I’ve blogged about this topic before on ERE and as a ghost writer on a former client’s blog (which caused something like a 1000% spike – albeit temporary – in the blog’s traffic). Given all the pablum-like advice on cover letters these days – folks, there’s something wrong when a one-page resume is accompanied by a one-page cover letter – it is worth reposting this one specific letter in response to a Linus sysadmin opportunity…
I’ve been bouncing boxes for Uncle Sam 2.5 years now in some of the most god-awful places on earth. I’ve racked servers during indirect fire, maintained contact with a bird while our vehicle was shot up, mastered the finer art of the many uses of duct tape and how it applies to IT in a warzone.
I’ve put up racks in Namibian provinces while cheetahs and jackals watched me from 100 yards away, I’ve even chased an ostrich who tried to steal my CAT5 from the box. I’ve worked on military projects where the dotmil PM/leadership had a more difficult time making decisions than my wife. I’ve danced in the Red Zone with Iraqi locals after a support call to a Forward Operating Base.
I’ve mastered the chemistry of the ‘essential caffeine stack’ and I debunked the myth that if you untie your belly button, your butt will fall off (it won’t!). I’ve been shot at, shot up, blown up, broken and put back together again; from Baghdad to Namibia and from Sudan to Djibouti. I strongly feel that I have the skillset, experience and thick skin to take on the world of IT in the greatest city on earth.
This was so unique that I was dialing this person’s phone number the moment I finished reading. It was so compelling that I would have called him even if his resume experience and skills didn’t match the needs of the position.
Will your cover letter – keep in mind that most of us might not even read it unless your resume gives us a reason to do so – get my fingers to dial your number?
If you’re brave enough and want some feedback, post your cover letter here; I’m sure I won’t be the only person chiming in.
The Recruiting Inferno 
Definitely compelling – I would call too. Makes you feel like you want this person on the team, even for “Just in case”. That’s the essence of what a cover letter should be, a compelling reason to keep your eyes glued.
LikeLike
This individual should not be writing cover letters – probably books. If people would put half the thought this candidate did – it could still be compelling.
LikeLike
Loved it, no trite phrases, no, “i am excited about this job”. This person not only told anyone reading it volumes about himself in a few words, his personality came through like a scud missle. I would be on the phone too and from that cover letter, i just want to know him whether i could place him or not.
I think you have hit a new way to talk about cover letters. Tell me something about yourself that will make me want to know you.
LikeLike
Agreed Andy, this guy should write a book! Yes Sandra, I would like to know him too. Steve, when you talk to him again – tell him we said THANKS and send him our best.
LikeLike
That was fun.
LikeLike
Thx Mo – what’s the point of being a template?
LikeLike
I like what Sandra said, “Tell me something about yourself that will make me want to know you.”
Wonder why we don’t teach this?
LikeLike
https://storybird.com/books/the-job-search-4/?token=qfs2r7dh24
This was what I sent instead of a cover letter to the hiring manager.
LikeLike