idea, he does make a great sales pitch.

 

Even though this applicant doesn't completely understand English language or grammar, he does understand what an employer wants to know. When a hiring manager receives his application, they will immediately understand that this person is determined, strong, enthusiastic and willing to go above and beyond in order to do the job. As long as the job doesn't require him to be fluent in English, he would be a great candidate. Also, if there is a bear attack at the office, he's the guy you want to have around.

 

Writing a cover letter doesn't have to be difficult. Just remember what your purpose is and show an employer why they should hire you.

 

Do you usually submit a cover letter with every application or resume? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

 

Image Source: Reddit

Comment

Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.

  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy
    @Toni - You're right that some HR professionals don't even read cover letters. However, you don't lose points for having one and the HR professionals who read them and who give points for having them will be impressed. There just isn't really a downside to using a cover letter, even when it isn't read.
  • Toni A
    Toni A
    I have been told by several HR professionals that they don't even look at the cover letters. So I am doing some online applying without them to see what happens.
  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy
    Thanks for all of the comments. I'm glad that most of you enjoyed this post, had a little laugh and understood my point.@Norman - you're right. I always say that you have to customize your cover letter to the job you're applying for. It's not clear that he wants a specific job, it seems as though any sort of job will do. @Eugene - you summed it up. It's important to express your personality a little in a cover letter. Don't be afraid to be enthusiastic.@Brian - Without the cover letter, I'm sure his application would be tossed out almost anywhere.
  • Stuart M
    Stuart M
    Interesting...
  • Tom M
    Tom M
    I don't really see the point of a cover letter unless you have a name to go with it. Personally I need an idea of who I am writing to. Which may be my problem with finding a job to be passionate about. My own work ethic demands perfection, but I have a problem explaining that in a letter to a nameless Human Resources representative.
  • Marcia R
    Marcia R
    Cover letters are indeed useless.  
  • Maureen D
    Maureen D
    I would hire this gentleman. In spite of his difficulty writing this cover letter, it clearly translates he is a hard worker and has a very positive additude.Hire applicants for their additudes and train them for their skill!!!!
  • Paula R
    Paula R
    I think this person represents a Go-getter attitude .He can get help with the English.So, it just depends on what company would hire him.I do recommend the cover sheet.
  • Edgar A
    Edgar A
    This got to be one of the funniest written resume i've seen but lets give this one the credit for being sincere and determined. For all of you corporate recruiters, pay attention to this and dont be too hangup on education and experience.
  • Ole M
    Ole M
    This was a good example of thinking outside of the box and beyond what is viewed.  I can truly appreciate this person.  As mentioned he has determination, strength, enthusiasm and is willing to do whatever it takes in order to obtain this position.   I enjoyed this article.  As for me submitting a cover letter with every application or resume, 'no.  I do not' unless it is required by me to do so.  
  • Derick L
    Derick L
    I think the analysis of this writer is on the button. If I were an employer this gentleman wood be in consideration. It also helped me to understand more clearly what the cover letter represents.
  • Peter O
    Peter O
    OK, the English is off but the intent is on. I agree with Melissa that this resume provides the details a potential employer would want to see. Moreover, it shows the candidate's humanity. I would grant him an interview and we can also talk money face-to-face.
  • STEVEN L
    STEVEN L
    Agree do I he well better write one that be good. I like resume he wrote to everyone be told he can bear fight. I write letters of cover that good they are, yes?LOL
  • Cassandra W
    Cassandra W
    I appreciate the advice on a good structure for a cover letter. I thought the applicant in the resume, showed integrity, persistance and great work ethics. Alright, so his english isn't good. That doesn't mean, he's not a good worker. I feel like he deserves a chance.
  • Nathan H
    Nathan H
    Cover letters are useless!  They should only be used if you don't have any kind of formal education and you need to prove that you can form sentences.  If the average hiring manager only spends 10-30 seconds reading your resume/ cover letter what are they really learning from it? Nothing! The cover letter is obsolete! Let's all take a step back and let that sink in...good.  Now, stop writing useless cover letters!
  • Norman H
    Norman H
    I disagree that this is a 'good' cover letter despite the bad English. Why? We are told over and over that 'generic' cover letters are the worst, and that exactly what this is. We are told to tailor the cover letter to the individual employer and demonstrate that we actually know something about them. This letter has none of that.
  • Renee D
    Renee D
    I always include a cover letter and believe I do a good job. It might be time to re-tool it, however.Maybe my picture would bring in the interviews? ;o)
  • Eric M
    Eric M
    Cool article, its actually brilliant.
  • George T
    George T
    when working in the print advertising industry in the early 1980's, I was very impressed with a person that had been very successful selling water filters. She had a high school diploma and a lot of drive and enthusiasm. My boss told me I had to hire the applicant with the college degree in journalism. I convinced him to do a test and hire them both. My choice was making lots of money one year later and the college graduate had moved on as soon as the draw ran out.. Point?? Drive, enthusiasm, git-er-done attitude and bi-lingual ability is worth more than formal education and privilege in the streets of business to business sales! So, I would look for a place for this person... because he will help the company and will learn each and every day. IT'S THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT IN THE DOG/NOT THE SIZE OF THE DOG IN THE  FIGHT!  
  • Mark J
    Mark J
    I find this very useful, I have been in the Armed Forces for the past 15 years and have never written a CV/Resume.  To that end, I'm no better off than the man mentioned above and selling myself to a potential employer is alien to me.  I feel I will be dis-advantaged when the time comes against my civillian counterparts.
  •  Dave P
    Dave P
    While it is easy to see the flaws of the cover letter, his enthusiasm is also apparent. Those who wouldn't interview this applicant may have valid reasons to do so. However, those companies who would interview him are likely a much better "fit" for the applicant.
  • Vanessa O
    Vanessa O
    I'm really trying to make the stretch on the added value of the article in support of...what? I write excellent cover letters replete with proper sentence structure; the latter representing my skills and capacities perfectly disseminated in one page. No one reads my cover letters and, obviously so. Otherwise, I'd have a job. No pity party here. I deal in facts. Fact is this: HR reps and headhunters fail don't read cover letters. But even if they DID read cover letters AND the attached resume AND visited LinkedIn...they still wouldn't see a proper candidate. But, hey, good luck with your subliminal marketing platform. Clever at the very least.
  •  daniel r
    daniel r
    Will definitely include aCover letter in the future.
  • Galva C
    Galva C
    I could'nt agree more, thank you for the advice.
  • Guy C
    Guy C
    For the level of the job he is looking for most organization would just require him to fill out an application. If he completed the application and attached this cover letter it probably would not be in his favor. If there are numerous application for this type of job I'm not thinking he will rise to the top of the list.

Jobs to Watch