How to Overcome Obstacles in a Cover Letter

Posted by in Career Advice


There are many possible situations that may make writing a cover letter more difficult. These situations can include lay-offs, demotions, long-term unemployment, and medical leave. Although these may seem to be potential red flags, a cover letter is deemed the perfect place to address these issues; however, you must remember one thing: keep the explanation brief and the tone of the letter upbeat and positive. After all, this is your marketing tool. This article will help you learn how to effectively overcome some of these obstacles in your cover letter. In explaining your previous layoff: briefly explain the layoff and then try to show your excitement and enthusiasm about the opportunity to work immediately for the position available. If you faced long-term unemployment: try to briefly state the position and responsibilities allocated to you in your previous employment. Do not lay emphasis on your duration of unemployment but instead focus on the new skills attained during your hiatus. Remember, you are trying to focus on the positive aspects in your career. If you're trying to explain reasons for your medical leave: do not disclose any medical information because this may jeopardize your chances of gaining employment. Briefly state your leave of absence and try to notify your potential employer that you have regained your strength and are fit to work again. Deciding to disclose your medical information is a strictly personal choice. If you have taken time off to care for an ill family member: briefly state this and let your potential employer know that you have honed your skills or have upgraded your skills through other ventures. Let them know that you are available and that you are qualified for the position. If you have taken some time off to raise your children: show your potential employer that during your break you have been up to date in your line of work or profession. Letting them know that you have acquired new skills and connections will be an added advantage to you. If you're embarking on a totally new career path: state your reasons for doing so. Try to steer the employer to view you as a competent person in your new career. State the reasons why you think you can excel in this new position. If your transition is from an entrepreneur to a corporate position: show the potential employer that the reasons for leaving that field are not due to failure, but rather to pursue your passion. The employer needs to realize that you would be an asset to their company instead of a liability. If you have been changing jobs frequently: state that you are searching for a job that you are willing to commit to. You must assure the potential employer that you are willing to be loyal and committed to the work. If you have experienced a demotion in your previous job: briefly state this as the reason for why you have remained employed. Assure the employer that you are capable of doing more and will be efficient and competent in the position they are hiring for.
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  • David B.
    David B.

    How I wish it were as simple as writing a better cover letter and having a snappy knock their socks off resume. I am 65 and have been very successful in several positions and have enough former employers recommendations to write a book. Nonetheless after retiring from the department of corrections after earning a master's degree with a 3.93 GPA, I have had one interview after applying for 30+ positions, all of which get a cover letter, follow-up phone call, follow-up cover letter, 30-60-90 day action plan, postcard with my picture and my wife on it, and so on. I finally wrote what I call the "cover letter to end all cover letters" which I share for your amusement: Oh kind reader, to say I have jumped through your hoops a thousand times would only be a slight exaggeration. You keep advertising positions for which I meet every requirement. I have attached letters from past employers and clients that speak of my sterling character and many outstanding attributes in glowing terms. I have sent you my transcript showing a 3.93 GPA, A's in 11 of my 12 courses. What more could I do to get through to you how solid I am and how I make those around me better? I am not about to quit, to roll over and feel sorry for myself. I really need to get back to work. Not because I need the money, but purely because I need to make a contribution. I didn't shell out 40 G's at age 62 to get a master's degree so my resume would look better. I did it to change my career. Here in SC, back in 2005, I was consigned to the dung heap of rejected candidates for counseling positions, despite having been certified in Pennsylvania and having been very successful. So I labored in obscurity for the Department of Corrections where the work is exhausting and the lack of appreciation is something every dedicated SCDC employee understands. I served with distinction, and my ability to communicate with unhappy, demanding, and often nasty people makes anything I do on the “outside world” a breeze. I would still be there, but a shoulder injury makes it impossible for me to shoot a shotgun, and I am unable to retain my certification. Since my forced retirement, I have applied for at least 30 state positions that require a master's degree and two years experience. I do not expect every agency to call me. But when no one calls at all, this tells me something is seriously wrong. It troubles me to even think that those who are choosing the candidates might think people past age 60 can't cut it. Of course, they will say something like, “Oh, no... we would never practice age discrimination...” but what else am I to conclude? I had coffee last week with a man my age who faced all the same rejections when he pursued a career in counseling at age 60 after being a lawyer and before that a cop. He said the state is hiring women over men nearly 10 to 1, and most of the women are Black or Hispanic. Is he right? At Lieber all the chaplains and mental health workers they hired during my tenure were black, and the mental health workers are all female. Were there no qualified white men? I am not a whiner, a complainer, or a critic. This is a private communication, and I am not overly optimistic that you necessarily feel my beef is worth your time and energy. I don't want your sympathy. I just want a job. If you would give me a chance you would find out like the folks at Lieber, and everywhere else I've worked, that I am extraordinary. I worked with so many people who hate their jobs but I always love mine. I come to work each day determined to do a great job. I hope you will read the lyrics to a song I have written to that end, called 'Thank God for Your Job' and one called 'Diving in and Driving On', written while employed, concerning my need to continue to be involved at a vibrant workplace.
    Our world has become polarized, me against you, us against them. I believe this needless strife contributes to the demise of brilliant people like Robin Williams. The total self-absorption of so many people telling us how things ought to be and how we need their class, their product, their stamp of approval. My dear reader, I have written a novel, sung and been applauded by thousands of people, written numerous articles, raised four children to be awesome adults, and I have kept a woman happy for nearly four decades. Nonetheless, my value does not lie in my accomplishments or character. It's by the grace of God I have life and can communicate. Now if this is all a crashing bore to you, so be it. In that case all I can say is, “Thanks for letting me vent.” But, seriously, I don't need counseling. I am a counseling explosion waiting to happen, and I seriously believe you need more people like me.

