Careers Blog
The secret to the perfect cover letter: don’t write one.
Written by Caroline Cotto @carolineecotto
1) Don’t Say It, Sing It
Al Biedrzycki was applying for jobs during the midst of the Great Recession. When he graduated in May 2009, he quickly realized it wasn’t going to be easy to land an entry level dream job in marketing without any real-world experience.
At least, not with the traditional resume-cover letter one-two punch approach, that is.
So Al decided he would use what he learned in business school and market himself. He knew he could either go big or go home. And, go big he did.
A talented musician, Al took what he would typically include in his written cover letter and brought it to life in a music video called “Hire Me.” In his clever lyrics, complete with a full chorus, Al sang about his qualifications, including his marketing degree, extensive internship experience, and even his Japanese language skills. Sounds crazy, right? But the crazier thing is that it worked.
In fact, it more than worked. Al’s video went viral and landed him a spot on the CNN nightly news . This caught the eye of a number of Boston marketing organizations, including HubSpot’s. When a position opened up in 2011, HubSpot immediately reached out to Al to see if he was interested in coming on board. Luckily for us, he was and four years later, Al’s a key member of our integration partner marketing team. What worked about Al’s video was that he knew his audience. He wanted a role in marketing, so he found a creative way to market himself. In his own words, videos can be a great way to get noticed if you can “show you understand the medium and the channels for getting it out, and you nail the messaging.”
2) Show Your Social Side
Companies not only receive applications through career sites alone. If you factor in applications from referrals and external job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed, the number can double or triple. Tech companies, including Google, receive upwards of 2 million applications in a single year. So, how you can avoid submitting your application with a farewell greeting of “May the odds be ever in your favor?” In the same way that Katniss and Peeta repeatedly thought of creative ways to use common items and tools at their disposal to outsmart their competition, so too can you use your favorite familiar social media tools to stand out amongst your fellow applicants.
Are you an avid pinner? Jeanne Hwang was. After graduating from Harvard Business School, Jeanne applied to work at Pinterest and opted to pin her credentials rather than submitting a traditional cover letter and resume.
And, let’s not forget the Twitterverse. Twitter resumes (#twesume) and cover letters are definitely here to stay. By parsing yourself down to 140 characters, you have to think outside the box about how to best package yourself into snackable content that recruiters will eat up. And I’m not just talking about linking to your longform resume.
Jonathan Pelleg , for example, was hired for a $70k job by renowned advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi after he tweeted this response to a posting by one of the firm’s executives.
First, determine which social media outlet you best flourish on. From there, you can demonstrate your knowledge of the tool (employers will want to tap this later) while simultaneously revealing substantive information about what makes you specially qualified for the position.
3) Practice What They Preach
Let’s be real: hiring managers don’t really care that much about what you’ve done; they want to see what you can do. Companies want to know that candidates understand their unique business model and their product, and will be positioned to add real value to their organization. Sam Mallikarjunan showed that he could deliver the goods when it came to inbound marketing by creating a website called HireMeHubSpot.com . Using his website, Sam wrote content about why he would be an outstanding addition to the HubSpot team, complete with a landing page and webinar about why HubSpot should hire him.
Sam used social media to promote his content, and even took it a step further by launching paid ad campaigns on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google AdWords targeting everyone working at HubSpot, anyone living near HubSpot that worked at or was a fan of the company page, and anyone living near Cambridge, MA searching the term “HubSpot,” respectively.
Sam knew that this type of content creation was exactly what the HubSpot software platform was doing for businesses around the globe, and recruiters immediately recognized that if he could do it for himself, Sam would be able execute similar projects for HubSpot customers. Demonstrating how you’re creative idea will translate into tangible results for the company is crucial when deciding how to best strut your stuff for potential employers.
Sam’s approach was also super impressive because he was so ahead of the inbound curve. When he he built his web page, inbound marketing was a still relatively new and unknown, so Sam’s detailed knowledge of the field was pretty remarkable. Staying ahead of trends and finding ways to be a thought leader in a developing field can also help catapult you to the top of the hiring list.
4) Remember the Medium is Sometimes the Message
Cambria Davies was looking for a way to land the internship she’d dreamed of since her freshman year. She knew theatrics wasn’t the way to go; no singing and dancing to be had here. But, she wanted to convey her genuine passion for HubSpot in an enthusiastic, yet strategic, way. Enter Cambria’s Culture Code .
