[Job-Discussions] What to Include in Cover Letter

[Dick Davis]

I tend to agree. A cover letter really should be called a sales letter,
because it is the mechanism you use to explain why you would be a great fit
for the job.  And nothing else.  Under the ADA, you are not required to
indicate anything medical; in fact, it could work against you.

Today, many people have gaps in their employment history.  I find the
easiest way to conceal those is to add the word "relevant" to "experience"
as follows:

Relevant Experience

That indicates you may have other work experience that you believe isn't
relevant to the job in question.  For example, if you were a financial
analyst who had to work in construction or fast food to make ends meet while
you were looking for a job in your field.

Whether that is the case or not, it beats being mysterious by putting in
something like< "will discuss in interview", which might keep you from
getting one.

Hope this helps, and if it does, please pass it on.

Dick Davis, Chair
NFB Employment Committee

-----Original Message-----
From: Job-Discussions <job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
Sarah Massengale via Job-Discussions
Sent: Friday, October 9, 2020 1:19 PM
To: Job Discussions internet Mailing List <job-discussions at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Sarah Massengale <skmassengale at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Job-Discussions] What to Include in Cover Letter

I tend to agree with the thoughts Justin’s already given, and personally, I
think putting that in a cover letter is a little too much disclosure.  I
would save that for the interview and only bring it up if the employer asks,
honestly.


> On Oct 9, 2020, at 2:10 PM, Justin Williams via Job-Discussions
> <job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> I usually try to keep cover letters right to the point of the job, use
> their words and terminology, and show how my skills and abilities fit
> into the job.
>
> When you start including extraneous stuff, no matter how good it is,
> it can detract from the overall affect, so if you use that, find a way
> to weave it in so it does not seem forced; that is if you decided to use
> it at all.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Justin
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Job-Discussions [mailto:job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of ajharmon26 via Job-Discussions
> Sent: Friday, October 9, 2020 1:10 PM
> To: 'Job Discussions internet Mailing List'
> <job-discussions at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: ajharmon26 <ajharmon26 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Job-Discussions] What to Include in Cover Letter
>
> Honestly, I see it as including negative things are only okay if you
> include how you've overcome them. As far as I understand it, employers
> want to see your strengths and how they will match to fill the gap in
> their teams.
> Including weaknesses are fine so long as you've got a solution for
> 'em, and you've done that here.
>
> Good luck on the job you're pursuing, and congrats on getting the
> device you needed!
>
> Sincerely
>
> Andrew Harmon
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Job-Discussions [mailto:job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Rob Hudson via Job-Discussions
> Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2020 6:08 PM
> To: Job Discussions internet Mailing List
> Cc: Rob Hudson
> Subject: [Job-Discussions] What to Include in Cover Letter
>
> In a cover letter, do you guys think it's okay to include the fact
> that up until recently I could not do call center work due to being
> deaf, but now I have solved that problem with cochlear implants? This
> would explain the work history gaps in my resume.
>
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