Applying for a job, but writing informally

aix0 · 23 Oct 2015 at 20:42

I've just applied for a job online and felt compelled to write the cover note in an informal style / tone. My note was candid and succinct; it felt much more natural than the usual robotic, cliched drivel that I may normally be inclined to write.

What's everyone's take on using informal language in this context?

ultralaser · 23 Oct 2015 at 20:47

Entirely depends on the company your applying too. A cool tech startup might like an informal note, however a company steeped in tradition might not. TBH if it's the way you wanted to write it, and they say no then perhaps it wasn't right company anyhow.

aix0 · 23 Oct 2015 at 20:52

ultralaser said:
Entirely depends on the company your applying too. A cool tech startup might like an informal note, however a company steeped in tradition might not. TBH if it's the way you wanted to write it, and they say no then perhaps it wasn't right company anyhow.

That was pretty much my thinking at the time of writing!

Also, for reference, the company is Google. The informal tone just seemed appropriate.

[FnG]magnolia · 23 Oct 2015 at 20:54

That might work in a limited number of fields and certainly bar you from further progress in the majority of them.

Context is important so it'd be useful if you could share what the role is.

aix0 · 23 Oct 2015 at 21:09

[FnG]magnolia;28720321 said:
That might work in a limited number of fields and certainly bar you from further progress in the majority of them.

Context is important so it'd be useful if you could share what the role is.

The role is software engineering intern.

dowie · 23 Oct 2015 at 21:11

I'd assume they'd not care too much - they're more likely to be interested in your skill set and whether you can get through the initial screening

[FnG]magnolia · 23 Oct 2015 at 21:17

aix0 said:
The role is software engineering intern.

That makes sense and you've probably done the right thing

Janesy B · 23 Oct 2015 at 22:05

No one reads cover letters anyway.

Quartz · 23 Oct 2015 at 23:17

It all goes on file, but it's the first half of the first page of your CV that gets them to read everything else.

ultralaser · 23 Oct 2015 at 23:26

Janesy B said:
No one reads cover letters anyway.

Quartz said:
It all goes on file, but it's the first half of the first page of your CV that gets them to read everything else.

To be fair this isn't true with all employers. I'd never advise anyone not to consider their covering letter. I'd say the nice thing about a covering letter is you can say why you want a job, not why you should get it. CV's are dry, full of your experiences and your skills, a covering letter for me always demonstrates a candidates desire to join.

BigglesPiP · 23 Oct 2015 at 23:26

I'm a fan of application processes that do as much to show you that it's a company worth working for as let you show that you're suitable.

I was recently successful in an application where one of the steps was write a programming exercise and upload it to github.

Caged · 23 Oct 2015 at 23:59

I was told by a friend of mine that software engineering job applications now are a few sentences about why you want to work there, a CV to show job history, and a link to your GitHub.

HangTime · 24 Oct 2015 at 20:55

If the cover note is a document then I write formally and at reasonable length. If it is an email with CV attachment, less so.