funny cover letter reddit

CVs & Résumés

• Dec 6, 2015

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.

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...

HuffingtonPost

Cover Letters

Job Applications

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter

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.

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 .

2 thoughts on “11 Extremely Funny Cover Letters That People Actually Sent”

• Pingback: What Not to Write on a Resume: 8 Statements You Should Avoid - Online Editing and Proofreading Services. Affordable Editors and Proofreaders.
• Pingback: Cover Letter Formula That Gets Results Every Time

Comments are closed.

• Meet some GOLDies
• Write for Us
• Join the club
• Digital Production Teams

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

Subscribe to Tight Five , our free weekly newsletter with comedy tips, funny reads, and entertaining reccos.

• SORRY, NO QUICK LINKS FOR THIS PAGE

• 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.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW

Related Articles

11 Companies Hiring for Online Tutoring Jobs

• June 28, 2024

June 2024 Employer Partner Remote Job Openings

• June 26, 2024

Remote Work Collaboration: How to Get More Out…

• June 25, 2024

You can share this post!

2021: Hopeful Evermore? 6 Trends for the Year Ahead

Best side hustles in 2021: how to earn some extra cash with a remote job, get the weekly newsletter & latest remote jobs.

Get the Reddit app

The sub name is ironic. r/LandlordLove is a tenant-friendly space meant for posting about both the individual and systemic problems caused by landlordism or, simply put, shitty things landlords do and/or cause. Post memes, personal experiences, articles, etc. Additionally, this sub subscribes to the socialist ideal that housing is a human right.

Rental application cover letter - help!

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to hire someone to write a rental application cover letter to introduce us and hopefully boost our chances.

 Does anyone have any recommendations?