159
votes
Accepted
Is it a bad idea to mention in my resume/cover letter that I occasionally pulled all-nighters in order to meet project deadlines?
In my experience, "pulling all nighters" isn't perceived as someone dedicated as one would hope. It's typically perceived as someone who has poor planning skills.
I wouldn't mention all-nighters ...
- 43.3k
79
votes
Accepted
What are the pros and cons of mentioning that salary is not most important factor for me in my cover letter?
The best way to show that you aren't particularly interested in salary is... just don't mention it.
What you're looking for is typically referred to as a positive work/life balance. That's the term ...
- 46.7k
59
votes
Is it a bad idea to mention in my resume/cover letter that I occasionally pulled all-nighters in order to meet project deadlines?
No, I wouldn't mention it, as it's nothing to be proud of.
You may as well put a post-it on your back that reads, "Kick Me!", like kids on a playground. Given the wrong supervision, you're going to ...
- 44.7k
36
votes
Accepted
As a co-owner of a small business, how do I assure a hiring manager that I will actually be available?
You can't.
You didn't quite phrase the manager's fear right:
Now if I were a hiring manager, I would (perhaps) be impressed but
also very worried: if this guy maintains such big and important
...
- 30.1k
27
votes
What are the pros and cons of mentioning that salary is not most important factor for me in my cover letter?
the president said something like "the money is not most important thing, so we just pay just so the workers would not go to other companies"
Did he really say this? I'd steer clear from that company....
- 1,680
19
votes
Disability and cover letter
I'm not sure I would. The resume is all about piquing interest in you and convincing them they have to meet you. It's sad to say, but honestly, a lot of companies would simply bypass your resume if ...
- 10.9k
18
votes
Accepted
Should I state that I do not do unpaid coding challenges in the cover letter?
Since you are looking for a senior developer, I feel qualified to try to help.
I suggest not to write this in your cover letter. A cover letter is meant to tell the employer how your previous work ...
- 47.3k
18
votes
Accepted
"You're in the top 10% of applicants based on your LinkedIn profile!" - So what can I do with this info?
So what can I do with this info?
Very little. I suppose it would be useful to tell at a glance how compatible your skills and experience are to a given position but that's something you could just as ...
- 59.4k
15
votes
What are the pros and cons of mentioning that salary is not most important factor for me in my cover letter?
You still like having more money, right?
What do you gain from putting that in a cover letter? Nothing.
What do you lose? Whoever is hiring you is going to know they can offer you a lower salary ...
- 24.9k
15
votes
Accepted
When changing careers, should I address my lack of experience in the new field in my cover letter?
When changing careers, should I address my lack of experience in the
new field in my cover letter?
No.
Your cover letter is a selling device. It should be enthusiastic and highlight your ability ...
- 386k
15
votes
Why Resume and Cover letter are location specific?
Ignore these calls, this is just money-making scam.
That said, there are cultural differences on how to present yourself in different Countries. It is a plus if you learn the style appropriate to ...
- 22.3k
15
votes
Can emails count as being cover letters, or should a cover letter be a proper document?
I've received some emails with cover letter-like content, but no attached cover letter.
When you ask for a "cover letter" then what you're asking for is an introduction for the candidate, which gives ...
- 7,596
14
votes
Should I state that I do not do unpaid coding challenges in the cover letter?
I am conflicted as to whether I should state in my cover letter that I
do not do unpaid coding challenges
Don't be conflicted. This is easily solved.
Do not put such a statement in a cover letter. ...
- 386k
14
votes
Accepted
Is it a good idea to write a "straight to the point" cover letter?
The cover letter is often misunderstood, but it's actually quite simple
Your resume describes you and your experiences (same for all jobs)
The job descriptions describes the job and the requirements ...
- 125k
13
votes
Wanting to apply in Germany, how to write cover letter with B1 German?
personal opinion: write it yourself, and maybe have someone who speaks German look over it.
I am German and work in Germany. When I read a letter from non German speakers, I just cared for motivation ...
- 12.4k
13
votes
Accepted
Should I mention in my cover letter that I could learn a language mentioned in the job ad from my significant other?
The job ad says that knowledge of a foreign language, Russian in this case, would be a plus.
You don't know Russian and you didn't mention your girlfriend being a language teacher, so if a bilingual ...
- 224k
12
votes
Accepted
Should I mention Canadian PR status in my CV?
Yes, of course you should (when applying for jobs in Canada).
This is a pertinent fact and increases your chances of being interviewed and offered the job.
For instance, I mention that I am security ...
- 12.7k
11
votes
Should I send multiple cover letters when applying for different positions at a company?
Don't make it more difficult than it needs to be.
Just reference both positions in the cover letter and highlight there why you think you would be qualified for each one in turn.
I would definitely ...
- 43.3k
11
votes
Accepted
Should I mention my current, financially unstable employer in cover letter?
As a hiring manager, I wouldn't expect you to write about your employer's financial situation in your cover letter. I would save your explanation for when you are asked why you are pursuing other ...
- 17.4k
11
votes
As a co-owner of a small business, how do I assure a hiring manager that I will actually be available?
This is a good example of the "exactly" argument. It can be found in any book on closing sales under "overcoming objections". You turn the objection into the reason why your ...
- 160k
11
votes
As a recruiter, what do you look for in a motivation or cover letter?
The role of the cover letter is often misunderstood but it is actually straight forward
The job description is about the role (same for all candidates)
Your resume is about you (same for all jobs you ...
- 125k
10
votes
Accepted
Disability and cover letter
How would you describe this situation in the cover letter?
I am going to attempt to answer this head on. Your question was how would you describe this on a cover letter, my answer is as delicately ...
- 84.8k
10
votes
Accepted
Is it OK to send a business letter in English/French-only to a foreign company?
Yes this is OK.
If you don't speak a specific language, it makes no sense for you to send requests in that language.
From the company's perspective, if they receive your request in their native ...
- 79.6k
10
votes
Possible Missing Word in Cover Letter
No. It won't make any difference.
9
votes
Accepted
Mention in the cover letter that I've done contractor work for the company
I signed an NDA at a client's request
Now I want to apply for a job opening in the client's company.
You signed an NDA for a client, now you want to know if you can tell that client you signed their ...
- 4,265
9
votes
Is it appropriate to thank a civil servant for their service in a cover letter?
Shorten it to:
Thanks for your consideration.
You are applying for the job as an individual, and not meeting them as a representative of the society. Your cover letter is not the right place to ...
- 47.3k
9
votes
Should I say that I need visa sponsorship in my cover letters?
"But this will blow up my chance of getting the job."
If a company is not in a position to help you with a visa, then even if you get an interview, you won't pass; and you'll have wasted their time, ...
- 33k
8
votes
Accepted
Online application - pasting cover letter into text field
For this type of cover letter submission, you can typically leave off any redundant information, particularly the contact information for you and for the company. The opening and closing salutations ...
- 30.1k
8
votes
Accepted
Should I include personal challenges in a cover letter?
I overcame a serious illness just after entering college and dealt
with other challenges in the past that didn't make my way easy. I
believe they helped me to build character, but I am not sure if
...
- 386k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible