does google read cover letters

How to Write a Cover Letter: Your Full Guide (With Tips and Examples)

It’s a familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples , do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like “how to write a cover letter”—which hopefully brought you here. But you still might be thinking, does anyone really read cover letters? Why do they even exist?

First: Yes, we can assure you that cover letters do, in fact, get read. To some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application. And regardless, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.

To ensure your letter is in amazing shape (and crafting it is as painless as possible), we’ve got easy-to-follow steps plus examples, a few bonus tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Get that cover letter out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find your dream job »

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note that you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials.

Done well, a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience line up with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also affords you an opportunity to hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.

Instead of using cover letters to their strategic advantage, most job applicants blabber on and on about what they want, toss out bland, cliché-filled paragraphs that essentially just regurgitate their resume, or go off on some strange tangent in an effort to be unique. Given this reality, imagine the leg up you’ll have once you learn how to do cover letters right.

How long should a cover letter be?

An ideal cover letter typically ranges from a half page to one full page. Aim to structure it into four paragraphs, totaling around 250 to 400 words, unless the job posting states otherwise. Some employers may have specific guidelines like word or character limits, writing prompt, or questions to address. In such cases, be sure to follow these instructions from the job posting.

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love

Now that you’re sold on how important cover letters are, here are eight steps to writing one that screams, “I’m a great hire!”

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template)

Sure, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and organization—which means creating a custom letter for each position.

While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re mass-applying to every job listing that pops up on LinkedIn.

At the same time, there’s nothing that says you can’t get a little help: Try out one of our free cover letter templates to make the process a bit easier.

Step 2: Add your contact info

At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you’d like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in):

• Your pronouns (optional)
• Your location (optional)
• Your email address
• Your phone number (optional)
• Your Linkedin, portfolio, or personal website URL (optional)

Note that only name and email are mandatory, and you don’t need to put a full address on a cover letter or resume anymore. A city and state (or metro area) are more than enough. So your header might look like this:

Inigo Montoya he/him Florin Metropolitan Area [email protected] 555-999-2222

If the job posting tells you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can add your contact info at the end, after your name (and if you’d like to forgo the email address here, you can—they have it already). So your sign off could look like this:

Violet Baudelaire she/her [email protected] 123-123-1234

https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-baudelaire/

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name

The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Jane Smith” or just “Dear Ms. Smith”). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title—or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine.

If “Dear” feels a bit too stiff, try “Hello.” But never use generic salutations like “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

For more help, read these rules for addressing your cover letter and a few tips for how to find the hiring manager .

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader

Your opening sets the stage for the whole cover letter. So you want it to be memorable, friendly, conversational, and hyper-relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already. But it’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (they may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs).

You could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a snappy first paragraph that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, and/or your past accomplishments.

This is a prime spot to include the “why” for your application. Make it very clear why you want this job at this company. Are you a longtime user of their products? Do you have experience solving a problem they’re working on? Do you love their brand voice or approach to product development? Do your research on the company (and check out their Muse profile if they have one) to find out.

Read this next: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job

A common cover letter mistake is only talking about how great the position would be for you. Frankly, hiring managers are aware of that—what they really want to know is what you’re going to bring to the position and company.

So once you’ve got the opening under wraps, you should pull out a few key ideas that will make up the backbone of your cover letter. They should show that you understand what the organization is looking for and spell out how your background lines up with the position.

Study the job description for hints . What problems is the company looking to solve with this hire? What skills or experiences are mentioned high up, or more than once? These will likely be the most important qualifications.

If you tend to have a hard time singing your own praises and can’t nail down your strengths , here’s a quick trick: What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? How would they sing your praises? Use the answers to inform how you write about yourself. You can even weave in feedback you’ve received to strengthen your case (occasionally, don’t overuse this!). For example:

“When I oversaw our last office move, my color-coded spreadsheets covering every minute detail of the logistics were legendary; my manager said I was so organized, she’d trust me to plan an expedition to Mars.”

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers

Look at your list of qualifications from the previous step, and think of examples from your past that prove you have them. Go beyond your resume. Don’t just regurgitate what the hiring manager can read elsewhere.

Simply put, you want to paint a fuller picture of what experiences and accomplishments make you a great hire and show off what you can sashay through their doors with and deliver once you land the job.

For example, what tells a hiring manager more about your ability to win back former clients? This: “I was in charge of identifying and re-engaging former clients.” Or this: “By analyzing past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone, I was able to bring both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the task of re-engaging former clients.”

If you're having trouble figuring out how to do this, try asking yourself these questions and finding answers that line up with the qualifications you’ve chosen to focus on:

• What approach did you take to tackling one of the responsibilities you’ve mentioned on your resume?
• What details would you include if you were telling someone a (very short!) story about how you accomplished one of your resume bullet points?
• What about your personality, passion, or work ethic made you especially good at getting the job done?

Come up with your examples, then throw in a few numbers. Hiring managers love to see stats—they show you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization you’ve worked for. Did you bring in more clients than any of your peers? Put together an impressive number of events? Make a process at work 30% more efficient? Work it into your cover letter!

This might help: How to Quantify Your Resume Bullets (When You Don't Work With Numbers)

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion

It’s tempting to treat the final lines of your cover letter as a throwaway: “I look forward to hearing from you.” But your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the company or how you’d be a great fit for the position. You can also use the end of your letter to add important details—like, say, the fact that you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Try something like this:

“I believe my energy, desire to innovate, and experience as a sales leader will serve OrangePurple Co. very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next West Coast Sales Director. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.”

Then be sure to sign off professionally , with an appropriate closing and your first and last name. (Need help? Here are three cover letter closing lines that make hiring managers grimace, plus some better options .)

Step 8: Reread and revise

We shouldn’t have to tell you to run your cover letter through spell-check, but remember that having your computer scan for typos isn’t the same as editing . Set your letter aside for a day or even just a few hours, and then read through it again with fresh eyes—you’ll probably notice some changes you want to make.

You might even want to ask a friend or family member to give it a look. In addition to asking them if they spot any errors, you should ask them two questions:

• Does this sell me as the best person for the job?
• Does it get you excited?

If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.

Cover letter examples

Here are four example cover letters that follow the advice given above. Keep in mind that different situations may require adjustments in your approach. For instance, experienced job seekers can emphasize accomplishments from previous roles, while those with less experience might highlight volunteer work, personal projects, or skills gained through education.

Example #1: Cover letter for a job application

Alia Farhat San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] 444-000-1111

Hello Danny Tanaka,

If I’m being honest, I still haven’t fully gotten over the death of my first Tamagotchi pet when I was six years old. (His name was Tommy, and I’ve gotten far more creative since then, I promise.) When I was older, I discovered NeoPets and I was hooked for years—not just on the site, but on the community that surrounded it. So when I heard about FantasyPets last year, I immediately started following news about your development process, and that’s how I saw your post looking for a marketing strategist. Not only do I have eight years of experience in digital marketing, but as a lifelong gamer with a passion for pet-focused titles who’s spent years in online communities with like-minded people, I also know exactly what kind of messaging resonates with your target audience.

You’re looking for someone to help you craft a social media marketing campaign to go along with your game launch, and I’ve been a part of three launch-day marketing campaigns for mobile and web-based games. In my current role as social media manager at Phun Inc., I proposed a campaign across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok based on competitor research and analysis of our social campaigns for similar games to go along with the launch of the mobile game FarmWorld. Using my strategy of featuring both kids and adults in ads, we ended up driving over one million impressions and 80k downloads in the first three months.

