Writing a funny cover letter can be a great way to set yourself apart from the crowd of other job applicants. It isn’t always appropriate for every job or situation, but when done well, a funny cover letter can be an effective way of catching an employer’s attention and giving them an insight into your personality and character. Writing such a letter can be intimidating, however. Here, we’ll offer some tips to help you write a funny and effective cover letter that will make a lasting impression.
1. Start with a Memorable Introduction
An effective way to begin your cover letter is by introducing yourself in an unexpected and memorable way. Think of a joke or an amusing anecdote that you can use as a starting point and then spin a cover letter out of it. For example, if you’re applying to be a chef, you might start with something like, “I can take ingredients destined for the trash and show them how to tango in a delicious new dish.” Not only does this give the employer a sense of your sense of humor, it also demonstrates that you are an original thinker.
2. Find the Right Balance
Humor can be tricky, so it’s important to find the right balance so that your cover letter still has a professional tone. Avoid using any offensive jokes or language that could potentially be seen as insulting or degrading; instead, focus on using puns, witty remarks and references that don’t go over the line. It’s also important to be aware of the audience and their sense of humor, as jokes that work with one group may not work as well with another. To make sure your humor is still professional, have a few trusted people read through it with a critical eye before you submit your application.
3. Showcase Your Wit and Charisma
Your humor should be unique and showcase your intelligence, creativity, wit and personality. Your goal is to not only make the employer laugh, but to do it in a way that sets you apart from the other applicants. This can be done by staying away from generic jokes and instead crafting jokes that highlight your milestones, education, and career goals. For instance, If you’re a recent graduate you might write, “ I’m fresh off the graduation boat and ready to find my first real-world job.”
4. Incorporate Humor into Your Qualifications
Your skill set is one area where you can incorporate humor into your cover letter. Instead of simply stating your skills and qualifications, include humorous analogies and references that tie your qualifications to the job position. For instance, if you’re a multi-linguist you could write, “I’m language-savvy and can slip into any conversation with ease, adjusting the dialect and vernacular to pull off the perfect accent that the situation requires.”
5. Know What Not to Do
In addition to knowing what to do when crafting a hilarious cover letter, you should also be aware of what not to do. This includes using sarcasm as a means of telling jokes, spelling and grammatical errors, and writing about topics that could be seen as inappropriate or offensive. It’s not uncommon for employers to be put off by a cover letter that goes too far over the line, so be sure to proofread your letter multiple times before submitting it.
6. End with a Positive Note
No matter how funny your cover letter is, it’s important to close it out with a sincere and positive note. This will leave the employer with a good impression and make them more likely to think of you when they are selecting candidates for the position. Thank them for taking the time to read your letter and reinforce why you would be a great fit for the job.
7. Keep It Professional
Adding humor to your cover letter doesn’t mean you should forget about professionalism. Use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation to ensure that your humor comes across in the right way. Remember to stick to your personal style, but also make sure that it still fits within the parameters of the job application process.
8. Get Creative with Formatting
Using bolded and colored text can be a great way to add impact to your humorous statements. Just be careful not to get too carried away. You don’t want to detract from the content of your letter and make it hard for your reader to focus on the point you’re making.
9. Do Research on the Company
Before writing your cover letter, it’s important to do your research about the company and the job you’re applying for. Knowing who you’re writing your letter to and what the job entails can help you better understand the company’s culture and tailor your humor accordingly.
10. Use Humor Strategically
It’s important to remember that your cover letter is still a professional document, so it’s important to use humor strategically. Only include jokes or amusing anecdotes if they’re relevant to the job and tie in with the points you’re making throughout the letter. If done well, a bit of humor can be a great way to make a lasting impression.
People Also Ask
1. Is it appropriate to use humor in a cover letter?
Humor can be a great way to stand out from other job applicants and leave a positive impression on a potential employer, if used with care and sincerity.
2. What kind of jokes should I use in a cover letter?
When incorporating jokes into a cover letter, focus on using puns, witty remarks and references that don’t go over the line. When figuring out which jokes to use, try to think of ones that can showcase your intelligence, creativity, wit and personality.
3. How do I make sure my cover letter isn’t too offensive?
To make sure your cover letter humor is appropriate and respectful, have a few trusted people read through it with a critical eye before you submit.
4. What other tips should I consider when writing a funny cover letter?
When writing a funny cover letter, start with a memorable introduction, find the right balance between funny and professional, incorporate humor into your qualifications, and be sure to end on a positive note.
5. Should I include formatting in my cover letter?
Using bolded and colored text can be a great way to add impact to your humorous statements, however it’s important not to get too carried away. You don’t want to detract from the content of your letter or make it hard for your reader to focus on the point you’re making.
Final Words
Writing a funny cover letter can be an effective way to make you stand out from the crowd of applicants. Just remember to stay professional while writing it and tailor your humor to the job you’re applying for. With careful consideration and smart usage of humor, your funny cover letter can give you the edge you need to get the job you want.