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:

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:

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.

Brevity

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:

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.

The Ninja

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!