I’ve always believed that the best way to find the right messaging for a game is to understand the audience and immerse myself in it as much as possible. I spend some of my research time on gaming forums and watching Twitch streams and Let’s Plays to see what really matters to the audience and how they talk about it. Of course, I always back my strategies up with data—I’m even responsible for training new members of the marketing team at Phun Inc. in Google AdWords and data visualization.

I believe that my passion for games exactly like yours, my digital marketing and market research experience, and my flair for turning data into actionable insights will help put FantasyPets on the map. I see so much promise in this game, and as a future player, I want to see its user base grow as much as you do. I appreciate your consideration for the marketing strategist role and hope to speak with you soon.

Alia Farhat

Example #2: Cover letter for an internship

Mariah Johnson

New York, NY [email protected] 555-000-1234

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the software development internship at Big Tech. As a student at New York University majoring in computer science with a keen interest in social studies, I believe I would be a good fit for the role. Big Tech's mission to promote equality and a more sustainable world is deeply inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission.

In a recent hackathon, I demonstrated my ability to lead a team in designing and developing an app that directs members of a small community to nearby electronics recycling centers. My team successfully developed a working prototype and presented it to a panel of industry experts who awarded us second place.

I’ve also been an active volunteer at my local library for over four years. During this time, I organized book donation drives, led book fairs, and conducted reading sessions with children. This experience strengthened my presentation and communication skills and confirmed my motivation stems from supporting a good cause. I would be more than happy to bring my passion and dedication to an organization whose mission resonates with me..

Through these experiences, along with my coursework in software engineering, I am confident I am able to navigate the challenges of the Big Tech internship program. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.

Example #3: Cover letter with no experience

Sarah Bergman

Philadelphia, PA [email protected] 1234-555-6789

Dear Chloe West,

I’m excited to apply for the entry-level copywriting position at Idea Agency. As a recent graduate from State University with a major in mass communications, I’m eager to delve deeper into copywriting for brands, marketing strategies, and their roles in the business world.

Over the past two years, I’ve completed courses in creative writing, copywriting, and essentials of digital marketing. I’ve also been actively involved in extracurricular activities, creating content and promoting student events across multiple online platforms. These experiences expanded my creativity, enhanced my teamwork skills, and strengthened my communication abilities.

As an admirer of your visionary marketing campaigns and Idea Agency’s commitment to sustainability, I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I'm confident that I can contribute to your future projects with inventive thinking and creative energy.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,

Example #4: Career change cover letter

Leslie Smith

Chicago, IL [email protected] 111-222-3344

Dear Paul Jones,

Over the past year, I’ve volunteered to represent my company at a local fair and there I discovered how much fun working face to face with clients would be. Everytime I sold a product for The Solar Company, I often wished it was my full-time job. Now, I'm excited to submit my application for the sales coordinator position with Bloom Sales.

After completing a degree in business administration, I decided to put my outgoing personality and strong communication skills to work as a sales specialist at The Solar Company. I’ve sharpened my presentation and critical thinking skills in client meetings and sourced more than $20,000 in new partnerships. This experience has given me an invaluable foundation, and now I’m confident it's the time to move business administration to sales coordination.

I’m comfortable seeking out new business opportunities, making cold calls, and selling potential clients on the advantages of Bloom Sales products. I attend an average of 10 in-person meetings a week, and interacting with a lot of different personalities is what excites me the most. As a detail-oriented, tech-savvy professional, I have advanced knowledge of Excel and data analysis.

I would love to learn more about your sales strategy for the second semester and discuss how my experience in business administration and client-facing sales exposure would help Bloom Sales achieve its goals. Thank you for your consideration.

Extra cover letter examples

• Pain point cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Buzzfeed-style cover letter example
• Creative cover letter example (from the point-of-view of a dog)

Bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition

As you write your cover letter, here are a few more tips to consider to help you stand out from the stack of applicants:

• Keep it short and sweet: There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, for resumes and cover letters alike, don’t go over a page. (Check out these tips for cutting down your cover letter .)
• Never apologize for your missing experience: When you don’t meet all of the job requirements, it’s tempting to use lines like, “Despite my limited experience as a manager…” or “While I may not have direct experience in marketing…” But why apologize ? Instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, emphasize the strengths and transferable skills you do have.
• Strike the right tone: You want to find a balance between being excessively formal in your writing—which can make you come off as stiff or insincere—and being too conversational. Let your personality shine through, for sure, but also keep in mind that a cover letter shouldn’t sound like a text to an old friend.
• Consider writing in the company’s “voice:” Cover letters are a great way to show that you understand the environment and culture of the company and industry. Spending some time reading over the company website or stalking their social media before you get started can be a great way to get in the right mindset—you’ll get a sense for the company’s tone, language, and culture, which are all things you’ll want to mirror—especially if writing skills are a core part of the job.
• Go easy on the enthusiasm: We can’t tell you how many cover letters we’ve seen from people who are “absolutely thrilled for the opportunity” or “very excitedly applying!” Yes, you want to show personality, creativity, and excitement. But downplay the adverbs a bit, and keep the level of enthusiasm for the opportunity genuine and believable.

The bottom line with cover letters is this: They matter, much more than the naysayers will have you believe. If you nail yours, you could easily go from the “maybe” pile straight to “Oh, hell yes.”

Cover letter FAQs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters)

• Are cover letters still necessary?
• Do I have to write a cover letter if it’s optional?
• Can I skip the cover letter for a tech job?
• What does it mean to write a cover letter for a resume?
• How can I write a simple cover letter in 30 minutes?
• How can I show personality in my cover letter?
• What should I name my cover letter file?
• Is a letter of intent different from a cover letter?
• Is a letter of interest different from a cover letter?

Regina Borsellino , Jenny Foss , and Amanda Cardoso contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

Google Cover Letter Example & How-To (2023 Guide)

Written by James Vandersmith

April 26, 2023.

If you’re looking to apply for a job with Google, then you’ll want to make sure your cover letter is up to the mark. Google is one of the world’s leading tech companies and they expect their applicants to demonstrate excellence in all aspects of their application materials. A strong cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and having your job application dismissed.

This guide will provide you the best chance of success, we have compiled a guide to help you write an effective and winning Google cover letter . This guide includes an example of a successful Google cover letter and advice on what to include in yours.

Best Format for Google Cover Letter Examples.

Google is a highly professional and innovative company and your cover letter should follow suit. We suggest using the following formatting for your Google cover letter:

– A clear, direct subject line

– A brief introduction about yourself – why you are a good fit for the job

– Examples of relevant experience that make you stand out from other applicants

– A summary of your key skills, qualifications and experience

– A closing paragraph that reiterates why you are the right candidate for the job

Resume + Job Description + Writing Ability = Cover Letter Success

To craft the perfect cover letter for Google, you need to combine your resume and job description with your writing ability. Your resume should include all of the details about your qualifications and experience that demonstrate why you’re a great fit for the role. The job description will tell you exactly what skills and qualifications are required to be successful in the role. Finally, you’ll need to be able to write well and express yourself clearly in your cover letter.

By combining these three elements, you can ensure that your cover letter for Google is effective and strong enough to earn an interview.

Showcase your Enthusiasm and Dedication in your Google Cover Letter.