Cambria, like the other one hundred applicants applying for the internship position, had done her due diligence and read about the unique culture HubSpot has cultivated, outlined in our longstanding Culture Code . What made her approach special, however, was that she not only took the time to understand and absorb our company values, but she went a step further by outlining how her goals and values directly aligned with ours. Our recruiters also loved the format Cambria used to present her culture code: Clean, simple, and easy to understand. Like Walt Whitman once said, “Simplicity is the glory of expression.” As recruiters pour over hundreds of applications a day, they are more likely to gravitate towards layouts and graphics that make it easy to take in key resume points at first glance. Infographic resumes or cover letters, like Cambria’s, and personal SlideShares can be a great way to grab a recruiter's eye and ensure that your experiences get the attention they deserve rather than being lost amongst endless lines of 12 pt Times New Roman.
5) Give Your Resume a Makeover
At the end of the day, nothing is going to get you in the door more than a perfectly tailored resume. While recruiters aren’t looking at your cover letter, they ARE looking at your resume. But, only for about 6 seconds.
Maximize the “face time” your resume gets by using a slick template and emphasizing your accomplishments and achievements rather than focusing on duties and responsibilities. Use action verbs that echo key responsibilities advertised in the the job posting. Just as the days of cover letters are quickly coming to a close, so too are the days of having only version of your resume that you blanket job boards with. Customize, customize, customize ㅡ let recruiters know that their company is your one true crush.
And don’t be afraid to add some of your personality along the way:
- Consider tasteful use of color and formatting
- Include URLs that link to your online web presence
- Or even list your “nights and weekends” projects
It might just be that banana bread side-business you started with a friend one Saturday that piques a recruiter's interest.
Beginning of the End
While some companies are taking charge and supplementing their applications with additional questions (like the Motley Fool , who asks candidates what their superpower would be and their 5 top jeopardy categories; or IDEO , who requires a short “Pop Quiz” question with every submission), lots still require applicants to submit a mandatory cover letter. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t increase your chances of getting noticed by thinking outside the box and sending along a creative video, attaching an eye-popping infographic, tweeting at the company, or linking to an impressive personal web page in your resume. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Originally published Mar 28, 2016 7:01:04 PM, updated January 18 2023
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Whether you're just joining the workforce or looking to make a mid-career pivot, the act of job hunting can (and often will) trigger feelings of stress. It all starts with the daunting task of polishing up your resume, which leads to the time-consuming task of crafting tailored cover letters for each application you submit. But your cover letter isn't something you want to skimp on. After all, an effective cover letter provides you with an opportunity to exercise your creativity and highlight your qualifications at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.
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Customer Service Cover Letter Tips & Examples to Land Your Ideal Role
Published: August 10, 2022
The best cover letters highlight your skills and abilities and leave recruiters and hiring managers interested in and eager to learn more about you, your skillset, and your ability to succeed in the role they’re hiring for.
In this post, discover everything you need to include in a customer service cover letter to leave a lasting impression, including:
What to Include in a Customer Service Cover Letter
Customer service cover letter example, entry-level customer service cover letter.
- Entry-Level Customer Service Cover Letter Example
Best Practices for Writing a Customer Service Cover Letter
When writing a customer service cover letter, it’s essential to include information highlighting your skills and abilities in the customer service industry.
Some key information to include is:
- Your interest in the role you’re applying for and why you’re interested in it.
- Relevant customer service experience you have and the responsibilities you’ve held in your previous related roles.
- The specific skills you’ve developed and perfected that make you an excellent fit for the roles you apply to. It’s important to get as specific as possible for each position, as a generic cover letter not relevant to the role won’t help you stand out.
- Any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your customer service skills as they demonstrate your ability to be successful at the job and that you possess the qualifications hiring managers are looking for.
- The qualities you have that make you an excellent team player.
- The passion you have for customer experience.
It’s mentioned above, but it’s worth driving home that anything you include in your customer service cover letter should be specific and related to the role you’re applying for. Aim to create a new cover letter for each position so you can call attention to your skills that will help you fulfill the role expectations for each job.
Let’s go over an example of a high-quality customer service letter.
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
My name is [Your name], and I am a seasoned [Industry] professional with over [Number] experience. I am very interested in [Position] at [Company name], and my experience in [Previous customer service experience] makes me an excellent candidate. I believe my [Insert role-relevant skills] can help [Company Name] achieve [Desired goals for role].
In my current role as a [Your current role] at [Current company], I’ve achieved results with [Insert achievements or data that shows expertise]. I’m eager to bring these skills to [Insert position] and help customers achieve success.
Additionally, [Insert other relevant experience or skills related to the role].
I look forward to further discussing my past achievements and how they will help me succeed as [Insert role title].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
[Your Name Here]
If you’re applying for a customer service position and haven’t yet held any customer service roles, not to worry. Below we’ll explain why.
If you’re applying for an entry-level customer service position but you don’t have significant customer service experience, you can still write a cover letter that highlights you as a standout candidate.
