6 ms·

Hearing back on 0/10 isn't great but it also isn't so far outside my experience when I was applying to my first few jobs. Some companies take a long time to ge

by a_c_s 10y ago

Hearing back on 0/10 isn't great but it also isn't so far outside my experience when I was applying to my first few jobs. Some companies take a long time to get back to you (IIRC for Amazon I was offered an interview 2-3 months after applying) And many companies are just rude (don't even acknowledge receiving your application, don't follow up after interviews). However something that struck me about your story: most of my cover letters have consisted of a simple 3-4 sentence email. It mentioned the job, where I found it, expressed my enthusiasm for the position and highlighted some skills I have that match the job description. I'm curious to hear other opinions, but you might be trying too hard on the cover letters.

whamlastxmas 10y ago
My cover letters are usually three paragraphs. The first is two sentences saying that it looks like an exciting opportunity and introducing myself as a web developer in CityX whose client experience matches that of the hiring company. The second is a few sentences saying that my experience matches the desired qualifications in the job ad, and expressing my desire to always learn new technology and improve my existing skills (because it's usually not a literal perfect match). The third touches on why the position is a good match on a personal level, such as my personal/hobby interest in some topic that is central to the job. I close by saying I look forward to hearing more about I can help. In all, it's really not too much longer than this comment. Maybe only 3 sentences longer. I try to make it friendly and casual because I figure people don't like reading robotic, boring cover letters.
- hluska 10y ago
  Ever thought of switching that up a little bit?? I've read many, many cover letters in my day and when I have a whole stack to get through, your style of cover letter gets boring fast. I know this is suboptimal and I've likely missed out on some very good people because of it, but that's just how it goes. Why not try telling a story that shows some sort of personal interest in the organization that you're applying to? Or, try to focus on showing your enthusiasm for the position. While you're working at changing your style, you should work on some basic mechanical things in your writing. I know that this is HN, so you likely didn't put much time into proofreading, but sentences like this one hurt me in my soul: "The second is a few sentences saying that my experience matches the desired qualifications in the job ad, and expressing my desire to always learn new technology and improve my existing skills (because it's usually not a literal perfect match)." Or, consider this sentence: "I close by saying I look forward to hearing more about I can help." Again, I understand that you likely didn't put much time into proofreading your comment, but you missed a pretty important word.
  - whamlastxmas 10y ago
    I agree. I have constant typos in my comments here and they are definitely not indicative of my cover letters. I do not write very well on first drafts which is why I said cover letters usually take me over an hour. I usually get them proof read by my friend who has professional writing experience. My approach is based off advice I once heard about essays for college applications. Overwhelmingly it seems like there is a formulaic approach to them that works really well. I assume this isn't specific to college admissions, but really just people in general who read lots of applications (whether it be for a school or job). Part of the advice I read was that you should stick to the formulaic approach unless you are an excellent, confident writer. I would say my cover letters definitely show enthusiasm and I explicitly spend probably 25% of it discussing my personal interest in the position/company. But writing in a story format that is well formed, relevant to the job, and interesting is well beyond my abilities. I spend enough time as it is on cover letters that generally result in nothing.
- jakobegger 10y ago
  This sounds like a great cover letter and exactly what I'd like to receive. I've been looking for an employee for some time now, and I wish I'd receive applications like this. I wonder what companies you are applying to? For example, I know that pretty much every tech company in my city is looking for developers. I think a problem is that developers mostly apply to the larger tech companies in the area (50+ employees). Smaller companies (like my own, and others I have talked to) are having trouble finding people even for entry level positions.
  - whamlastxmas 10y ago
    Recently the remote ones from HN's "Who is hiring" threads whose needs match my experience. Unfortunately no experience with what you need according to the job posting on your site :)
    - jakobegger 10y ago
      Remote positions get a lot of applications. For example, even though I explicitly state that I am looking for local people, I get more applications from devs looking for a remote job. While I personally respond to every application, I completely understand why someone who posts a more popular job ad wouldn't.

by a_c_s 10y ago

whamlastxmas 10y ago

My cover letters are usually three paragraphs. The first is two sentences saying that it looks like an exciting opportunity and introducing myself as a web developer in CityX whose client experience matches that of the hiring company. The second is a few sentences saying that my experience matches the desired qualifications in the job ad, and expressing my desire to always learn new technology and improve my existing skills (because it's usually not a literal perfect match). The third touches on why the position is a good match on a personal level, such as my personal/hobby interest in some topic that is central to the job. I close by saying I look forward to hearing more about I can help. In all, it's really not too much longer than this comment. Maybe only 3 sentences longer. I try to make it friendly and casual because I figure people don't like reading robotic, boring cover letters.

hluska 10y ago
Ever thought of switching that up a little bit?? I've read many, many cover letters in my day and when I have a whole stack to get through, your style of cover letter gets boring fast. I know this is suboptimal and I've likely missed out on some very good people because of it, but that's just how it goes. Why not try telling a story that shows some sort of personal interest in the organization that you're applying to? Or, try to focus on showing your enthusiasm for the position. While you're working at changing your style, you should work on some basic mechanical things in your writing. I know that this is HN, so you likely didn't put much time into proofreading, but sentences like this one hurt me in my soul: "The second is a few sentences saying that my experience matches the desired qualifications in the job ad, and expressing my desire to always learn new technology and improve my existing skills (because it's usually not a literal perfect match)." Or, consider this sentence: "I close by saying I look forward to hearing more about I can help." Again, I understand that you likely didn't put much time into proofreading your comment, but you missed a pretty important word.
- whamlastxmas 10y ago
  I agree. I have constant typos in my comments here and they are definitely not indicative of my cover letters. I do not write very well on first drafts which is why I said cover letters usually take me over an hour. I usually get them proof read by my friend who has professional writing experience. My approach is based off advice I once heard about essays for college applications. Overwhelmingly it seems like there is a formulaic approach to them that works really well. I assume this isn't specific to college admissions, but really just people in general who read lots of applications (whether it be for a school or job). Part of the advice I read was that you should stick to the formulaic approach unless you are an excellent, confident writer. I would say my cover letters definitely show enthusiasm and I explicitly spend probably 25% of it discussing my personal interest in the position/company. But writing in a story format that is well formed, relevant to the job, and interesting is well beyond my abilities. I spend enough time as it is on cover letters that generally result in nothing.
jakobegger 10y ago
This sounds like a great cover letter and exactly what I'd like to receive. I've been looking for an employee for some time now, and I wish I'd receive applications like this. I wonder what companies you are applying to? For example, I know that pretty much every tech company in my city is looking for developers. I think a problem is that developers mostly apply to the larger tech companies in the area (50+ employees). Smaller companies (like my own, and others I have talked to) are having trouble finding people even for entry level positions.
- whamlastxmas 10y ago
  Recently the remote ones from HN's "Who is hiring" threads whose needs match my experience. Unfortunately no experience with what you need according to the job posting on your site :)
  - jakobegger 10y ago
    Remote positions get a lot of applications. For example, even though I explicitly state that I am looking for local people, I get more applications from devs looking for a remote job. While I personally respond to every application, I completely understand why someone who posts a more popular job ad wouldn't.