I’m an optional cover letter requirement, allow me to ruin your entire afternoon

‘Don’t give me that look… no one’s forcing you. But you do want this job, right?’

Look, I know you already spent ages preparing a resume tailored to this job application which concisely summarises your experience, qualifications and skills, but just to circle back, would you mind reiterating all of that in a one-pager for me? It shouldn’t take you long.

Now before you roll your eyes, remember, I am optional. So, if you do want to just half ass this job application, don’t say I didn’t give you the opportunity. Go ahead, click ‘Next’ in the application form and I’ll be out of your hair.

Just know that as soon as the hiring manager opens up your application, and sees that I’m not there, you’re probably going straight into their digital wastebasket.

So you may as well surrender now. Otherwise you’ll just be wrestling with yourself about whether leaving me out was a mistake, even after you inevitably get that automated rejection email. And that could take months.

Settle in, make yourself a coffee (even though this will likely elevate your anxiety), crack open a word doc, and let’s get started.

Don’t worry, this is only the most painful form of writing: professional, first person, ‘please…