[Rex_Salvḗbō]

Hello everyone.

I've been struggling with writing cover letters for job applications. I find posts that are perfect for my skill set and interests but I'm unable to finish the letter. The jobs I'm looking at are great. They pay is higher, I'm passionate about the type of work, and I have connections at the organizations. I just can't get my self to write the letter. None of these things seem to be enough to motivate me or keep me on task. Any help out there?

[Travelinglady]

Hello, Rex_Salveo, and welcome to Psych Central! Can you figure out why you are anxious about writing a cover letter? Are you worried it won't be good enough to get you the job? Are you maybe concerned about changing jobs?

How about just practicing writing cover letters with no particular job in mind--sort of like an exercise?

Can you find any sort of sample cover letters on the Internet you can somewhat copy?

[glok]

Hello, Rex_Salvḗbō. Why do you think you cannot finish the letter? I sense you are concerned about the possibility of failing. If you do not try, you will never know. Go for it.

[hvert]

Write a generic cover letter that just requires you to fill in the blanks for whatever job you are looking at. Short and sweet is best!

I use something along these lines:

Hi,

I would like to apply for the <<job title>> position which was advertised in <<where you saw the listing>>. As you can see from my attached resume, I have extensive experience in <<bullet point from their job ad>> due to the time I spent <<doing whatever it is that is relevant>>. Additionally, I <<another impressive thing you have done that is relevant to the job>>.

I'm passionate about <<bullet point form their job ad>> and would love to meet to discuss why I'm the perfect fit for this position. You can reach me at <<phone number>> or this email address.

[Rex_Salvḗbō]

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

Hello, Rex_Salveo, and welcome to Psych Central! Can you figure out why you are anxious about writing a cover letter? Are you worried it won't be good enough to get you the job? Are you maybe concerned about changing jobs?

How about just practicing writing cover letters with no particular job in mind--sort of like an exercise?

Can you find any sort of sample cover letters on the Internet you can somewhat copy?

Hello Travelinglday. Thank you for your welcome! To Glok's point, I am afraid of failing and I'm also worried that it won't be good enough to get me the job. I finished my last year under contract at an organization and spent the last 6 months of the job agonizing over applying to jobs in order to transition smoothly into a new job with no time spent unemployed. Now I'm 12 days unemployed and can't seem to get the cover letters done.

A former coworker got me an interview for Thursday but I have to turn in the cover letter before then to make it official with the hiring manager. I spent yesterday at my computer unable to write anything. Instead I read Game of Thrones and hung out with my roommate when she got home.

I like your idea of thinking of it as an exercise with no pressure. I'll try that today as well as looking at cover letter samples.

[Rex_Salvḗbō]

Originally Posted by hvert

Write a generic cover letter that just requires you to fill in the blanks for whatever job you are looking at. Short and sweet is best!

I use something along these lines:

Hi,

I would like to apply for the <<job title>> position which was advertised in <<where you saw the listing>>. As you can see from my attached resume, I have extensive experience in <<bullet point from their job ad>> due to the time I spent <<doing whatever it is that is relevant>>. Additionally, I <<another impressive thing you have done that is relevant to the job>>.

I'm passionate about <<bullet point form their job ad>> and would love to meet to discuss why I'm the perfect fit for this position. You can reach me at <<phone number>> or this email address.

Hey hvert. Thank you for that format. I'll try to use it today as I start writing.

[RachelCarsonfan]

Hi, Rex! I really like hvert's format and there are certainly many others from which to choose online. As they say, there is no need to re-invent the wheel! Just make sure you make any generic template personal by adding a few specific details like hvert suggested (expand upon something in your resume for example). There's also information online on how to prepare for an interview - what to wear (and not wear) and questions you should be prepared to answer. I went on several interviews in the past six months and found this preparation to be really beneficial!!! Good luck!

[hvert]

I hope you got your cover letter written. I'm working on a scholarship application right now and procrastinating like mad over it. I think we should trade -- I'll write your cover letter, you write my 'why do you want to attend' answer