funny cover letter

11 Extremely Funny Cover Letters That People Actually Sent

There was once a time when bagging the job of your dreams entailed writing a short and simple cover letter that convinced the recruiter that you are insanely talented. These guys have skipped the talented element and just gone straight for the insane.

It will soon be that time of year again, when a deluge of enthusiastic graduates morph into desperate job seekers who are clambering to secure the job they have (literally) been dreaming of through countless two-hour-long lectures.

The majority of them will probably fall at the first hurdle. Not because their education sucks, but because they’re competing with every other Joe Monkey who has a college-level education and a resume that stresses their fantastic communication skills (read more: what not to write on a resume ). To get ahead of the pack, you have to distinguish yourself with your cover letter. But before you sit down and pen the perfect introduction to your sparkling resume, you’re going to have to do your research. To give you a helping hand, we’ve dug out some examples of funny cover letters that will most certainly give you some food for thought.

Here’s the thing. We’d actually hire some of these people. I mean, who can turn down a potential candidate whose cover letter divulges that she once donated her hair to charity? Or a guy who fights bears for a hobby? These are gems!

BTW: If you’re applying for hundreds of jobs but getting nowhere, our expert cover letter editing services can help you to finally put the rejection behind you.

If you’re currently working on your cover letter and are looking for some simple tips on how to write a killer introduction to your resume, take a look at our guide fantastic cover letter formula .

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CVs & Résumés

7 most funniest cove..., 7 most funniest cover letters (real examples).

When applying for a job, we always try to impress, but some try too hard or too little. See those which made our list of the funniest cover letters.

• Updated 6 Dec 2015

Katarina Milovanovic

When applying for a job, we always try to write a killer cover letter , so that we can look professional, show a bit of our personality and show the employer why we are the perfect candidate for the job. However, as there are many people with similar skill set and experience, or even with more experience than we have,  it’s important to think outside the box and create a cover letter that will stand out and catch the hiring manager’s eye. So, we turn to writing something funny, which will show our originality and uniqueness. But, is it really funny? Before submitting your cover letter , you should get some feedback from your friends and family because something you wrote might seem hilarious to you, but it very well might be plain awkward or embarrassing. There is a thin line between being funny and being awkwardly dim-witted. Depending on the job position, you can choose to be a bit creative, but just remember not to try and sound too awesome. Some people really failed when they tried to be funny, but they certainly grabbed our attention. Let’s see what not to do when writing a cover letter, and let’s just hope that these people weren’t being serious and thought that their cover letter rocked .

1. Attended the employer’s funeral: So, the position is open, right?

Searching for a job, level: expert. This cover letter really made me laugh, and I’ve never seen a person more determined to get a job at a company than this guy. He really lives by the motto “Patience is a virtue”, and now there is no reason for the company not to hire him, as he clearly has proof that there is an opening – a death certificate. What do you have to say in your defense, hiring manager? The man is clearly determined, patient, ambitious and detail-oriented, a person who will always provide you with cold hard facts. He possesses the skills of a Technical Manager, but let’s just hope he didn’t watch “How to Get Away with Murder”.

2. He’s definitely seen and done it all

This guy is the embodiment of “been there, done that, bought a T-shirt”. It seems like it was only yesterday that he was a mere skateboarder, and today he is a professional genious. The spelling is definitely wrong, but there is a much bigger problem – what does a professional genius actually do? Judging by his cover letter, good spelling isn’t one of the skills required for attaining this glamorous title. However, he is a sociable person, a gentleman and a scholar, so he is perfect for a friendly work environment. Besides, this guy can hook you up with some nasty merchandise, so who knows when he will come in handy. And what about aliens? He definitely goes beyond the limits of science and logic that our simple terrestrial brains can comprehend.

3. Cock, food prep, pizza maker. Wait, what?

This cook, or let’s call him a chef, definitely has experience, but experience in cocking pastas – is that a thing nowadays? To be honest, this looks more like a name of a video on Porn Hub (maybe there’s an actress called Pasta). Okay, the first thing that comes to our minds is a male reproductive organ, or in the best case scenario a rooster. But, let’s have a grammar lesson as well. Cocking is a gerund of an actual verb, “to cock”, and it means tilting. Therefore, tilting pastas may be the real deal. However, as you are probably imagining a man making pasta with a rooster, let’s not go into that. We have all learned a valuable lesson – always check your spelling.

4. He just wants to feel again

Is there anyone out there who wouldn’t want to hire this guy? Because, he’s “A best”, and obviously approved by Koreans. Besides, his qualifications indicate that he might be a new member of the Avengers (lifting a bear is a huge deal, and not only in Russia). As far as trains are concerned, I think he only outran the ones from Serbia, since they all move at a snail’s pace. Although his cover letter looks like something that would end up in your spam folder, helping someone feel again is a noble deed, and thus a reward in itself. As we should never make fun of someone who speaks broken English, because it means they know another language, I think this guy definitely deserves a chance to prove himself.

5. You got Caged

Although there is nothing wrong with this email, the attachment is rather disturbing. What does this picture mean? Did Nicolas Cage intercept this email? Is Nicolas Cage a metaphor for accepting any role? Is the author of this email Nicolas Cage himself or did he simply approve it? Honestly, the picture of Nicolas Cage as a cover letter is definitely the only way to say “I would do anything to get a job,” without coming off as desperate. Always check what you have attached before clicking the send button. However, this person should be happy it is Nicholas Cage, because it could have been worse. It could have been a picture of Justin Bieber.

