{"id":272039,"date":"2020-12-28T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-28T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/?p=272039"},"modified":"2025-01-29T15:22:52","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T20:22:52","slug":"how-to-use-humor-in-a-cover-letter-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/telecommuting-job-search-help\/how-to-use-humor-in-a-cover-letter-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Humor in a Cover Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated January 2025<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do You Still Need a Cover Letter?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The debate on cover letters is in full force.<\/a> 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<\/a> contend that a cover letter is integral in deciding if you’re a fit for the company’s values and culture. Conversely, another survey found that just 26% of U.S. recruiters view cover letters as a key part<\/a> of the hiring process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Risk Factor<\/strong> of Humor in a Cover Letter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/em>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 your application process right there. In this regard, tact and the proper way to use humor becomes a necessity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Don’ts of Humor in a Cover Letter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n