Tips for Writing a Cover Letter After Youve Been Laid Off

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter After Youve Been Laid OffTips for Writing a Cover Letter After Youve Been Laid OffThough the jury is still out on whether writing a deckblatt letteris actually useful anymora, its no secret that they can be especially beneficial when you feel like you have something to explain or elaborate on from your resume.No, were not saying the cover letter should read as one long excuse, but instead, it can be used as an opportunity to briefly addresssomething the hiring manager may binnensee as a red flag.For instance, if you were recently laid off,you shouldnt dwell on this in your cover letter, but you probably should mention it before going on to explain why youd be the perfect candidate for this role.Here are a few tips for writing a cover letter after youve been laid offBe honest. If youve been laid off, you can do one of two things. You can either try to avoid the subject entirely, or face it head-on and disclose your layoff in the cover letter. You dont h ave to apologize for it you can say something like, I was laid off from my last position, but have been doing Xto keep my skills fresh and my knowledge current.If the layoff was due to budgetary cuts or a reason that was beyond your control, you can include that information as well.Dont feel like you need to make excuses.Layoffs happen. They stink- but are nothing to be ashamed of. Over explaining, apologizing, or making excuses will not paint the best picture of you. It might even make the hiring manager think the situation was worse that it was, and that youre trying to hide something. Dont draw more attention to the situation than you need to.Dont make the whole cover letter about the layoff.Like your resume, every inch of your cover letter is considered prime real estate. Dont waste the whole thing dwelling on your recent layoff. Instead, you should use your cover letter to sell yourself. Remember this is your opportunity to expand upon the highlights on your resumeand prove to a hiring manager that youd be perfect for the role.Mentionat least two or threeof the job duties listed in the job description and show how you already have these skills or knowledge.Dont use it as a tactic to make the hiring manager feel sorry for you.You may be tempted to use the cover letter to explain how unfair your recent layoff was, and how you need a job to pay your mortgage and support your family. But dont That would be highly inappropriate. Never, ever try to guilt an employer into hiring you.Writing a cover letter after a layoff isnt always the easiest thing in the world. But if youre honest, include the right information, and write from your heart, you should have no problem writing a cover letter thats really worth reading.Looking for even more help recovering from your layoff? partnered with LinkedIn Learning to create a whole course for you. Get a 30 day free trial with unlimited access to LinkedIn Learnings full course catalog Heres an overview on Recovering from a Layoff to learn more about the course.