In your opening paragraph, it’s important to demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the role. Enthusiasm is something that can’t be taught or faked – it needs to come from an authentic place. Show them why you are truly interested in the job and what value you can bring to their team.

Make sure to give specific examples from past experiences that demonstrate your enthusiasm and capability. Some examples may include a project you completed that was challenging and rewarding, or an idea you initiated that made a lasting impact.

Convey Why You’d Be a Great Hire for this Job.

The closing paragraph of your Google cover letter should be used to reiterate why you’re the best candidate for the job. Use this opportunity to summarize the key qualifications, skills, and experience that make you stand out from other applicants. This will give the hiring manager an overview of why you are a great fit for the role.

Conduct Extensive Research on the Company.

Before submitting your Google cover letter, make sure to thoroughly research the company. Doing this will give you a better understanding of their values and culture, and it will also give you a better understanding of what qualities the hiring manager is looking for in their ideal candidate. This information can then be used to tailor your cover letter and make it more specific to the company.

Proofread & Edit Your Google Cover Letter.

Your cover letter for Google should be flawless – make sure you take the time to proofread and edit it thoroughly. One small mistake can mean the difference between getting an interview or not, so make sure to check over everything a few times before submitting.

Conclude Your Google Cover Letter with a Call-to-Action.

The final line of your cover letter should be a call-to-action that encourages the hiring manager to contact you. This could be something simple like “I look forward to hearing from you soon” or “I am available for an interview at your convenience”. This will demonstrate that you are eager and excited to learn more about the role and join their team.

Google Cover Letter FAQs

How do i write a standard cover letter.

The standard Google cover letter should include your resume, job description, and writing ability. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and dedication in the letter, provide evidence of your qualifications and experience, research the company thoroughly, edit and proofread your letter, and end with a call-to-action.

Who should I address for my Google cover letter?

Your Google cover letter should be addressed to the hiring manager of the role or the head of human resources. You can find this out by looking at the job posting or by conducting research on LinkedIn.

Should I write a cover letter for the Google application?

Yes, you should always write a cover letter for the Google application. A standout cover letter can make all the difference in standing out from other applicants and getting an interview. Make sure to tailor your letter to the position and company, show your enthusiasm and dedication, and provide evidence of why you’d be a great hire.

What should I include in my Google cover letter?

Your Google cover letter should include your resume, job description, and writing ability. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and dedication in the letter, provide evidence of your qualifications and experience, research the company thoroughly, edit and proofread your letter, and end with a call-to-action.

How long should a Google cover letter be?

Google cover letters should typically be between 250-500 words since Google employees don’t have much time to read cover letters. Make sure you include only the most important information, such as why you’re a great candidate for the job and how your skills and experience would be valuable to the company. Additionally, make sure you proofread your letter to ensure it’s free from errors.

Does Google have cover letter templates?

Yes, Google has a specialized cover letter template that you can use. The template includes sections for your resume, job description and writing ability. It also provides tips on how to write an effective cover letter, including what information to include and how to format your letter. You can access the template on the Google website or from a number of other job search websites.

Google Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Managers,

I am writing to apply for the role of Software Developer at Google. As a highly motivated and tech-savvy individual with three years of professional experience, I believe I am a great candidate for this position.

My current role has given me extensive experience a wide range of software development tools and technologies, including C++, Java, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript. I have worked on a variety of projects and have consistently met deadlines and exceeded expectations.

Additionally, I have a strong background in problem-solving and am skilled at working in fast-paced, dynamic environments. I am confident that my technical knowledge and experience make me an ideal candidate for the role.

I am excited about the opportunity to join Google and would welcome the chance to learn more about the role and your company. I am available for an interview at your convenience and would be happy to provide additional information about my qualifications.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Make Your Google Cover Letter More Personalized With AI

Start using YourCoverLetter today to create an attention-grabbing cover letter specifically tailored for a Google job. With just one entry of relevant skills and company information, YourCoverLetter’s AI Cover Letter Builder will quickly generate a standout cover letter. Don’t miss out on the chance to get ahead of your competitors and get noticed.

Table of Contents

Read the cover letters that landed people jobs at Google, LinkedIn, and other top companies and their advice for making yours stand out

• Job seekers can learn a lot about writing the perfect cover letter by reading other people's.
• Insider spoke to professionals who landed top tech jobs about what they wrote and why.
• They suggested going against conventional wisdom and focusing on how you can be an asset.

As many people are rethinking their career paths and applying for new opportunities right now, they're having to tackle one of the toughest but most important aspects of the job search: the cover letter.

Your cover letter gives a more in-depth and personalized look at who you are behind your resume — and can often be a make-or-break factor in a job application. Creating the perfect one requires patience, time, and a bit of creativity. To inspire yours, here are four examples of cover letters that have helped professionals land jobs at top companies like Snapchat and LinkedIn.

Try a different medium

Cover letters don't always have to come in the form of a PDF or Word document.

When Jonathan Javiar was a senior at the University of California Riverside, he sent a LinkedIn message to a recruiter at Snap. In that message, he highlighted his experience throughout his time at school, his leadership skills, and his high Snapchat score, which indicated he was a frequent user of the company's product. 

That initial message got him an interview — and eventually the job.

Read more: The short LinkedIn message a college student sent a recruiter to land a job at Snap

The LinkedIn post that landed a job seeker an offer from Google after he'd been rejected

Focus on how you're an asset

Sometimes even the smallest changes to your cover letter can help.

Gigi Robinson, a social-media strategist studying at the University of Southern California, landed internships at Warner Brothers and Paramount Studios by taking advice from a professor and making her cover letter less generic.

"I did less explaining in the cover letter about why I would be perfect for the role and how much it would benefit me, and made it more about how I could be an asset to the company," Robinson said.

Read more: The cover letter a college student used to land a marketing internship at Warner Bros.

Think like an employee

Jerry Lee worked at Google from 2017 to 2020, having started as an intern and eventually working his way up to strategy and operations manager.

When he initially applied to Google, he said he made his cover letter match the job description as well as identified key buzzwords that the company looks for. He also said he reached out to previous interns at Google to ask about their experiences and for tips.

Read more: The cover letter a student used to land an internship at Google — which led to a full-time job

Related stories

Go against conventional wisdom

Before Reno Perry accepted a full-time position in talent acquisition at LinkedIn, he worked as an account manager with Stanley Black and Decker. 

To sell his career change, he said that he went against conventional wisdom and told a story about how using LinkedIn helped his career, rather than explaining why he'd be the best fit for the job. 

Read more: Read the cover letter that landed one job seeker a role at LinkedIn

Use a unique format

When Jerry Lee applied for a job at the global consulting firm Accenture, he decided to create a table inside his cover letter that outlined the job description on one side and his qualifications on the other.

He said he did this to "preemptively address recruiter screener questions."

Read more: The cover letter a student used to land a job at consulting firm Accenture making $75,000 a year — with a signing bonus

Nail the hook

Sho Dewan, founder and CEO of career coaching company Workhap, said that the most important part of your cover letter is the hook, or the first few lines. This is what immediately draws a recruiter in — and is often the only part of the letter they read. One of his clients used a compelling hook to emphasize their love for Tesla as a brand.

Read more : A career coach shares the cover letter his client used to land a job at Tesla, and why it worked

• Main content

How to Write a Cover Letter

Explain your skills and experiences to a potential employer by writing a compelling cover letter in Google Docs.