6. Mike aka Da-Bomb

Upon first reading this cover letter, I thought it was really funny, as it sounds a bit like Cartman (South Park), and I laughed out loud when I got to the end, where he tells the employer to call him and ask for “Liam.” Why Liam, and why use apostrophes? The best thing you can do with this cover letter, except for deleting it forever, is make a rap song out of it. This guy shouldn’t be a developer; he should be a project manager as he can evidently clone great workers like Larry from a single hair. However, when you read it again, you realize just how stupid it is. Cramming as many swear words as you can into a sentence can only be funny and acceptable in movies directed by Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie.

7. Words are overrated

According to this person, there is no need to tell someone about your experience – it’s better to stay mysterious. No need to write anything down, the person is obviously incredibly popular and fabulous. If you take a look at the previous cover letters, this is probably the smartest move, as it is better to stay silent, than to make a total fool of yourself.   I don’t think someone ever called this person, but unless you are Richard Branson, don’t just write your name on the cover letter. A little more information is always needed.

These cover letters are hilarious, but I guess that we are all wondering whether these people were joking or being serious. If they were serious, then I don’t want to live on this planet anymore. These job seekers probably didn’t get the job, except for maybe Larry, aka Lars, as he got a pretty good recommendation from the credible Mike “Da-bomb”. Don’t try this, because a small joke can ruin your reputation , unless you are Richard Branson, of course. What is the strangest cover letter you have ever seen or written? Your thoughts or comments below please...

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How to write a (funny) cover letter

Let your humor shine through so they meet the real you.

I freaking love Glossier. I love it so much, I’ve brought every single one of my friends who visits NYC to their store, and I’m pretty sure a lot of the people working there know who I am by name. Plus, my friends always ask me about my favorite products and recommendations. I own every single flavor of their Balm Dotcom, use multiple Glossier products multiple times a day, and feel that I have earned the title “Glossier Queen.” Basically, the next step in my Glossier Journey™  would be to work for them. Or, maybe even better: get them to hire my mom (aka BEST Take Your Child To Work Day EVER). 

BACKSTORY/SPOILER: So I wrote a cover letter to Glossier about why they should hire me and my mom. From Glossier: crickets . WHAT? BUT! The founder of GOLD happened to see my letter, loved it, and hired me to write this article. So I did get a gig—and Glossier, I’m not giving up!

What’s so important about a cover letter? 

You are not a resume. You are a person. A cover letter is someone’s first impression of you, so it should show that you would be a good addition to the team—not only qualifications-wise but personality-wise. 

That’s why a cover letter doesn’t need to be meep morp robot-y. Stand out—be funny! From a decade (holy cow that’s a big number! Gimme an O! Gimme an L! Gimme a D!) of doing theater auditions, I’ve learned that you must stand out to be remembered by the director, which will increase the chance of you getting cast. For those of you who’ve had experience with theater, think of a cover letter as an audition. 

You want to be professional and show off your skills—and you want to stand out. Here’s how!

5 tips for using humor to make your letter sound human

Whether it’s for a summer camp counselor, baby food taste tester, or the ceo of a modern lifestyle brand that rhymes with “doop,” here’s what you need to get your cover letter the attention you deserve., 1. say hello (to a real person).

Research the proper contact, and address them by name. No one wants to read a letter to “Whom It May Concern,” unless their name is Whom It May Concern. Once you know who they are, say hi! It’s nice. I like to say “Hello, name of person who you’re writing to!” with an exclamation point because it shows that I am excited to apply for this job and do good work! Just not too many exclamation points after that! I think you see what I mean!

2. Introduce yourself with ~pizzazz~

Tell them a little bit about yourself. Just a taste—like you have experience in something that relates to what you want to be doing. This is a good place to be authentically funny, or at least charming, if it feels natural. 

Here and elsewhere, this doesn’t mean you need to write an actual joke with a setup and a punchline and a clever tag. It’s more an opportunity to add a bit of very specific and colorful detail, like, if you’re me: “I own every single flavor of Balm Dotcom and am on my third Boy Brow.” ( Humor is like ranch dressing. A little with some carrots, broccoli, etc. is good. Great, even! But most people are really weirded out when you just eat a whole lot of it with a spoon.) Also: this is not the place for self-deprecating humor, like “College was awful, like me!!1!1!1!1!!!!” 

3. But also be straightforward where needed.

People like people who make them laugh, but they also like people who are the right fit for the job with a good work ethic and passion. Be clear about:

• What gig you want.
• Why you want to work there: What are their values? Mission? Why work for them instead of somewhere else?
• What you can help them with: Childcare? Research? Taking over multinational corporations? Get specific about the tasks you are ready to roll your sleeves up to do.

This is where you show that you know when to be funny/charming and also when to get down to bizness.

4. Do! Not! Sell! Yourself! Short! 

When you talk about your qualifications, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through, even as you aim to communicate concrete and important info. Try to paint a picture and describe, rather than just using Resume Words like “detail-oriented” or “self-starter.” Instead of saying you’re “super-organized,” you can say that you color-code your color-coding pens inside a color-coded pencil case. In other words, where it’s not too forced, show, don’t tell!  

5. End with a call to action

Tell whoever you’re emailing what you are hoping to get from them, other than a job: a response. For those of you who are new to writing cover letters, it sounds a bit strange to tell them to respond, but ya gotta do it. Schedule a Skype call or meeting IRL—just do what you’ve gots2do.

The easiest way is just to slide it in during the sign off.  Try “Looking forward to hearing from you soon.”

I’ll end by sharing with you my letter to Glossier. Maybe it will be helpful to you—or maybe they’ll see it here and reconsider. (See: I’m SHOWING, not just telling, that I’m “dedicated.”)

Good luck landing your dream gig—by being yourself!

Hello friends at Glossier!!