Take care to mention:
- The transferable skills you have that relate to the customer service role you’re applying for. For example, you’re a skilled communicator, which can come in handy when talking to customers over the phone or in person.
- Any customer service or related training you’ve received, even if it’s minimal. This shows a commitment and genuine interest in the role you’re applying for.
- Any relevant coursework or extracurriculars that have helped you develop the necessary skills for the role.
- Your passion for helping others and resolving issues, which are key qualities in any customer service professional.
- The qualifications that make you a good team member because, regardless of experience, you’ll be working with people.
Overall, highlighting any of your strengths, even if you don’t have direct experience, shows recruiters and hiring managers that you’d be an excellent fit for the role and what you can contribute to their company. Let’s go over a sample entry-level customer service cover level that you can use for inspiration.
Entry Level Customer Service Cover Letter Example
Dear [Hiring manager name],
My name is [Your name], and I am writing to express my interest in the [Role title] position at [Company name]. I am drawn to the role because [Insert interest] and my skills with [Insert relevant skills] make me an excellent candidate.
My relevant customer service experience is with [Explain applicable or transferable experience], and I believe this would allow me to excel at [Insert role requirements]. I’ve been recognized for [Insert data or achievements that demonstrate skill set], and I’m eager to achieve the same results for [Company name].
As I look forward to my next chapter, I hope to apply my experience and perspective to help the [Company Name] team hit and exceed goals. I admire [Company Name]’s commitment to [Business Priority] and feel passionate about your mission to [Company Mission Here].
Attached is my resume for further review, and I look forward to further discussing my experience and how my background fits [Company name] needs.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your Name]
Above, we’ve outlined key elements to include in your customer service cover letter, whether you have years of experience or are just getting started in the field. Regardless of the type of letter you’re writing, though, there are always best practices to keep in mind.
- Always address the letter to a specific person, if possible. If you can’t find a hiring manager's name , you can say something like “Dear [company name] recruiter” or Dear [position title] Hiring Manager.”
- Use a professional tone throughout the letter, but you can also display your unique personality without being informal.
- Keep the letter short and to the point — recruiters and hiring managers are busy and might be reading through a lot of applications, so they’ll be appreciative of a concise letter that stays on track.
- Always highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualities.
- Use concrete examples to back up your claims.
- Edit carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
A bonus tip and a unique way to leave a lasting impression with your cover letter is to tell a story. You can call out an experience that makes you uniquely qualified for the role, a story that expresses your interest in the company and what led you to them, or a story about a significant customer service-related experience you excelled at.
An excellent customer service cover letter gets you hired.
An excellent customer service letter leaves an impression on hiring managers and recruiters and can get you hired. Follow the tips and best practices we’ve mentioned above, and you’ll likely find yourself getting interviews that land you new customer service roles.
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Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.
Sample cover letter for Internship position at Hubspot
Data analyst.
Ref: Business Analyst,[Ref #], [Date]
Dear Hiring Manager,
I read about your opening for the internship position of Business Analyst. I am writing this letter to express my keen interest in this position. I feel that I would be a perfect fit for this role as the job description that you have provided aligns well with my skills and professional experience.
You need a sharp candidate for this position with great attention to detail and excellent skills. My professional experience of 3 Years 1 Month has helped me to hone my skills [mention skills like attention to detail, punctuality etc or whatever is mentioned in the Job Description].
Currently I am pursuing my Masters in Information Technology and Management and this has prepared me for the role of [Business Analyst/Data Analyst]. In particular my study of Introduction to Business Intelligence, Business Data Warehousing has given me a strong background so that I can perform [enter the job duties]. I am eager to contribute my enthusiasm and up-to-date skills to the [Company Name] team.
I am certain that my resume will give you a greater understanding of my qualifications for this exciting opportunity.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with and learn from you and your talented team. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
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7 Tips for Writing Great Cover Letters · 1. Keep it succinct. · 2. Tailor it for the company and position you're applying for. · 3. Don't repeat
A cover letter is used to demonstrate your interest in the
Cover letters shouldn't just carry your contact information, but
As of this week, HubSpot applications no longer require cover letters. Hello there, 21st century. So, if the cover letter is going extinct, how
Save time writing your next cover letter. ... Whether you're just joining the workforce or looking to make a mid-career pivot, the act of job hunting can (and
When applying for a role at HubSpot, one of my colleagues began
Your intro paragraph should highlight why you're a great fit. It's a high-level overview, rather than an in-depth exploration of your work
Claire McCarthy, a recruiter at HubSpot, says a cover letter is, “your opportunity to showcase your business acumen and written communication
I am very interested in [Position] at [Company name], and my experience in [Previous customer service experience] makes me an excellent
You need a sharp candidate for this position with great attention to detail and excellent skills. My professional experience of 3 Years 1 Month has helped me to