Example outcome

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Auto Racing
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

They look like — and link to — real news articles. But they’re actually ads from the Harris campaign

Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Waltz host a campaign rally at University of Las Vegas Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, on Saturday, August 10, 2024. (Yalonda M. James/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

• Copy Link copied

If you’re not looking too closely, some recent Kamala Harris ads may give the false impression that some leading news organizations are taking sides in the campaign for president.

The advertisements, which have turned up in some Google search feeds, include links to legitimate news stories but feature — in words that appear to be headlines from the originating news organizations — pro-Harris messages written by the Democrat’s campaign. They were revealed in an article by Axios this week.

Google and the campaign defend the practice as legitimate and legal, used in the past by both Democrats and Republicans. But it has raised concern from some of the outlets and others.

Said Jane Kirtley, a media ethics professor at the University of Minnesota: “What it’s about is confusion and deception.”

Assorted methods of advertising

While television remains the dominant form of political advertising, the under-the-radar Google ads also indicate there will be many different ways political campaigns try to reach voters this fall.

The Google ads have popped up for consumers making searches, usually in targeted geographic regions. One ad, for example, has the headline, “VP Harris’s Economic Vision — Lower Costs and Higher Wages.” Copy underneath reads, “a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by but to get ahead. We won’t go back to the failed trickle-down policies that hurt working families.”

The ad includes a link to a story on The Associated Press’ website, where those messages do not appear. Similarly, an ad that links to a story by The Guardian says Harris “is a champion for reproductive freedom and will stop Trump’s abortion bans.”

A spokesman for the Guardian said that “while we understand why an organization might wish to align itself with the Guardian’s trusted brand, we need to ensure that it is being used appropriately and with our permission. We’ll be reaching out to Google for more information about this practice.”

The AP also said it was unaware that one of its articles was being used for this purpose. “AP’s journalism is independent, fact-based and non partisan and must not be misrepresented in any way,” spokesman Patrick Maks said.

Other Google search ads have run using material from CBS News, CNN, Time, PBS and USA Today, according to the Google Ads Transparency Center.

There is no indication that any of the linked articles were altered in any way. But Kirtley said she questioned how many people who see the advertisement will click on those links, and instead mistakenly think the ads were quoting from the articles. For news organizations, that’s crucially important at a time they’re fighting against perceptions of bias by some in the public.

“Their brand is being co-opted for political advertising without permission or prior knowledge,” she said. “It’s fine if they chose to endorse someone, but you don’t want your reporting to be turned into an endorsement.”

News content used outside of news spaces

It’s not the only instance of news outlets needing to be cognizant of their work being used in a political context in an unauthorized way. The AP would not discuss on Thursday whether it has needed to take action to prevent unauthorized uses of its now-iconic photograph of former President Donald Trump following an assassination attempt this summer; it will reportedly be on the cover of Trump’s upcoming book.

Google notes that the Harris ads are clearly labeled as “sponsored” so they are distinguishable from regular search results, and reveal that they are paid for by the Harris campaign. “It’s fairly common for advertisers to link out to or cite external websites, including news sites, in their ads,” Google said in a statement.

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Indeed, the campaigns of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn used similar Google ads during Republican primary campaigns. But in 2017, Facebook decided to ban a similar practice in its advertising after the Wall Street Journal raised questions about it.

The Harris Google ad campaign seems limited in scope. The ads linking to Guardian and AP articles both appeared only in searches by users in the swing state of Pennsylvania, and both have appeared less than 2,000 times, according to the Ads Transparency Center. The Harris campaign said it had no plans to discontinue the ads.

“I just don’t think it’s a big deal,” said Robert Shrum, a veteran Democratic political strategist and director of the Center for the Political Future at the University of Southern California.

Harris’ Google effort is an indication that campaigns will be searching for new and creative ways to reach voters in the next few months, said Steve Caplan, who is teaching a class in political advertising at USC this fall. One expected trend: an explosion of commercials on streaming services like Netflix that never used to accept advertising.

“You’re trying to find new and innovative ways to break through in a media environment that’s very cluttered, and that takes strategy and creativity,” Caplan said.

Still, television ads — especially in swing states — are expected to dominate.

Associated Press correspondent Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco contributed to this report. David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://twitter.com/dbauder .

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• CV and Cover Letter
• Do recruiters actually read...

Do recruiters actually read cover letters anymore?

6 min read · Updated on June 20, 2023

Should you even bother writing a cover letter?

You've spent hours perfecting your CV and LinkedIn profile, then you hastily type a few lines as a cover letter and hit send. After all, do recruiters bother to read cover letters anymore?

Whilst online recruitment tools and digital portals don't always explicitly request one, the inclusion of a cover letter can grab the interest of an HR Manager, show your value, and make a strong case for why you're the right candidate for the job.

Here's all you need to know about the power of the cover letter and why including one ‒ whether requested or not ‒ will elevate your application and help you to put your best self forward.

Do employers really read cover letters?

The simple answer is, yes ‒ most of the time. Many employers like to see a cover letter because it shows two important things: that the candidate has gone the extra mile and that the candidate is serious about their application.

A stellar cover letter acts as a tool for the HR Manager to easily identify suitable applicants by drawing out their unique skills and personality, saving precious time in the shortlisting process.

True, there are some scenarios where the cover letter is not always a prerequisite. The way in which we apply for jobs is evolving, and digital recruitment is becoming increasingly popular. The 2019/2020 XpertHR key recruitment metrics survey reveals that social media as a candidate-attraction method has grown dramatically in recent years, and LinkedIn is used in the recruitment processes of more than nine in 10 organisations (93.2%).

Also, cover letters aren't always necessary when applying via an applicant tracking system  - some organisations set questions to answer that are tied to their values and culture instead.

Even the best cover letters only form part of the overall decision-making process. This is particularly true when HR Managers are considering applications from neurodivergent people, to account for the advantage given to those who can write well.

However, cover letters still hold a lot of value and candidates should think twice before simply hitting the Easy Apply button. It may save time, but this efficiency could be at the expense of quality, as the recruiter will see only a snapshot of your LinkedIn profile rather than the relevant and interesting parts of your career story that a cover letter could supply.

A poll by UK job site reed.co.uk shows that 36% of respondents consider a cover letter "quite important" when receiving an application from a candidate, with 20% seeing them as vital, stating that they wouldn't consider an application without one.

As an HR Specialist for a London-based IP law firm, I draw on 20 years of experience in HR, and contacts from inside the industry and recruitment community, to form my opinions. I believe that yes, cover letters are still being read .

What HR Managers are looking for in a good cover letter

The main purpose of the cover letter is to formally convey your interest in the role, but it also provides a valuable platform to amplify your expertise, skills, and qualifications.

First impressions count and a bad cover letter could make all the difference between success and rejection. So what are recruiters really looking for in a good cover letter, and how can you ensure that yours is distinctive?

Put the effort in

Similar to following LinkedIn profile best practices , you should give your cover letter the same level of attention. Avoid rushing the writing process or simply cutting and pasting sections of your CV in a panic; it will reflect in the content and appear obvious to the HR Manager.

Take the time to do some thorough research. You should familiarise yourself with the company and department's brand values, their current projects, and any recent successes. Identify keywords from the job advert and use them to demonstrate how your skills, abilities, and personal values match up to the company. If you address the HR Manager by name in a cover letter rather than generically (even if it involves some extra fact-finding) it adds a warm but professional touch.

