How do you write cover letters for entry level basic jobs?
How do you write cover letters for entry level basic jobs?
How do you write a cover letter for a job doing very basic tasks? I feel like Im either shmoozing and being way over the top, or being realistic in a way that will keep me from getting the job. For reference the job is to package coffee and make other products. I guess i just dont understand. I need a job, they need a worker. This work can be done by most people, its not some field thats relevant, its putting beans in bags and brewing coffee, how can I say "i really want to work here" when in reality any job will do, this is just the one that vibes best with my social capacity and is offered by the least offensive corporation. Like what am I gonna say, "I love brewing coffee, i spend every day constantly brewing coffee and moving my coffee beans from one bag to another, because I just like handling coffee"?
I have also been studying or doing self employed things like tutoring for the past 10 years and my cover letter skills were shit before this and have only gotten worse.
Cant I just write "job. Me need job. You have job. Me need money for survive. You need worker for labour. You give money, i work. I work good." and be done with it?
ChatGPT? Like that is one of the best applications for it imo. Make your life easier.
Yeah this kind of bullshit gatekeeping make-work that nobody is ever going to actually read is like the only use case for a gippity that I'll endorse
"To the HR rep reading this: if you are actually reading this, then you are spending far too much time and energy screening for a basic position. I don't have to have some special ethos or dreams about coffee to do this job well, and if I did, knowing about it wouldn't be useful information for you to determine my suitability. For your sake, just move me on to the hiring process and take an extra long lunch break. I have all the abilities and skills required, I'll show up on time, be pleasant to work around, and not a pain in your ass."
Ohhh you have no idea how much I want to do this... It would be a gamble that probably wouldnt pay off tho, and I really need a job (my housing situation is over at the end of march and I need to have a job to be able to find an appartment that will rent to me, been turned down time and again because income verification).
Yeah, I don't legit recommend it unless you want a funny story to tell. But I really do doubt they're reading cover letters for that position. Still, not something you want to gamble with.
It's inane yeah, I don't think I ever got an interview anywhere that required a cover letter and I probably submitted about a dozen. For something like that I really don't know what they're expecting. Maybe exploit their better nature? Mention or pretend to have kids or something.
I'm not sure? I've never had to write a cover letter for a 'basic' job. I would probably follow the similar format:
Dear hiring manager [name if known],
Please find my application for the [position] and accompanying CV. I'm excited to apply for this role after {seeing it advertised on [location]/being referred this position via [person]}. I believe that my skills, professional experience and work attitude equip me perfectly to excel in this position.
Para 1: Relevant work experience, duties, responsibility e.g. "I have x many years in directly applicable areas from my time working at [previous company]. I see that [current company] appears to run in a similar way, so I can hit the ground running and bring immediate value and energy to the team." {Repeat a few of these sentences calling out the skills you already possess that will make you an easy hire}.
Para 2: Talking about yourself and selling your 'passion'. e.g. "This role really attracts me as I am a self-described [industry] fan/nut/enthusiast. If successful, this role will help me deepen my industry knowledge and round out my aptitudes. The professoonal growth opportunities presented by [company] are compelling including its business connections, enthusiastic staff and positive reputation."
Closing para: leave on a good note that you're keen to be chosen but not presupposing it'll be you, e.g. "I can't wait to hear from you about your success in finding the perfect candidate."
Basically first para has to sell that you're an easy hire and you won't take time to train. Second para is selling that you're a good 'cultural fit', and where you kinda suck up to the company's ego. Don't go over a page, if anything keeping it to under 300 words looks 'neat' and clean. Two major points in each paragraph bringing you to 75 words, 100 words, 100 words, 25 words in each respectively.
Also don't forget to put your contact details in the header (phone, email, name, suburb if you like). You can also chuck those in the last para too e.g. I look forward to hearing from you, I can be reached on 0000 0000 or name@email.com
This is really good but also some things I struggle with in there. I know i have to do some kind of corpo-speak esq shit, but like
Para 2: Talking about yourself and selling your 'passion'. e.g. "This role really attracts me as I am a self-described [industry] fan/nut/enthusiast. If successful, this role will help me deepen my industry knowledge and round out my aptitudes. The professoonal growth opportunities presented by [company] are compelling including its business connections, enthusiastic staff and positive reputation."
This is so hard for me, like I know its not lying but selling myself is something im really bad at lol.
