Cover Letters that Intrigue/Compel Hiring Managers to Call You – EVEN Against the Odds

One outgrowth of today’s tough job market is that job seekers are rethinking their careers and more than ever before, are open to changing careers, pursuing careers they’ve only dreamt of, retiring early and doing part-time work, or taking positions that are lower level/lower paying than ones they’ve held in the past. In terms of taking lower level/paying positions, those who are able to do this may have different reasons for doing so. For some, it is out of necessity; they need income immediately and are willing to take less pay. Others are seeking less responsible jobs in exchange for a better quality of life.

The question is, “How do you get the attention of hiring managers and get them to seriously consider you when you are overqualified and/or are accustomed to a higher level of pay?” Part of the answer may lie in trading places with the hiring manager, and considering what it would take to convince YOU that the job seeker was serious about taking a lesser role. Also key is your ability to write a compelling, logically laid-out letter that comes across as sincere/genuine and matter-of-fact.

Today’s hiring managers have less time than ever before to make critical hiring decisions. The last thing they want is to hire someone who is highly skilled for less pay (which, on the surface may seem like a positive achievement for them in terms of their negotiating “prowess”), and risk that the new hire will be “jumping ship” as soon as a more suitable and/or higher paying job comes along. YOUR job, therefore, is to influence them to consider you, despite their concerns that you are only interested in the job until something better comes along, and instead, to ameliorate their concerns. Here are some ideas you might incorporate in your letter.


Dear (hiring manager name, if known; otherwise, “To Whom it May Concern”):

I am writing to express interest in your JOB TITLE opportunity. (NOTE: IF SOMEONE REFERRED YOU, BE SURE TO STATE THIS IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF YOUR LETTER, IDEALLY. FOR EXAMPLE: A FORMER COLLEAGUE OF MINE, JOHN JONES SUGGESTED THAT I CONTACT YOU REGARDING THE JOB TITLE OPPORTUNITY AT COMPANY NAME.)

I am a(n) INDUSTRY OR JOB CATEGORY TYPE (e.g., ACCOUNTING) professional with over XX years of (SPECIFY EXPERIENCE TYPE IF YOU WISH AND SEPARATE WITH COMMAS, IF APPROPRIATE) experience in a variety of companies. Given my depth and breadth of skills and strong work ethic, I have a great deal to offer the right employer. After researching your company, I genuinely believe my background is well suited to your needs and can be of immediate value.

Outlined below is the background that I believe is most relevant to your needs:
* (List 4-8 bullets that tie to the opportunity, using their keywords to demonstrate the match)

Although you will note that I have held somewhat more accountable roles in the past, at this juncture in my career, I am more focused on work life balance and quality of life. I therefore am purposefully identifying opportunities that will address my needs while allowing me to optimally contribute to my employer’s business objectives in a very meaningful way.
NOTE: IF YOU RECENTLY RELOCATED, YOU CAN USE THAT AS A NATURAL TRANSITION AND WEAVE IT INTO THE ABOVE: I recently relocated to the area, and after reflecting on what is most important to me and factoring in the unique skills and abilities that I bring to bear, ... (etc.)

I am detail-oriented, analytical, excel at problem-solving, and possess solid interpersonal and team-building skills. In addition, I am highly organized and have built a reputation for possessing a strong work ethic and "do what it takes" mentality. My references will confirm that I readily and willingly take on new challenges and within relatively short periods, rise to meet and exceed stated expectations.

I will follow up within a week at which time I hope to arrange a mutually-convenient time in which to discuss how my experience can benefit COMPANY NAME. In the interim, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at XXX-XXX-XXXX or by email at EMAIL ADDRESS.

(Please refer to my related post on cover letters for additional insight about what content to include.)