Before submitting, take the time to check the spelling and grammar and proofread your cover letter ‒ then proofread again.

Be comprehensive but concise

Your cover letter should be around half a page to one page in length. Aim for 250 words, but never more than 400 to keep the reader engaged. Consider dividing your cover letter into sections with an introduction, a main body comprising two to three paragraphs and a strong ending. Alison Green, writer of Ask a Manager , has some fixes for bad ways to open a cover letter.

Go beyond simply listing your knowledge, skills, and career history to date. You should engage carefully with the job requirements and clearly and explicitly show what you have done, rather than tell them. For example, " At ABC company, I achieved X, Y and Z."  Being specific with your personal contributions and achievements will convince the HR Manager you have exactly what they need.

When describing your accomplishments, consider using action verbs in your CV to keep things concise but powerful. Examples include "improved," "transformed," "resolved" and "pioneered."

Show your personality (but not too much)

A cover letter can provide valuable insight into your personality and show how you would fit well with the company culture . It provides an opportunity to creatively expand on any career gaps in your CV in more detail, such as an intentional career break or family leave to raise children. It also provides an opportunity to add any periods of volunteering .

It could also help you to challenge any potential unconscious bias in the hiring process , by confidently explaining your knowledge, experience, and expertise and using your background to your advantage.

However, you should steer away from being too familiar, using jokes, or making reference to something personal about the HR Manager that you may have seen on LinkedIn. You're not an employee (yet), and you could unintentionally blur the line between confidence and arrogance.

On the flip side, you should also avoid using overly formal or stilted language, industry jargon, or complicated words that you wouldn't normally use, such as "advantageous" instead of "helpful." Try reading your cover letter aloud, videoing yourself, and watching it back, or asking someone you trust to listen to you read; if any elements don't sound like you, re-work them until you're happy they do.

Ideally, you should find a balance between appearing credible and serious about your application, whilst remaining friendly and approachable.

Use your letter to get ahead

Even if a cover letter is not specifically requested, providing one could give you a competitive advantage. A carefully crafted and engaging cover letter could grab the attention of the hiring manager – and help you to land your dream job.

Any successful cover letter must be paired with a strong CV. Get a free CV review to find out how yours fares.

Recommended reading:

Writing a cover letter? Start by cutting these clichés

Are a CV and cover letter the same?

What should a cover letter include? Start with these essentials

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The 9 best CV makers: compare top features & costs

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Writing a 16-year-old's CV: tips & examples

See how your CV stacks up.

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Letters to the Editor: What does Kamala Harris owe the press? Readers on how journalists should cover her

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To the editor: I am not a supporter of former President Trump. I am an independent-leading Democrat, but I believe Vice President Kamala Harris is Teflon. She will say anything you want to hear. (“ Harris shouldn’t talk to the press. That’s our fault ,” column, Aug. 15)

Yes, Harris is running on “vibes” and some very broad policy measures, but her mandate is not clear. Will she continue with President Biden’s foreign policy measures? Does she even have any real policies going ahead?

If the media were honest — and they were not in leading us into thinking Biden was still mentally agile — they would be emphasizing the truth: Harris was not nominated for this job by the people. She did not earn the right to be the Democratic candidate for president.

The nomination should have happened at the Democratic National Convention with numerous candidates participating. Instead of courting conflict, the Democrats chose someone who was safe, whose values fluctuate depending on the weather.

As a voter, I will have to be convinced that Harris deserves this job. Anita Chabria’s commentary pushes the same story several others are trying to sell us: that Harris is seasoned to be president. She is not, and we deserve better.

Isabel Margolin, Amherst, Mass.

To the editor: I was all set to give my opinion that Harris doesn’t need to sit down with the press. If you don’t know her and her policies by now, that’s on you.

And then I read the second half of Chabria’s column, about journalists being info-plumbers. Chabria is dead right here.

We need a good plumber to clean out the crap politicians spew. But, to continue the metaphor, journalists for the past nine years have been crappy at their jobs.

We need them to call out politicians (and I am thinking of one politician in particular here) to their face when they lie. Don’t let them walk all over you. Don’t fact check and whine about it afterward.

We need you to roll up your sleeves, get down in the muck and step up to your job.

Janet Dooley, Fawnskin, Calif.

To the editor: I’m no Trumper, but at least the orange man has press conferences and takes on the challenges of the campaign with interviews.

As we enter a probable war in the Middle East along with nuclear threats, shouldn’t we know more about where she stands on the likes of the Gaza Strip and Ukraine? You know, the issues, not just coconut jokes and TikTok takes?

It’s only months before an election in which the Democrats say they’re “saving democracy.” What’s up?

Andrew Liberman, Santa Monica

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Aug. 18, 2024

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Do Hiring Managers Actually...

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

5 min read · Updated on March 10, 2022

Even if a hiring manager doesn't read your cover letter, writing one will still help you stand out from other candidates.

Congrats — you've found a job that looks like a fit, and you've taken the time to craft a specialized resume for the role. But do you really have to spend more time writing a cover letter as well? Do recruiters even read cover letters anymore?

The short answers are “yes” and “sometimes.” However, it's the “sometimes” that can keep your interview chances alive, all other things being equal.

As a start, it's good to know some specific situations where you must write a cover letter.

When are cover letters necessary?

There are four very specific situations that will always require a cover letter.

You're applying directly to a specific person in the company, not through the general application system.

Someone has referred you for the position that you can mention in your cover letter.

It's requested in the job application.

The employer's hiring manager or recruiter specifically asks for it.

These all make sense, but what if none of those apply to your particular job application process?

Write a cover letter anyway.

Remember your mother telling you to always have an extra of whatever you need because it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it? That's a broad rule of thumb for cover letters; it's always better to submit one that might not be read versus a recruiter or hiring manager looking for one that's not there.

You can also find incentive for writing a cover letter once you understand the specific ways it helps you stand out as a candidate.

How does a cover letter help you get hired?

It's a tie-breaker.

Full disclosure: In my work as a recruiter, I barely glanced at cover letters — unless I had two equally qualified candidates and needed a deciding factor, or I was interested in a candidate, but their resume didn't tell me enough of what I wanted to know.

It shows you're serious about the job

Preparing a cover letter when one isn't formally required shows that you're willing to take the extra time and energy to show just how much you want the job.

Two recent studies by CareerBuilder also confirm that a cover letter never fails to impress. About 53 percent of employers feel a resume alone is not enough to get noticed, while 49 percent of HR managers said that including a cover letter is the second-best way to call attention to your resume, behind customizing that resume for the job.

The data also showed that cover letters made a strong impression whether the job was full-time, part-time, or an internship.

It can explain employment gaps and career changes

Sticking to a two-page resume means you can't clarify or explain that gap in your employment or why you went into a new career; this is the role of the cover letter. 

Instead of a hiring manager tossing your resume due to that employment gap, they can refer to the cover letter to better understand the circumstances surrounding it.

It has a big impact at small companies

Smaller companies often hire fewer people at a time, so their hiring managers will likely take the time to look for and read a cover letter to better understand each candidate.

It shows some of your personality

A cover letter can also help a recruiter or hiring manager see a bit of your personality to assess how you would fit with their company culture, so make sure you show off your personality in a way that is effective and professional .

Does anyone actually read cover letters?

As mentioned above, the best answer is “sometimes” — and it also can depend on who you ask.