My mother and I are beloved fans of Glossier. Both of us would ~love~ to work at your company; alas she has had over two decades of startup experience, including “IPO” (her words, not mine), which was funded by the Lauder family, therefore she would be a better fit for a job. She is, as you probably just read, very experienced with high growth startups, but more importantly, awesome, innovative, and smart. I think she would make an excellent addition to your team. (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tereza )

Now let’s talk about me: I attended a year of school at Leaf Academy in Bratislava, which focuses on Entrepreneurial Leadership, focusing on design thinking. Through this program, I’ve helped to plan multiple events such as Model European Parliament SK, Startup Weekend Bratislava, Sensorium Digital Arts & Culture Festival, and Výťah Space Conference. In addition, I have extensive experience with social media (being Gen Z, of course).

This past year, I’ve discovered my passion for the environment and sustainability—specifically sustainable skincare and clothing brands. It is extremely important to me, as someone who will be alive to experience the effects of climate change, that lifestyle companies that use their power as drivers of how people go about their lives step in and take action towards climate change. 

I own every single flavor of Balm Dotcom and am on my third Boy Brow, I never go downtown without stopping by the Glossier store—I always bring my friends. In fact, most of my friends refer to me as something along the lines of “Glossier Queen” which is accurate. I attend school in Europe but will be home from July 1 st to August 30 th . If you wanted to hire me instead, I think my mom would be okay with that.

Our favorite Glossier products are Boy Brow, Lash Slick, and of course, Generation G in Leo, Jam, and Poppy.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read (or not – that’s okay too) this email. Although this is written in a jokey way, I really think she would be a great addition to the team. I would love nothing more than a “take your kid to work day” at the Glossier office.

If you would (hopefully!!) like to reach out to my mom, her LinkedIn is above.

     Margot Hulme

PS: This is not my mother writing this as a joke; it is me Margot ( https://www.instagram.com/margotkh/?hl=en )

Photo via: Glossier

Margot Hulme is a high schooler living in New York. Not upstate NY, but just outside New York City. When she’s not studying for the SATs (shoutout class of 2021), Margot is probably playing piano or browsing the King Arthur Flour catalog. Ya know, just for fun.

cover letter funny how to margot hulme teen

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Can you use a funny cover letter?

1. Research and personalize

2. align your profile with the employer’s, 3. show - don’t just tell - your skills, 4. add a call to action, 5. edit your work.

You may have seen a few funny cover letters floating around the internet. Perhaps you’ve even ended up asking yourself whether it’s worth trying it yourself. The truth is that injecting humor into your writing is a risky balance to nail. However, in some cases, it could be the key to making your profile stand out from other candidates. 

This blog post is here to help you to identify whether a light-hearted approach can be the right way to highlight your unique selling points as a job candidate. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, we’re here to provide the considerations you need as you embark on writing your very own funny cover letter.

In this blog post we will cover:

• Whether or not a funny cover letter is a good tactic for landing a job
• The top characteristics of an effective cover letter (funny or not)

Mistakes to avoid when writing a funny cover letter

• How you should approach writing your funny cover letter

Will a funny cover letter get you the job?

Depending on your profession, you may be thinking that the idea of writing a funny cover letter is one of two things: either genius or terrible. The truth is that funny cover letters are nothing new. While the ones you may have read online aren’t always advisable to replicate, when it’s done right some humor could be the key to standing out from other candidates.

Before you start writing, research the company and the people who work there. What is their company culture like? What is their sense of humor like? Is there room for a sense of humor in their company culture at all? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your humor appropriately.

The purpose of a cover letter, after all, is to help you land an interview. If you’re attempting to land a role in an industry or organization where light-hearted humor is accepted, your funny cover letter is more likely to yield favorable results. If not, you might need to dial it back. Puns, sarcasm, or plain old silliness may be less appreciated in, say, a corporate law firm in comparison to a creative startup. 

At the same time, a funny cover letter could be an excellent approach to make a dry topic more interesting and enjoyable to read. There will always be a level of risk with a funny cover letter, but by injecting humor in reasonable doses and doing your research thoroughly, your jokes are more likely to land right. 

Consider the following when deciding whether or not to try your very own funny cover letter:

• Will it be engaging or off-putting? This is the best way to hook a hiring manager’s interest. If you have a natural flair for being funny, there’s a good chance that you can capture that through your writing to engage the reader.
• Will it show your value? Hiring managers are looking for talent that they can retain and will do a good job. If you can show excellent communication skills through a well-targeted cover letter tone that is funny, it’s a good sign that you would be a positive addition to their team.
• What is the work culture? Industry and company norms play a big part in how your writing will be received. Does humor play a role in what’s important to this prospective employer from what you can find out about them?

Whether your research leads you towards some subtle humor or full-blown satire, don’t try too hard. Regardless of your position, the best jokes land when they feel like they’re not overly engineered.

What to do when it’s not the time and place for jokes

A funny cover letter isn’t for everyone. If you want to read further into some more traditional tips, check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter.

What are the 5 steps to crafting an effective cover letter? 

Before you do or don’t attempt to write your funny cover letter, take a moment to think about what a cover letter needs to be at its core. Here are five characteristics you should make sure any cover letter includes and how to tweak it if you decide to make it more entertaining. 

Personalizing your cover letter can be an effective way to stand out from the crowd and show your potential employer that you value their time and attention. Nobody wants to feel unimportant, and taking the time to research the company and the people who work there can go a long way in making a positive impression. When you know who you’re writing to, you can also tailor your witty remarks to something they’re likely to respond positively to. 

When writing a cover letter , it's important to show how your values and philosophies align with your potential employer’s. If humor is part of the work culture, this is where it fits in. When you adopt this approach, a funny tone can help you establish a connection with your reader and prove that you fit in with their company culture. While this will make your cover letter more memorable, just remember to keep it appropriate and professional.

Where possible, it’s far more effective to show, and not tell, your skills . Your cover letter could be the perfect opportunity to do this before you’ve even met the hiring manager. 

