Can Humor Be Your Secret Weapon in a Cover Letter?
Did you know that a survey by CareerBuilder found that 15% of hiring managers were more likely to remember a candidate with a unique cover letter?
Humor, when used correctly, can be that unique element that sets your application apart. But tread carefully – the line between a chuckle and a cringe can be very thin.
Why Consider Humor?
You want your cover letter to be memorable, right? In a world where hundreds of applications flood a hiring manager’s inbox, a touch of humor can be your only hope.
Humor shows off your personality and can make you seem more approachable and relatable. It humanizes your application, transforming it from a mere piece of paper into a glimpse of a real, interesting person.
How to Use Humor in Your Cover Letter
#1 - Your First Step Should be to Research The Company
I know, this is boring, but it’s extremely important. Not all jokes land the same way with everyone, so you need to find out what the company culture is.
A quirky startup might appreciate a witty comment, while a traditional company might find it offensive.
The trick is to match your humor to the company’s tone. If they use a playful brand voice on their website and social media, that’s a good way for you to know that using humor in your cover letter is acceptable.
#2 - Don’t Overdo It.
While adding humor to your cover letter, always keep this quote in mind - ‘less is more.’ This is not the time or place for loud, slapstick humor. Think light, clever quips that relate to your qualifications or the job role.
For example, if you're applying for a writing position, a pun or a playful comment about the Oxford comma could be fitting.
#3 - Keep It Professional
Humor doesn’t automatically mean informal. Remember that, at the end of the day, you’re still writing a cover letter, and as it’s going to be the first time you’re introduced to the company, professionalism, to some degree, is still important.
Try as much as possible to maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Make sure to balance your witty remarks with solid information about your qualifications and how you can contribute to the company.
What to Avoid When Adding Humor to Your Cover Letter
#1 Skip Humor if it’s Not Your Thing.
Don't force it. If humor isn’t your strong suit, it’s 100% okay to skip it. In fact, it’s better to skip it than to have your cover letter sounding unauthentic and forced.
Forced humor can feel awkward to the people reading it and might hurt you more than it helps you.
Your sincerity and enthusiasm for the role can be just as effective.
#2 Know The Types of Jokes to Avoid
You can be remembered for negative things, and that is not what you want.
You want to be remembered for the right reasons, so make sure to AVOID jokes about race, religion, politics, or anything that could be considered offensive.
You have not developed a relationship with the recruiter yet, so you don’t know for sure where they stand on those topics and the specific things they find offensive. So don’t RISK it!
A good rule of thumb is that if you wouldn't say it in a face-to-face interview, don't write it in your cover letter.
Think of adding humor to your cover letter like you’re cooking - adding a pinch of salt to your dish will bring out its flavor, but too much can spoil the whole thing. It's a risk, but one that can pay off if done right.
Remember, at the end of the day, your cover letter's job is to get your foot in the door. So, be yourself, be respectful, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit funny. After all, everyone loves a good laugh.