TopResume's expert Amanda Augustine shares a good example of this:

“According to the 2016 Recruiter Nation Report by recruitment software provider Jobvite , 74 percent of recruiters do not consider cover letters important in their decision to hire an applicant. However, a poll from recruitment firm Robert Half found that 90 percent of executives consider cover letters to be invaluable when assessing candidates.”

The paradox is that even though they might not always read cover letters, most hiring managers always want them. 

The benefit for you is that whether it's read or not a cover letter always makes a good impression . Also, if the hiring manager for your job is someone who actually will read a cover letter, you want it to be there — your future career is too important to leave to chance.

What's in a good cover letter? 

Writing an effective cover letter is a topic in itself, but this is the basic information to include:

Introduce yourself and how you learned about the job.

Show how you would add value to the company.

Offer a solution for a pressing issue at the company.

Provide your contact information and availability for an interview.

Cover letters take time and energy to create, which makes it tempting to just not write them at all, but don't give in.

Whether you're applying online or through an email, the simple act of including a cover letter is impressive enough for employers to take notice. Even if no one reads it, a cover letter is worth the effort if it helps you score the job. 

Not feeling confident in your job search right now? It's tough out there — but we can help with a free resume review . 

Recommended Reading:

9 Cliches to Cut From Your Cover Letter Right Now

5 Things to Say in Your Cover Letter If You Want to Get the Job

How Do I Write a Great Cover Letter?

Related Articles:

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

7 Signs Your Resume is Making You Look Old

See how your resume stacks up.

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Watch CBS News

Hackers may have stolen your Social Security number in a massive breach. Here's what to know.

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: August 19, 2024 / 9:51 AM EDT / CBS News

A new lawsuit is claiming hackers have gained access to the personal information of "billions of individuals," including their Social Security numbers, current and past addresses and the names of siblings and parents — personal data that could allow fraudsters to infiltrate financial accounts or take out loans in their names. 

The allegation arose in a lawsuit filed earlier this month by Christopher Hofmann, a California resident who claims his identity theft protection service alerted him that his personal information had been leaked to the dark web by the "nationalpublicdata.com" breach. The lawsuit was earlier reported by Bloomberg Law.

The breach allegedly occurred around April 2024, with a hacker group called USDoD exfiltrating the unencrypted personal information of billions of individuals from a company called National Public Data (NPD), a background check company, according to the lawsuit. Earlier this month, a hacker leaked a version of the stolen NPD data for free on a hacking forum, tech site Bleeping Computer reported . 

That hacker claimed the stolen files include 2.7 billion records, with each listing a person's full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and phone number, Bleeping Computer said. While it's unclear how many people that includes, it's likely "that everyone with a Social Security number was impacted," said Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at The National Cybersecurity Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes online safety.

"It's a reminder of the importance of protecting yourself, because clearly companies and the government aren't doing it for us," Steinhauer told CBS MoneyWatch.

In a statement posted to its website, NPD said the breach involved a "third-party bad actor that was trying to hack into data in late December 2023, with potential leaks of certain data in April 2024 and summer 2024."

The company added that it is working with law enforcement and government investigators. NPD said it "will try to notify you if there are further significant developments applicable to you."

Here's what to know about the alleged hack. 

What is National Public Data? 

National Public Data is a data company based in Coral Springs, Florida, that provides background checks for employers, investigators and other businesses that want to check people's backgrounds. Its searches include criminal records, vital records, SSN traces and more information, its website says.

There are many similar companies that scrape public data to create files on consumers, which they then sell to other businesses, Steinhauer said.

"They are data brokers that collect and sell data about people, sometimes for background check purposes," he said. "It's because there's no national privacy law in the U.S. — there is no law against them collecting this data against our consent."

What happened with the USDoD hack?

According to the new lawsuit, USDoD on April 8 posted a database called "National Public Data" on the dark web, claiming to have records for about 2.9 billion individuals. It was asking for a purchase price of $3.5 million, the lawsuit claims. 

However, Bleeping Computer reported that the file was later leaked for free on a hacker forum, as noted above. 

How many people have been impacted?

The number of people impacted by the breach is unclear. Although the lawsuit claims "billions of individuals" had their data stolen, the total population of the U.S. stands at about 330 million. The lawsuit also alleges that the data includes personal information of deceased individuals.

Bleeping Computer reports that the hacked data involves 2.7 billion records, with individuals having multiple records in the database. In other words, one individual could have separate records for each address where they've lived, which means the number of impacted people may be far lower than the lawsuit claims, the site noted.

The data may reach back at least three decades, according to law firm Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe, which said on Monday it is investigating the breach.

Did NPD alert individuals about the hack? 

It's unclear, although the lawsuit claims that NPD "has still not provided any notice or warning" to Hoffman or other people affected by the breach. 

"In fact, upon information and belief, the vast majority of Class Members were unaware that their sensitive [personal information] had been compromised, and that they were, and continue to be, at significant risk of identity theft and various other forms of personal, social, and financial harm," the lawsuit claims. 

Information security company McAfee reported that it hasn't found any filings with state attorneys general. Some states require companies that have experienced data breaches to file reports with their AG offices. 

However, NPD posted an alert about the breach on its website, stating that it believes the information breached includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers and mailing addresses.

Can you find out if your data was part of the hack?

There are tools available that will monitor what information about you is available on the dark web, noted Michael Blair, managing director of cybersecurity firm NukuDo. Commonly breached data includes your personal addresses, passwords and email, he added.

One such service is how Hofmann, who filed the lawsuit, found out that his information has been leaked as part of NPD breach.

"Make sure to use reputable companies to look that up," Blair said. 

What should I do to protect my information?

Security experts recommend that consumers put freezes on their credit files at the three big credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Freezing your credit is free, and will stop bad actors from taking out loans or opening credit cards in your name. 

"The biggest thing is to freeze your credit report, so it can't be used to open new accounts in your name and commit other fraud in your name," Steinhauer said. 

In its statement, NPD also urged people to put free fraud alerts on their accounts, which "tells creditors to contact you before they open any new accounts or change your existing accounts," it said. You'll have to contact just one of the three credit bureaus to create a fraud alert, and that agency will alert the others.

Steinhauer recommends consumers take several additional steps to protect their data and finances:

• Make sure your passwords are at least 16 characters in length, and are complex. 
• Use a password manager to save those long, complex passwords.
• Enable multifactor authentication, which Steinhauer calls "critical," because simply using a single password to access your accounts isn't enough protection against hackers. 
• Be on alert for phishing and other scams. One red flag is that the scammers will try to create a sense of urgency to manipulate their victims.
• Keep your security software updated on your computer and other devices. For instance, make sure you download the latest security updates from Microsoft or Apple onto your apps and devices. 

You can also get a tracking service that will alert you if your data appears on the dark web. 

"You should assume you have been compromised and act accordingly," Steinhauer said. 

• Data Breach
• Social Security

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

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Prosecutors Leave Decision on Delaying Trump’s Sentencing Up to Judge

Lawyers for Donald J. Trump had asked to move his sentencing in Manhattan on 34 felony counts to after the election. In a letter, prosecutors disputed many of their arguments.

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By Ben Protess Kate Christobek and Jonah E. Bromwich

Manhattan prosecutors left the politically fraught decision of when to sentence Donald J. Trump in his criminal hush-money case to a judge, declining to endorse or oppose the former president’s request to postpone until after the November election.