For most hiring professionals in 2023, strong communication skills are one of the most important abilities for new hires. Pitching your profile with a dynamic narrative and striking the right balance on that humorous tone is excellent proof that you can engage the intended audience when you communicate. 

A call to action is a crucial element in any cover letter, but it's especially important in a funny one. After showcasing your personality, remind the hiring manager that you mean business with a clear and concise call to action that encourages the potential employer to take the next step. This could be as simple as asking for an interview or offering to discuss your qualifications further. 

When writing any cover letter, it is important to include only the most relevant information in an order that makes sense. This requires lots of proofreading and tweaking. It’s easy to get lost in the minutia of writing, so taking a break and reading again to make sure the style lands is always a good idea. This is twice as important when you’re attempting a funny cover letter. You want to create a lasting impression for the right reasons.

Flex those desirable soft skills

One reason a funny cover letter could help you is that it shows your excellent communication skills in practice. However, humor is an excellent opportunity to showcase other desirable soft skills such as creativity and emotional intelligence.

How do you write a unique cover letter?

Have you arrived at this point and decided that a funny cover letter is not for you? Don’t worry. That doesn’t mean that you won’t have the opportunity to differentiate yourself from your competition. There are plenty of ways to make a distinct impression on the hiring manager.

The most important thing to focus on is storytelling. The narrative you create behind your professional profile is a powerful tool to make a cover letter that is not replicable. Other tips you could try implementing are starting your cover letter with a bold question or statement to grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Also, consider how to make sure the design of your cover letter will stand out. Usually, this means adopting a well-considered and polished design rather than any gimmicky graphics. When done right, all of these examples could help to make your cover letter stand out when your industry peers simply aren’t in it for the laughs.

It is possible to overdo it when writing a funny cover letter. While you want to amuse the hiring manager, this is still a professional document. Use humor sparingly and strategically to make sure that when you do use it, it hits just right.

• Include a balance of entertaining and serious passages.
• Vary your language and punctuation.
• Ask for feedback on your cover letter from a trusted colleague in your field.
• Make sure your professional story is the primary focus.
• Stay away from the toilet humor and keep it family-friendly.
• Make every sentence an opportunity to try and be funny.
• Use slang or excessive exclamation points.
• Send your funny cover letter without reading it out loud first.
• Forget to highlight your professional skills and experiences.

Typos are no laughing matter

No matter how witty you are, the hiring manager won’t appreciate basic spelling and grammar errors. In fact, they could likely get your cover letter tossed out altogether. So, don’t forget to check your work for these errors too!

Tips on how to write a funny cover letter 

So, you’ve taken the decision to entertain and amuse the hiring manager with a funny cover letter. Your approach to your cover letter should center around the intended reader and, of course, showcasing your professional personality. While comedy will always be subjective, one thing is for sure: you want to make sure your cover letter is funny for the right reasons. You can do this by considering some of the following tips.

• Regardless of where your cover letter starts and ends, you want to make sure you take the reader on a journey.
• Vary the styles and levels of humor so your cover letter stays engaging rather than predictable.
• The space on your cover letter is limited - one page is ideal - so choose what to add carefully.
• Every sentence should contribute to a story of how your previous experience made you the perfect candidate for this role. Finally, as you proofread your cover letter, you want to make sure the entire document matches the style and tone of your prospective employer. Think about the tone of voice they use on official communications such as their website, social media, and press releases.

Key takeaways

• Research your prospective employer’s company culture to identify what sort of funny cover letter could work for you.
• Flex your soft skills such as effective communication, creativity and emotional intelligence with your wit and charm.
• Vary the humor with serious passages and don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience.
• Read your funny cover letter out loud before you send it.

😜 33 Funny Cover Letters and Job Applications That are Actually Real

These need to be seen to be believed.

MOST of these are real. See if you can spot the few joke ones, and mention your picks in the comments .

1) “Attached is a copy of my CV and his death certificate”

2) “I have brave fight to wild bear”

3) “I am only 6”

4) Reason for leaving: “It sucked”

5) “kount money faster than a bank teller”

6) “i like kids and its fun to fiddle with them”

7) “I won't waste your time… feeding you a line of crap”

8) “If you have any questions, please feel free to f#$king contact me”

9) “it would be the highest choice of my smile to discuss myself being hired”

10) “Please explain your rationale for the rainbow”

11) Please tell me why you deserve to be hired: “To be paid”

12) “You need me to work you because you seem to have trouble with math”

13) “lets make it happen WOO WOO”

14) “Please realize that I'm not a braggart or conceited”

15) “calling our head of HR a ‘skank ho' does not gain you any plus points”

16) “My middle name is Promptness. True story. Ask my mom”

17) “here's a good presentation that cover's the basics”

18) “this position sparked my interested because…”

19) “I am your dog walker… I got a 1600 on my SATs”

20) “Me also can fight for boxing like Tyson”

21) “I am also very highly motivated, just show me the money”

22) “I hate this guy”

23) “I'm sick of writing these pedestrian cover letters, you're sick of reading them”

24) “I am 24 years old which is why I think this position is a great fit for me”

25) “I received some feedback from the grandfather of a friend”

26) “And like to write columns, blogs, reviews, articles and letter to the editor”

27) “since I moved here solely for career purposes, don't really have any friends yet… I'm in a perfect position to make work my life”

28) “right now studying in a Left leaning institution”

29) “the only caveat IS I have to do this during non-working hours”

30) The most generic cover letter ever?

31) “it would probably explode from Cancer of the RAM”

32) “I dont have any expereince”

33) Business Insider Sports Intern?

34) Captain America's cover letter

35) “I am writing to you in regard to the position of boyfriend”

More funny cover letters and job applications

Question of the article.

Subscribe to JobMob via RSS or email and follow me on Twitter for more ideas on how NOT to job search.

