Worst Cover Letter Advice Use a Quotation in Your Cover Letter

Worst Cover Letter Advice Use a Quotation in Your Cover Letter I came across an article in my travels, Season Your Cover Letter with a Great Quote, that recommended to job seekers that they use an inspiring quotation in their cover letter. In case any of you encounter the same cover letter advice, I want to warn you now NOT to follow it. I strongly discourage anyone from including a quotation in their cover letter, unless that quotation comes from you, a client or supervisor. Examples of Vapid Quotations in Cover Letters Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means. (Albert Einstein) The sample cover letter in the article above included the above quote and stated, You can count on me to live these inspiring words. I know the importance of influencing people for good and that is what I want to be known for. Id welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person so you can judge for yourself. My reaction: Barf. Some other suggested (and I believe empty) quotations from this article: Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan. Norman Vincent Peale Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love. David McCullough Success depends on your backbone, not your wishbone. Unknown Author The problem with using these borrowed words is that just because you like a quotation does not mean you will live up to it! In your cover letter, give inspiring examples of what you have done and then say you will live up to your own examples. Hard facts always speak louder than flowery language. When it’s Okay to Use a Quotation in Your Cover Letter When I was a hiring manager I never received a cover letter containing a quotation, but if I had I would have mistrusted it immediately. Anyone can do a Google search for inspiring quotations. Not very many people truly meet the high standards set by those words, so I would caution you to avoid this type of quotation in your cover letter. The exception to this rule is if you have a quote that you wrote yourself, and that you can back up with examples. Also, it’s a great strategy to put some testimonials from other people in your cover letter – either at the top or in the margin. You can get creative with carefully chosen quotations like these. Another option is to use a tagline on both your resume and cover letter. For example, one of my clients says under her name, â€Å"Leading Teams to Performance When the Game is On the Line.† Isn’t that better than some quote by Benjamin Franklin? If you need help developing a cover letter that will help you get interviews, contact us for more information, or view our Resume and Cover Letter Writing Services.