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Out of context: Reply #65270

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  • scarabin0

    how important are cover letters to you in your hiring process? i've heard answers ranging from "not at all" to "i won't look at your portfolio unless the cover letter is enticing".

    tryin' to improve my cold-emailing freelance hustle.

    any tips?

    scarabin 0Permalink
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    • all the examples i've seen are corny boasting and just restating information in the resumescarabin
    • I include a brief 2 paragraph intro within my email in lieu of an attached cover letter...whatthefunk
    • look at the cover letters after you pick the best resumes. if writing is part of the job, it can mean a lot.sarahfailin
    • I think that the importance of a cover letter is directly proportional to how senior the position is.Gnash
    • i'm thinking that may be the best approach, whatthefunk. minimize the amount of clicking/downloading they have to do while having some kind of tailored introscarabin
    • you need to show you understand their biz and what kind of asset you'd be for themGnash
    • Do you attach cover letters? Just send a nice note praising potential employer and attach your portfolio.freedom
    • i don't, but i hear it's a common practice?scarabin
    • Test it, send some with and some w/o. Or, add a link to cover in one - see what happens.whatthefunk
    • Resume contains details and history. Cover letter explains you understand them, their resource need and how you meet it perfectly. Briefly and concisely.fruitsalad
    • Cover letter should briefly explain that you understand their resource requirement (job offer) and that you meet it perfectly because you offer X, Y & Z...fruitsalad
    • ... see portfolio and attached resume for confirmation of this.fruitsalad
    • And always try to imagine you just walked past a job ad in a shop window. You walk into the shop, they are busy, what do you say to get the job?fruitsalad
    • You would concisely explain you see they have a need, and you meet it because you have such experience, such skills, and you offer x price for your services.fruitsalad
    • make them an offer they can't refuse.don't negotiate,walk away if you don't like their offer.fruitsalad
    • ^ +1Gnash
    • so you mention rates up front? interestingscarabin
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