Jacob Share

This post has 5 comments.

Jacob. These are great. The funniest cover letters and resumes. Real people writing real letters not corporate lingo. I laughed till I cried reading the resumes. Thankyou. A wonderful relief from university assignments.

1 is probably fake, but the others may well be real in that they were actually sent to a recruiter. Click through to see for yourself

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• December 28, 2020
• 10 minutes read

How to Use Humor in a Cover Letter

Job applications have become more and more involved. Not only do you need a resume, but you may also have to include a portfolio, add references, pass job assessments, and ace two or more interviews. But one aspect stands out as the most dreaded of all: the cover letter. The reasons for this are numerous, ranging from too much pressure to a sense of having to be overly formulaic. In short, applicants just aren’t sure how to write one to stand out. Do you let your personality shine? Or do you stick to something professional? However, one manner of writing is gaining traction: adding humor in a cover letter. By doing so, you can set yourself apart from other applicants and give the hiring manager an insight into how you’d gel with the company.

Do You Still Need a Cover Letter?

The debate on cover letters is in full force. While some say experts say it’s dead, others remain confident that it’s one of the deciding factors in the hiring process. To build on this discourse, take these statistics into account. According to a ResumeLab survey, 83% of hiring managers contend that a cover letter is integral in deciding if you’re a fit for the company’s values and culture. Conversely, Boston-based employment agency Addison Group found that only 18% of hiring managers regard the cover letter as an integral part of a successful application.

Due to this dichotomy, job candidates should consider the cover letter an added bonus, allowing them to demonstrate their personality and skills. Thus, the key to a successful cover letter is differentiation. So how do you differentiate? While you have many avenues to create something that’s unique and stands out, humor in a cover letter just might be the most effective.

The Risk Factor of Humor in a Cover Letter

Before you add humor in a cover letter, know the risks. Not every job or profession dictates or needs humor, especially more serious roles in upper-level positions. However, hiring managers have the tedious task of sifting through hundreds of resumes and cover letters daily. And it’s in this mundaneness that humor can truly make your cover letter shine.

But you should also know the risks. Not every hiring manager is wired the same way. And even if they have a sense of humor, they might not have your sense of humor. This is an important distinction and one of the reasons that a bit of comedy is also a gamble. Furthermore, you’re never quite sure how the person on the other end will perceive your jokes or puns. Some might fast-track you to the shortlist of candidates while others may find a lack of professionalism off-putting and end you application process right there. In this regard, tact and the proper way to use humor becomes a necessity.

The Don’ts of Humor in a Cover Letter

Before diving into how to use humor in a cover letter, start the process by understanding the aspects you absolutely, unequivocally should never touch. This list includes the following:

• Any joke that would earn a PG-13 or higher rating
• Potty humor of any kind
• Juvenile/sophomoric humor
• Jokes that could be misconstrued as sexist, ageist, racist, or homophobic

If you’ve read the above and your cover letter humor ideas don’t match, you might be in luck. But remember: if you have any doubt as to whether your humor is appropriate, chances are it’s probably not. Always err on the side of caution in this regard to avoid offending others or having your reputation tarnished.

The Reasoning and the Research

So you want your cover letter to stand out ? Well, the bad news is that a witty one-liner isn’t always the answer. Therefore, you have to question the reasoning behind your choice to take the humor route. And that’s where your research comes into play. Researching any company you’re applying with is a no-brainer. Doing so can demonstrate:

• Desire to work for a particular employer
• If you’re a cultural fit
• Helps you formulate interview questions
• Enables you to answer “why do you want to work for us?”

While these are all great aspects of research, it also helps you to tailor your cover letter. Perusing the company website, social media channels, and any press releases can help you tell if the company is all business or if they have humorous or at least conversational undertones or language. Not only will this allow you to make the decision on whether to use humor in a cover letter, but it also shows you what type of humor would appeal to the hiring manager or other decision-makers.

Being the Top Dog Helps

If you’re a borderline candidate for a job, humor probably won’t help you all that much. Instead, you need a solid resume and a more professional approach to the position. Applicants in the upper echelon of potential candidates may have a bit more leeway. And because you’re already in the top tier, humor is the great differentiator. Note that this isn’t a steadfast rule. But it’s just another consideration you should have before penning the world’s funniest cover letter.

Have you ever heard a best man speech that drones on for 20 minutes? Or a sermon at church that keeps you looking at your watch? That’s because humans typically have a short attention span. It’s not that lengthy dissertations or speeches—even with humor—are especially terrible. But they’re not always necessary. In a professional sense, you also have to value the hiring manager’s time. Odds are strong that they’re poring over dozens of applications a day. Add in the idea that recruiters and companies only look at your application for six seconds before saying “yea” or “nay,” and you don’t have paragraphs or even a few sentences to get your humor across.

In this regard, brevity is key. Keep everything short and to the point, and you just might find more hiring managers appreciating your wit or calling you for an interview.

The Obvious

Like any strong resume, your cover letter should be free of spelling, grammatical, and syntax errors. Forgetting to proofread the letter after drafting it will only nullify your hard work of coming up with humor in a cover letter. So check it once, check it again, and read through it one last time to make sure everything looks amazing and still has the hallmarks of a professional cover letter.

Include All the Usual Parts of a Cover Letter

In addition to your humorous quip, don’t forget that it’s still a cover letter. As such, make certain that you include the following aspects:

• The job you want or are applying for
• Introduce yourself
• Paint a picture of the skills you possess and include any stats that boost your appeal (Example: boosted sales by 22% in Q3)
• Why you want to work at the company and how your skills apply to the position
• Call to action
• Thank you for reviewing the resume
• Contact information

Remember that you don’t just want a verbal recap of your resume. You can take parts of it, but don’t just regurgitate. In this regard, let your resume do the talking and your cover letter be the one-upper.