But genuinely thank you this is a helpful form to follow
Yeah, it's a painful process trying to shill yourself. I find having that framing/template to run off takes a lot of the pressure off. I'll use previous cover letters as a basis that I'll mark up for the next role, and you end up shopping a lot of the same stock phrases over and over.
You can use GPTs now, but without prompting it on your existing CV it'll just come out as general platitudes. Best of luck with your applications!
Prompt: Write me a cover letter describing why I would like to work at Olive Garden. Please express any corporate values listed on Olive Garden's website.
Output:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]
Hiring Manager Olive Garden [Company Address] [City, State ZIP Code]
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in a position at Olive Garden, as I am passionate about joining a company that values creating a warm and inviting dining experience for customers. Olive Garden's commitment to providing high-quality food and genuine hospitality align with my own values, making me excited to potentially contribute to your team.
One of the corporate values listed on Olive Garden's website that resonates with me is your dedication to culinary excellence. I admire how Olive Garden takes pride in sourcing fresh ingredients and preparing each dish with care and attention to detail. As someone who is enthusiastic about food and cooking, I would love the opportunity to be a part of a team that values craftsmanship and creativity in the kitchen.
Additionally, I appreciate Olive Garden's emphasis on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for both guests and employees. The sense of community and teamwork that Olive Garden fosters is something that I find truly inspiring, and I believe that my strong communication skills and friendly demeanor would make me a valuable addition to your team.
In conclusion, I am eager to bring my passion for food, dedication to hospitality, and commitment to excellence to Olive Garden. I am confident that my background and skills make me a strong candidate for a position within your company, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Olive Garden's ongoing success.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working with Olive Garden and contributing to your team. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: I'm never writing a cover letter again.
are they actually marked required? I never filled them out when job hunting, they weren't worth the time. I sometimes interview people at work and we don't give a SHIT about cover letters. We don't ask for them and as far as I know nobody's ever sent us one. They add nothing over a resume and interview. All I care about is whether you are technically capable of doing the job (resume and interview) and whether you will do that in exchange for money (signing the offer letter).
The thing is, if you don't send one, everyone will tell you that was the reason you didn't get a job, therefore they continue to get sent
I know this will sound dumb, but you can ask one of the LLMs you make you one based on similar resumes and applications for the same job you want.
Then, modify it to be your own. Maybe a touch more than changing the name ;)
At least it's a starting point.
This is a good starting point and not one Id considered, thank you 😀. I guess im off to make an account on the chatgpt thingy? Uff i feel dirty just writing that lol 😬
Lol,.I know.
I already have Google and MS accounts,.so I use those when needed.
Permanently Deleted
Well, since no one offered any suggestions on the actual cover letter content. Gotta start somewhere.
You could also roll through linkedin and see other examples of resumes, but people usually tailor the cover letter to the job they are applying for.
I ask LLMs stuff all the time for a starting point, and then narrow my search so I don't go off entirely made up crap (if it did).
Here's some thoughts based on my life experience:
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employers want people who show up. If you have a good work ethic, don't call in sick for BS reasons, then put in there that you care about being a contributor, you're reliable, and work in good-faith.
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employers like people with soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking). I don't think this is limited to information or office workers. Express that you can communicate and manage expectations with managers, coworkers, and you are a problem solver instead of a drone who asks a leader for help for every problem (unless that's what they want of you).
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employers will likely appreciate if you tailor the letter to their business. Look up what they do, what they care about, and what their mission is (also if they have corporate mission statements, value statements, ethics statements, etc). Their mission isn't just to make money (yes it is), but to be the best maker/doer of their product/industry. Express how you can help them accomplish their mission and add value to the company.
Since you mentioned self-study, watch videos about these things if you want to be bored, but ahead of your peers.
I bet you get interviews by including these things and making sure to you spell check. It's amazing how many people don't care enough to check over their application, which is an instant red flag for hiring. Also, there's shit tons of services that offer resume reviews.
Good luck!
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The cover letter should reflect that you've done a little research and understand what the company does. It's also a chance to show a little about yourself that doesn't really fit onto a resume, but would help with this particular job, for example you're a detail oriented person or something like that. While it's an entry level job, you might also use this as an opportunity to express your interest in other areas of the company that maybe they aren't hiring for right now but you could be promoted into.
If you have a degree, don't mention it. They will likely toss it assuming you'll quit to find a better job down the line. You gotta make them think you're here for the long haul whether it's true or not.
Ask a chatbot to do it, that's what all the cool kids are doing these days