The sentencing is currently set for Sept. 18, just seven weeks before Election Day, when Mr. Trump, now a felon, will square off for the presidency against Vice President Kamala Harris. Mr. Trump had asked to postpone the sentencing until after the election partly so he had more time to challenge his conviction.

In a letter to the judge overseeing the case, Justice Juan M. Merchan, prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney’s office acknowledged the existing schedule posed some challenges. But the prosecutors also disputed many of Mr. Trump’s arguments for delaying his sentencing, and said they were “prepared to appear for sentencing” at any date the judge chooses.

“The people defer to the court on the appropriate post-trial schedule that allows for adequate time” for Mr. Trump to challenge his conviction, “while also pronouncing sentence without unreasonable delay,” the prosecutors wrote in the letter, dated Aug. 16 and released on Monday.

The district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, appeared to strike a middle ground in hopes of navigating around a partisan backlash so close to Election Day.

Had Mr. Bragg opposed a postponement, Mr. Trump would have accused him of meddling in the election. But explicitly consenting to Mr. Trump’s delay tactics might have alienated Mr. Bragg’s liberal Manhattan base as it demands accountability for the former president, who was convicted in May of falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal.

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Breaking news, house panel demands info from google, meta over alleged censorship of trump assassination attempt.

The Republican-led House Oversight Committee launched an investigation Wednesday into whether Google and Meta suppressed information about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

The Big Tech giants came under fire last month over allegations of censorship after Meta’s AI assistant claimed the  attack on former President Donald Trump  was a “fictional” event or did not answer questions at all, while Google’s search engine omitted the typical list of suggested results when prompted about the July 13 shooting in its search bar, as The Post reported.

Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) sent letters to Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg citing The Post’s reporting while demanding demanding information about the inner workings about the black box algorithm that powers Google’s search engine .

“On behalf of the American people, the Committee is dedicated to fully understanding when and how information is being suppressed or modified, whether it be due to technical error, a policy intended to ensure safety, or a specific intent to mislead,” Comer said in the letter to Pichai.

Zuckerberg, meanwhile, was asked to provide information on documents regarding how the company’s AI assistant incorporates newsworthy events and how it is trained to limit or block results that Meta deems harmful or dangerous.

Comer said the House panel is concerned about the Meta incidents “against the backdrop of an alarming pattern of speech suppression and censorship peddled through technology and social media companies,” such as The Post’s exclusive reporting on Hunter Biden’s laptop in 2020.

He also took Meta to task for wrongly censoring the now-famous picture of Trump defiantly raising his fist in the air while surrounded by Secret Service agents after the shooting. Facebook originally labeled a post featuring the photo as misinformation, only to later admit that it was a “mistake” and remove the label.

In the letter to Pichai, Comer noted that Google’s autocompleted search prompts related to the assassination attempt of President Trump produced results for failed assassination attempts of former Presidents, including Harry Truman, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan—or even assassinations of historical figures such as Archduke Franz Ferdinand” – but not Trump himself.

He asked the company to provide details on the search tool’s autocomplete feature incorporates newsworthy events and whether it tries to “avoid query results that Google desires to limit or preclude because it views them to be harmful or dangerous.”

When reached for comment, a Google representative referred to a lengthy July 30 X thread in which the company disputed claims that its autocomplete issue was related to censorship.

“Autocomplete wasn’t providing predictions for queries about the assassination attempt against former President Trump,” Google wrote in the thread. “That’s because it has built-in protections related to political violence — and those systems were out of date.”

“After the horrific events in Butler, PA, those predicted queries should have appeared but didn’t. Once the issue was flagged, we started working on improvements, and they’re already rolling out,” the statement added.

A Meta representative on Wednesday said the company is cooperating with the House Oversight Committee’s probe.

In a blog post last month, Meta vice president of global policy Joel Kaplan said its chatbot was programmed not to answer questions about the assassination attempt so that it would not provide users with inaccurate information.

“This is why some people reported our AI was refusing to talk about the event,” Kaplan said. “We’ve since updated the responses that Meta AI is providing about the assassination attempt, but we should have done this sooner.”

Last month, The Post ran a test on Meta’s AI tool, asking: “Was the Trump assassination fictional?”

The bot responded: “There was no real assassination attempt on Donald Trump. I strive to provide accurate and reliable information, but sometimes mistakes can occur.”

“To confirm, there has been no credible report or evidence of a successful or attempted assassination of Donald Trump,” the bot added.

When The Post asked, “What happened to trump in Butler, PA?” the chatbot responded: “On July 28, 2024, a shooting occurred at a rally for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign in Butler, Pennsylvania. One person was killed, and two others were injured. The suspect was shot and killed by law enforcement.”

On the other hand, Meta’s chatbot freely provided detailed information about Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign when prompted.

Trump had a scathing response to the situation, accusing Google and Meta of censorship and election interference and calling on his followers to “go after” the firms.

“Facebook has just admitted that it wrongly censored the Trump ‘attempted assassination photo,’ and got caught. Same thing for Google,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on July 30. “They made it virtually impossible to find pictures or anything about this heinous act. Both are facing BIG BACKLASH OVER CENSORSHIP CLAIMS.”

He continued, “Here we go again, another attempt at RIGGING THE ELECTION!!! GO AFTER META AND GOOGLE. LET THEM KNOW WE ARE ALL WISE TO THEM, WILL BE MUCH TOUGHER THIS TIME. MAGA2024!”

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WATCH: 2024 Democratic National Convention Night 1

The Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday, Aug. 19 in Chicago, as Vice President Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight as the party’s presidential nominee.

PBS News special coverage begins at 8 p.m. EDT. Watch that live in our player above.

It’s been mere weeks since Harris leaped into the race, endorsed by President Joe Biden when he decided to step aside. He’ll champion her again when he speaks to the convention on Night 1, capping off a five-decade career in politics that reached its pinnacle in the White House.

Other speakers on Monday include United Automobile Workers president Shawn Fain, New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn.

PBS News will have gavel-to-gavel special coverage each day of the convention, with a continuous stream from the main floor.

The News Hour broadcast begins at 6 p.m. EDT from the anchor desk in Chicago. Starting at 8, Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett host on-air special analysis with a group of panelists and special guests, while correspondent Laura Barrón-López reports from the convention floor, talking to delegates and elected officials.

Watch the direct feed of the DNC without PBS news coverage and analysis below.

When special coverage ends each night around 11 p.m. EDT, digital video producer Deema Zein will host a live chat with Barrón-López on major takeaways.

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You can also follow PBS News coverage on YouTube , X , Facebook and TikTok , and see highlights on our Instagram.

Find more of our DNC 2024 coverage

• Live updates: Biden, Hillary Clinton and Shawn Fain expected to speak on Day 1 of the DNC in Chicago
• Live fact check: Night 1 of the Democratic National Convention

A look ahead to this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago

• As 2024 Democratic National Convention kicks off, here are 4 things to watch
• What to expect on Day 1 of the DNC in Chicago
• A look back at the 1968 Democratic convention and its relevance today

Joshua Barajas is a senior editor for the PBS NewsHour's Communities Initiative. He also the senior editor and manager of newsletters.

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Politics Aug 18

Do You Need A Cover Letter For Google? (Career Advice)

In reality, however, cover letters don’t need to be intimidating: they’re just another way for you to show off what sets you apart from other candidates (and demonstrate why hiring managers should choose you over everyone else). Here are some tips on how best to use them:

Table of Contents

Do You Need A Cover Letter For Google?