Superb Examples of Humor in a Cover Letter

Humor comes in a wide array of styles and tastes. Chances are if you ask five people who their favorite comedian is, you’ll get five different answers. So to satisfy your curiosity for funny cover letters and the level of humor that’s been deemed acceptable for employment, here are some stellar examples of humor in a cover letter.

Note: Take notice of the position titles, such as the first example, which helped this applicant nail down an interview.

Dear Potential Master, I was beyond thrilled to see the Customer Service Ninja position at [Company] for two reasons. One, I have long been a fan of your company and all the amazing work you do, and two, because as a real ninja, you can certainly understand that job opportunities for me have been few and far between since 15th-century Japan. Now, why should you consider me over substantially more well-known ninjas like Leonardo, Donatello, Michaelangelo, or even Raphael? Well, for starters, I’ve been skillfully trained in the art of espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination (though I would never assassinate unless ordered to, of course). Your job posting made it clear that you are looking for someone who is ready to take on a variety of responsibilities. Would it impress you to know that I’m proficient in hand-to-hand combat, the katana, and shuriken (you may know these as “ninja stars”) and know seven different ways to render a man immobile with just two fingers? In other words, I’m positive I can handle any responsibilities you throw at me. And as for thriving in a fast-paced environment: Have you ever seen a ninja fight? I’ll be fine. I noticed that the hours are from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., which is perfect for a ninja like me since I like to operate under the cover of darkness anyway. And while I’ve been trained by the legendary Fujibayashi Nagato, one of the most legendary ninjas ever, to be self-sufficient in all my tasks, I’m very capable and enjoy working as a team while attacking. I humbly look forward to hearing from you soon and would relish the chance to come in for an interview. Maybe you’ll see me coming, maybe you won’t. A good ninja never tells. Sincerely, Applicant Name Source: TheMuse

This applicant eventually landed the job. But for many jobs this approach may be a bit too strong. Still, it’s a fine example of using the job title (Customer Service Ninja) to appeal to an employer while also praising the company and showing the skills you can provide.

Light Humor

In this opening line to a cover letter, the applicant applies a touch of humor but doesn’t overdo it. Then, the writer turns the humor into a skill beneficial to the position—a worthy transition that makes the cover letter stand out.

When I was growing up, all I wanted to be was one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager. Source: TheMuse

The Humor in Intrigue

Another well-executed example of humor in a cover letter is just a straightforward approach that also adds a bit of intrigue. Again, the transition to the job role and mentioning how much the applicant wants to work for the company is natural, while the opening line is simple and provides a little chuckle.

The other day, I took a  career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean. Source: TheMuse

The Attention Grabber With a Call to Action

Combining a great opening line with a call to action at the end, this applicant provides an insight into their live, personality, and sense of humor.

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sounding incredulous that not more progress has been made since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more. Source: TheMuse

And if you’re having trouble putting together a solid cover letter with or without humor, let Virtual Vocations Career Services help. With a team of experienced resume and cover letter writers, Virtual Vocations can add a dash of professionalism to your cover letter humor.

Moderation Is Key, But Don’t Be Scared to Let Your Personality Shine

Using humor in a cover letter is more than just a few jokes or a bit of dry wit. It’s what helps your personality shine, even at the beginning of the application process. By understanding the potential risks involved and approaching the humor in a somewhat professional matter, it’s not a matter of getting or not getting a job. It’s about finding the right job. No one wants to feel like the wrong puzzle piece shoved into place. So let your humor fly, and you just might find yourself in the midst of a job you love.

Have you successfully used or seen humor in a cover letter? What did you write or read in the cover letter?  Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram , and YouTube to share your comments. We’d love to hear from you !

Joining  Virtual Vocations  grants you access to our hand-picked remote jobs database. Learn  how our service works , browse job leads by  location and career category , or search hundreds of hand-screened remote jobs to find legitimate work-at-home job leads that match your skills and background.  Register for free  or  contact us  for more information on our service guarantee. Check out our menu of Career Services provided by our team of certified professionals, including resume and career coaching services for remote jobseekers. Resume assessments and writing, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and cover letter writing are available to maximize the success of your remote job applications.  Discounts on all services available to subscription members,  become one now.

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The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Published: May 22, 2024

I’ve sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn’t usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that it’s possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers don’t include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely don’t recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.

It’s an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?

Keep reading for 40+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great.

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Customizable Cover Letter Examples

Best cover letter examples, short cover letter examples, creative cover letter examples, job cover letter examples, career cover letter examples, what is a good cover letter, what’s on a cover letter, what makes a great cover letter.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

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In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpot’s cover letter template kit .

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

27. Construction Cover Letter Example

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it‘s about your experience, isn’t it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

“At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

“I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results.”

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

“I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

“I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results.”

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren‘t hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They’re hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you‘re not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company’s industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

“I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

“I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations.”

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

• Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
• Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

• Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
• Choose your words carefully .
• Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

“I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization.”

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

“Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting.”

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you‘d most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you’re feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.

But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

Don't forget to share this post!

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10 Funny Cover Letters We Found On The Internet

Creativity counts for something, right?

Image via Complex Original

Especially nowadays, finding a good job can be nearly impossible. There's a constant struggle between how you present yourself to any given company and what they offer you in return. You have to make sure your resumé is flawless, with a cover letter to match no less. Some people, however, often take a slightly different approach to constructing their cover letters. Here, we've complied the funniest cover letters to ever hit the Internet. And athough these are indeed ridiculous, they may, in fact, be crazy enough to land you that dream job.

RELATED:  The 50 Most Ridiculous Yahoo Answers

The Microsoft Word Art Cover Letter

Finally! Someone figured out the official purpose for Microsoft Word. Contrary to popular belief, it's not for kindergarteners with poor artistic abilities, it's for drafting cover letters.

