The worst thing you can do when writing an cover letter after you’ve been unemployed for some time is to lie.
Why? Because eventually, the lies you tell in the cover letter will come home to roost at some point in the interview process, meaning you’ll just end up having wasted everyone’s time.
Having said that, if there are some less-than-attractive reasons for your unemployment, don’t make those reasons the focus of your cover letter. You want to keep it positive.
It’s okay to admit fault in certain situations if you can show that you’ve have learned from the tough times and have changed for the better as a result of these struggles.
Transition to focusing on your skills and abilities, and more importantly, your passion and desire for re-entering the workforce. If you have experience from your past that will clearly add value to this new position, than don’t be afraid to clearly demonstrate the connection.
And if you spent your time being unemployed trying to better yourself (for example, taking a class or volunteering), then shift the focus to that.
No job? No problem. Use this sample to help you write a cover letter when you’re unemployed.
David Brentwood
(555) 555-5555 | [email protected] | PO Box 222 | Sometown, MA 55555
[Date]
Hannah Jones
VP Purchasing
XYZ Company
15 Main St.
Sometown, MA 55555
Dear Ms. Jones:
As an accomplished purchasing specialist with extensive healthcare industry experience, I was very interested to learn about your purchasing specialist opening. I offer eight years of experience working for ABC Company, a national home healthcare company and a billion-dollar leader in the industry. As the company’s corporate purchasing specialist, I managed:
- Purchasing functions for 115 locations.
- 75 major contracts in areas including medications, supplies, equipment, furniture, uniforms, distribution and vending machines.
- A 15-member team of contractors, buyers, analysts and support staff.
Consistently recognized for outstanding performance, I saved ABC Company more than $5.3 million in 2007 alone. An expert in contract negotiations, vendor management and global sourcing, I repeatedly reduced expenditures, cost-of-sales (COS) and cost-of-goods (COG), as well as assisted with major system implementations of inventory, purchasing and tracking systems.
In 2011, ABC Company experienced a significant workforce reduction and my position was eliminated. Since then, I have remained active in the American Purchasing Society and completed courses in business ethics, contract law, the art of negotiation and supply chain management. I plan on sitting for the Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) exam later this year.
I am confident that my ongoing studies combined with successful experience in the field will enable me to aggressively pursue cost-reduction opportunities and improve return on investment (ROI) for your company. If you agree that my skills and experience would benefit your operation, please call me at (555) 555-5555 or email [email protected] to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
David Brentwood
Enclosure: Resume