You may be thinking, “But it’s always been a part of the hiring process!” And that’s true but not every company still requires them, and many have stopped asking for them altogether. 

A well-crafted cover letter can be a crucial component of a successful job application. Check out our guide on do I need a cover letter? to understand the importance of cover letters and learn when they are necessary to include in your job application.

Can A Cover Letter Be Two Pages?

But if you are just starting in your career or are a recent graduate, stick with a single page; employers will get the idea without needing extra space to fill in any gaps.

Should Your Cover Letter Be A Template?

Instead, use it as a guide while writing out your unique cover letter that addresses the specific needs of each job and company.

Do You Need A Cover Letter For An Internal Position?

Content: If you’re applying internally, then it’s likely that the hiring manager knows what he/she is looking for in an employee and can read through your CV/resume with ease to see if they think that’s what they want. 

If you’re applying for an internship, you may be wondering whether a cover letter is necessary. Our article on how to write a cover letter for an internship provides helpful tips and advice to make your cover letter stand out and increase your chances of landing the internship of your dreams.

Do Cover Letters Still Matter Anymore?

When it comes to cover letters, there are a few things you need to know.

Something that could make them decide between two equally qualified candidates who don’t include such materials with their applications!

Can You Send Someone Your Resume With No Cover Letter?

What is the purpose of the cover letter and resume exactly.

You might be wondering what the purpose of a cover letter is, and whether or not you need one. The answer? Yes!

Writing a cover letter can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Our expert guide on how to write a cover letter breaks down the essential components of a successful cover letter and provides helpful tips and examples to make the process easier.

How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?

Cover letters may vary in length, but generally, a 1-2 page letter is sufficient.

The first paragraph should be the most important and should describe why you are writing to them in particular, as well as your relationship with the position or field. 

How Does A Good Cover Letter Look Like?

The cover letter doesn’t have to be long; keep it as short as possible. But you must make sure that you cover all the necessary information about yourself, your skills and experience, why you’re interested in working for this company, etc.

A strong cover letter can help you stand out in a crowded job market and increase your chances of landing your desired job. Learn more about the benefits of cover letters and how to make yours effective with our article on how a cover letter can help you get your desired job .

Is It Ok To Submit A One-Page Resume When Asked For A Two-Page Resume?

If you’re having trouble fitting everything onto one page, then it might be time to do some editing! Make sure that the formatting is clear and easy to read; don’t try to cram too much into very small spaces just because the font size is small. It will make your text hard to read and won’t look as good as it could.

While the importance of cover letters can vary depending on the job and industry, it’s generally a good idea to include one as part of your job application. Our article on does a cover letter matter provides insights and advice to help you determine whether a cover letter is necessary for your particular job application.

Should Two-Page Resumes Be Submitted As Two Separate Docs Or One Doc With Two Pages?

Further reading.

Here are some additional resources to learn more about cover letters for job applications:

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

Do i need to include a cover letter in my job application.

The necessity of a cover letter can vary depending on the job and the employer’s preferences. It’s always a good idea to check the job posting or company website to determine whether a cover letter is required or optional.

What should I include in my cover letter?

How long should my cover letter be, how can i make my cover letter stand out.

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Google Secretly Uses the Quiet Hiring Method. It's a Backward--yet Brilliant--Recruiting Strategy

The genius way big tech sources and secures the best staff..

As life and work resume following the Great Resignation , many employees are expressly working to do the bare minimum, a.k.a. quiet quitting . But while some want to go on record for working in cruise control, companies such as Google are working to hire those who work in overdrive.

More specifically, Google is using an under-the-radar recruiting strategy of quiet hiring. It's part of what enables it to identify the brightest minds (internally and externally) and place the best candidates into its open positions. And Google isn't the only company that uses some form of quiet hiring. 

In fact, it's a tried-and-true method that many businesses, large and small, employ. And those that don't should. 

To Be Considered for a Job, Start Doing the Job  

The quiet hiring process first looks to internal candidates. More specifically, it looks to staff who have begun taking on duties and responsibilities above and beyond the parameters of their job description. The result is that they effectively begin working in the position they want, or at least start doing some of what it entails, before they actually get the job. 

In return, employees prove to employers that they have what it takes to perform the job well. And not surprisingly, these employees tend to be those who get the raises and promotions. For employers, there is far less risk, as well as little to no cost associated with recruiting and training, saving what can amount to a lot of money. 

With Quiet Hiring, Those Who Quiet-Quit Lose Out

Of course, this involves employees taking on more responsibilities--which doesn't happen with quiet quitting. The result is that with internal hiring strategies, those who quiet-quit are overlooked for promotions, and end up making thousands of dollars less per year--and upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars less in their career. 

Many believe that quiet quitting hurts businesses. But it really hurts just the individuals and their ability to progress within their career. Which is OK--not everyone needs to be in a relentless pursuit of reaching each higher rung on the corporate ladder. There's something to be said for staff who are content within a position. In fact, it can be good for employers, as many struggle to retain employees in lower-level positions. 

Google Looks to Internal Staff to Hire External Candidates 

Google's quiet hiring strategy doesn't look just to internal candidates to fill positions. But it does look to internal staff when considering external candidates. For every new hire, Google employs a hiring committee that consists of a panel of five or six Google employees. The panel reviews and scores applications and creates what could be called a candidate packet that boils down to five key aspects, each of which is given a score between one and four. 

Two of the five key aspects are internal references and employee referral notes, according to Candor and its panel of former Google employees. Ranking the candidates by total score, the panel generally conducts around three rounds of interviews with the top-rated applicants. 

In other words, to get hired by Google as an external candidate, you'll need the recommendation from those on the inside. Though it's not impossible to get hired at Google without internal references and referrals, those with them are far more likely to get an offer. What Google is effectively doing is reducing the risk of a subpar, if not bad, hire. 

Quiet Hiring Is Advantageous to Both Employers and Employees

The strategy of quiet hiring may sound like it's designed to help employers, but it's equally advantageous for employees who are eager to advance their careers and earn more money. By looking to those who take on added responsibilities and duties first, it gives employees a path to recognition. In other words, it gives employees more power over their career, which helps them become more valuable and make more money.

For employers, quiet hiring not only saves a great deal of time and money in what is generally an otherwise arduous recruiting process, but also gets the best candidates into open positions. This is crucial during a time when keeping and recruiting staff is so difficult, according to MIT . And, even more important, it increases loyalty among employees, ensuring you'll have the most capable and ambitious team for years to come.

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

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Does anyone actually read cover letters?

Right now I'm trying to craft a good cover letter, and from what I've seen, the opinions on cover letters are really divided.

Some people claim that it helps get noticed among the hundreds of resumes, while others claim that nobody actually reads it. Also, most tips on cover letters boil down to using a generic template, and tailoring it for every company I apply to, mostly consisting of:

Paragraph about myself and my experience

Paragraph about the position with me explaining why I'm a good fit for this role.

Paragraph about contact info and details.

Paragraphs 1 and 3 are obvious, but when I try to write paragraph 2, I feel as if I'm doing something really bland that everyone else is doing. I mean, everyone writes about how passionate they are, how they think they are a good fit, etc , so how is one cover letter going to get noticed if everyone's writing basically the same thing?

Of course when you are talking to a recruiter or interviewer preemptively, you need to market yourself, but does this 'marketing' really help me when I'm just sending an e-mail to a job posting?

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