The I'm The Man Cover Letter

As explained, this cover letter can be used for just about any situation. Just be sure to remind everyone that you're humble and the rest should take care of itself.

The I Have A Plan (And It Must Be Accomplished In This Specific Order) Cover Letter

If anyone deserves a job it's a man with a plan, right? Preferably one that involves taking care of his mom, wife, kids, and just about anything else that may make you say "aww" to hire him.

The Nick Cage Photo Is Definitely Going To Get Me This Job Cover Letter

This Nicholas Cage meme should scare your future employer just enough for them to give you a job. Realistically, only crazy people would attach something so creepy.

The Straight To The Point Cover Letter

When all else fails, just don't write anything at all. Remember, it's better to stay silent and have people wonder if you're stupid, than open your mouth and prove them right.

The I'm Probably A Douche Cover Letter

When describing yourself always be sure to mention obscure talents. As seen in this case, how can you not hire a person who is ranked 80th in the world for yo-yoing? Also: This person is probably a douchebag.

The Three P's Cover Letter

One of two things is going on here. This person is either extremely creative or extremely stoned. Either way, he should be considered for a job because his imagination clearly knows no bounds.

The I Attended The Dude's Funeral To Make Sure His Position Was Open Cover Letter

Paying your respects? Ain't nobody got time for that when there's a job opening. And if sheer audacity doesn't work, just follow suite and tell your employer you caught them red-handed in a lie. That should seal the deal.

The I Have Cat-Like Reflexes Cover Letter

In retrospect this person has the right idea. When giving references, always give your own phone number. Because if you don't love yourself, who else will?

The My Favortie Color Is Toupe Because It Rhymes With Dope Cover Letter

When constructing a quality cover letter make sure to check off all the things you're awesome at. And always remember, when sending in a cover letter, don't even give the employer an opportunity to call you back. Just show up the next day, because that's how dope you are.

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How to Add Humor to Your Résumé or CV

You might be one of many people in the market for a new job at the moment. If you're in this position, your first inclination might be to turn to your résumé or CV and start updating it. And depending on the last time you had to do that, that might be a rather large undertaking! So how can you make your résumé or CV stand out above the rest?

Adding humor to your résumé or CV might not be the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, it might be the last! But with some well-placed humor, that might just be the thing to stand out in a great way to a prospective employer.

Let's discuss a few ways to achieve this!

Know your audience

This one is listed first for a reason. Before you go adding levity to your employment documents to make them sound like your dream stand-up routine, consider the job you're applying for and the industry. Jobs in a more creative industry, like marketing or publishing, might be much more interested in seeing different aspects of your personality rather than, say, a banking institution or a science laboratory.

Non-creative industries tend to be much more interested in your personal skill set and your professional credentials in the early application stages. That's not to say they don't care about you as a person, but in a field where a certain level of education is required or plenty of past experience in a particular, specific industry, they want to weed out the unqualified from the qualified as quickly as possible as early as possible.

A creative industry, on the other hand, might be very interested in how you jump off the page. If the job is focused on marketing or has a heavy emphasis on writing, your personality and humor may very well help a prospective employer get a feel for the creative ways you communicate about yourself and your experience as a way of how well you may perform in the job they're considering you for.

Take care with the content

Since sending a résumé or CV is, obviously, a professional endeavor where you're hoping to get hired, you'll want to be extremely strategic with where and how you use humor. The cover letter is likely the most logical place since often, you're invited by the employer to use the letter to expand on your immediate credentials, education, and skills that make you an ideal candidate for that job. It's specific to the employer as to how much stock they place in the cover letter. Some treat the letter as a mere formality and prefer to focus on the résumé /CV. Some detail very specific items to address in the cover letter—often to ensure the applicant is paying close attention to the details in the posting.

You won't know for sure how much stock the prospective employer places in the cover letter, so you should default to writing it erring on the side of the employer reading it thoroughly. Sprinkle humor in lightly where it feels appropriate, and rather than focusing on jokes, you might focus on wit. For example, a phrase might be "I'm a hard worker, a fast learner, and I have a disturbing thirst for knowledge." This is witty rather than humorous, but it might be light enough to elicit a smile—and, even better, second look—from a prospective employer.

Tailor the humor to the employer

If you're feeling confident that you're applying for a job with an employer who will appreciate a little humor and creativity, then try to be funny in a way that is complementary to the employer. For instance, if you're applying for a marketing job with, say, a cosmetics company, you might enthusiastically write that you own every shade of a certain kind of lipstick they make. Or, if you're applying for a job as a story developer for a video game manufacturer, you might write a humorous line about binge-playing one of their titles over a long holiday weekend. This, when done carefully, can show the employer that you not only are familiar with their product or service, but that you enjoy it, and that enjoyment is driving you to want to work for them. And, it may encourage them to view you as an excellent prospective candidate.

Avoid self-deprecation

We all know a person who cracks truly funny self-deprecating jokes. In fact, someone who makes jokes at their own expense rather than another's can often be some of the most charming people you'll meet. Those little personal jabs at oneself simultaneously highlight a person's humility and sense of being grounded, while also at the same time displaying some serious self-confidence. It takes a lot of that to be able to poke fun at yourself!

That said…the résumé /CV is not the best place for self-deprecation. The problem is that convincing self-deprecation requires a tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language to really hit the mark with its intention, and none of these physical attributes are available on the page. Therefore, what you might intend to come off as self-deprecating might strike a stranger reading it with no context and never having met you as awkward, lacking self-confidence, or downright weird.

When in doubt, be serious

Humor in varying degrees might come naturally to you, whether you're speaking or writing. And you might also be someone who can easily adjust that humor for different audiences. But when you're applying for a job and you've written someone witty or humorous and you're simply not sure whether or not to include it, or whether or not it's appropriate, it's always best to err on the side of caution and leave it out for now. Choose to focus on what qualifies you for the job and what you can bring to the role. Your sparkling wit will need to take a backseat for now if you're not 100% sure, but that's okay. That's what the interview is for!

A/B testing

You might be sending out a number of résumé s and CVs at this time. If that's the case, you can try using humor in some and not others. Then, you can gauge your tactic and technique depending on the responses you get. If you receive more responses to your résumé /CV indicating an interest in you as a candidate, this might tell you that your humor was on the mark and a great tool to capture the prospective employer's attention. On the other hand, if you receive polite rejections or no responses whatsoever, that might tell you that perhaps your résumé /CV should focus more on your skills and qualifications and include less levity.

Save it for the interview

If you decide to eschew humor in your résumé and CV because it just doesn't feel quite appropriate for the job you're applying for, or perhaps your A/B testing indicated that humor isn't garnering you a lot of positive replies to your applications, you can put your efforts into highlighting your skills and qualifications in order to shine on paper and use the interview as a way to shine in person. We mentioned previously that humor—especially if self-deprecation is your go-to—requires not just words but also physical cues like tone of voice and body language to hit its mark. The interview is a great place to let your personality and sense of humor shine through always save your wit for the interview, which will allow the company to get the full delivery in context—something that's not always possible on paper.

Humor is a great way to showcase your personality to a prospective employer. No matter the industry, it's probably fair to say that most employers don't want a robot to fill a role. They're looking for a warm, personable team player who also has the qualifications they're looking for. That said, while it might be tempting to inject humor into your résumé or CV, that requires some careful consideration before doing so. More often than not, shying away from humor is encouraged, as it's a risky move. However, some well-constructed wit and humor might prove to be worth the risk—because it just might be the thing that makes you stand out above the crowd of candidates and help you score the next job of your dreams.

Good luck, and happy job hunting!

This Video Isn't Just Funny, It's Also a Great Reminder to Take Your Job Application Seriously

Confession: Whenever I send in a resume and cover letter to apply for a job, I’m slightly convinced that no one will ever see either. They’ll just float around in the mysterious “cloud” for the remainder of my life, occasionally being skimmed by some bored computer hackers (who will, as a result, fall even deeper into the land of boredom).

And because I feel this way (admit it—you do, too), I sometimes find it hard to put a lot of effort into saying the perfect thing or taking the time to proofread carefully because, who’s going to read this, anyway?

But this isn’t a good mindset to have. At all. While it’s true that recruiters are looking at hundreds of applications ( so many that they may be using software programs to screen them), there’s still a chance someone will see it.

And if you don’t take it seriously, you may end up submitting documents that include a phrase, word, or formatting faux pas that causes the hiring manager to raise an eyebrow (or two) and move on to the next one. This video provides some excellent examples of what I’m talking about—enjoy!

Do Not Send a “Funny” Cover Letter Like This One

“Comedy is not pretty!” That is the title of an old Steve Martin special and I have to agree with the sentiment. When you tell a joke you need to be ready for laughs and also prepare for the worst. Some nights, the audience might roll in the aisles with laughter. The next night? Tough crowd, tough crowd.

I am a fairly serious person but I enjoy a good laugh — there is a time and place for joking. You would not think a job application is a laughing matter, though. But it is surprising how often I have seen some ill-advised attempts at humor in cover letters .

One cover letter detailed a plan to create a wild movie parody that was certain to “go viral.” Another promised to make customers “seethe, sweat, and smile.” Or what about no cover letter at all? Instead, a list of the top 10 reasons to hire someone, including” “my mom loves me” and each one sillier than the last.

Candidates are looking for creative ways to make a positive impression. And it takes time to craft a cover letter and resume that a hiring manager wants to read.

I realize it can be tough to stand out from a crowd of applicants, all vying for attention. It is not easy to put yourself out there and risk rejection. I admire the effort — but the execution sometimes confuses me.

That is the reason I want to explain why I do not think it is wise to show your stand-up-comedian side in a cover letter. Because humor is:

Subjective What you think is patently hilarious, someone else might find juvenile, obnoxious, insulting , bizarre, or even offensive. There is no universal standard for what anyone considers funny. Once you consider all the possible ways your joke might go sideways, it probably will not seem quite so funny anymore.

Risky Using humor in your cover letter is a big gamble. After all, you probably do not know the person reading your email on the other end. The hiring manager may be a huge fan of comedy — or the most humorless person you will likely never meet (and could be annoyed that you are wasting time with silliness).

Distracting Even if you get the desired chuckle you want, your jokey asides can distract the hiring manager from the real reason you are writing — you want the job. You could earn some attention, but you come off looking like a goof-off rather than a viable candidate who is ready to get down to work.

Now, I am not suggesting that you should completely silence your personality. You certainly want to show vigorous signs of life.

But when you are looking for a job, you want potential employers to see you as a professional, not a workplace jester. So before you send out that next funny cover letter, consider it from the hiring manager’s perspective.

Ask yourself, “How will this joke or story be perceived by someone I do not know? Is the joke worth the risk that it might be a distraction?”

Better to consider a few of our suggestions for how to keep your cover letter simple and genuine. Describe your strengths and how your experience makes you a great fit for the role. Explain why you are excited about the opportunity and the company.

Just be your best self — save your dry sense of humor and crazy wit for later, when it will be better appreciated.

How have you seen humor backfire on the job?

Brian de Haaff

Brian seeks business and wilderness adventure. He is the co-founder and CEO of Aha! — the world’s #1 product development software — and the author of the bestseller Lovability and The Startup Adventure newsletter. Brian writes and speaks about product and company growth and the journey of pursuing a meaningful life.

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