  • Kathleen C.
    Kathleen C.

    It's very difficult to even get an interview for a lower level position when you have extensive experience from 15-20 years ago. I left a large financial services firm as a finance manager to raise a family. It took me over a year to get a basic accounting job. Now after being there for over 4 years and trying to get a higher level accounting job in a larger company, I have had absolutely no luck. I feel I should wipe out the 10+ years on Wall St and just list my low-level job as my experience.

  • Cecil T.
    Cecil T.

    This was very helpful. Thanks for making this process easier.

  • Beret Erway
    Beret Erway
    I don't understand WHY one has to talk about being laid off, sick or any other reason for looking for a new job.  Would not that subject only come up at the actual interview, when more detail is required?  THEN all the pointers in the essay make sense.
  • HELEN RUSSO
    HELEN RUSSO
    I love your articles.  thank you for caring about the jobseekers of the world.
  • Gary Devincenzi
    Gary Devincenzi
    This article has helped me focus on the skills that made me perform the job and bring in the large amount of fees.
  • Stuart Norton
    Stuart Norton
    My most challenging answer is when I have to explain why I resigned my previous position. I respond with "loving my previous job" and "difference of profession opinions, with supervisor".Can you suggest anything different?
  • Maura Ross
    Maura Ross
    Regardless of updating your skill set, connecting to other professionals during the time of caring for ill family members, employers don't give a damn. You left the job market, your tainted goods, your problem.They aren't interested in you when more viable candidates (employed) are available...doesn't work
  • Choren Wright
    Choren Wright
    This article is very informative, it taps into your brain some of the important thing that one may leave out in writing of a cover letter.  This information that one fails to put in their cover letter ect, may be the same information that would have landed the person the job.  Thank you.
  • MARY PINCKNEY
    MARY PINCKNEY
    It will help me do a cover letter, and now having more knowlege about how as well on what to say.
  • VIRGIL MORALEZ
    VIRGIL MORALEZ
    Excellent info!Viregil
  • Abel Lopez
    Abel Lopez
    Very interesting and helpful! Thanks!
  • Jill  DiPinto
    Jill  DiPinto
    Very informative.
  • Mark Loeffler
    Mark Loeffler
    Good advice. What about people who are older in the biz, do great work, but because of age and time between corporate gigs won't get hired?
  • Kai Raden
    Kai Raden
    Good article! I got a couple of good pointers from it.
  • Lee Staicer
    Lee Staicer
    Good advice. What about people who are older in the biz, do great work, but because of age and time between corporate gigs won't get hired?
  • Seamus Brady
    Seamus Brady
    I'm seeing a trend towards job seekers including their bio with the resume. Can I get your opinion on this format please.Thanks
  • Leah Rosenthal
    Leah Rosenthal
    What about if you have been terminated from a position?
  • Jan Martinez
    Jan Martinez
    Very informative, especially the tips for explaining long lapses in employment and why I want to try a new field. Thank you
  • RHONDA SMITH
    RHONDA SMITH
    THANKS FOR ADVISED
  • Stuart Suelflow
    Stuart Suelflow
    I would like to print out just the article, but there is no print icon.
  • VICTOR AKPARANTA
    VICTOR AKPARANTA
    Thank you very much this has given me a new and different way of looking at my case. This is very helpful.
  • Isabel Gray
    Isabel Gray
    Thank you-this is very helpful; I am currently on FMLA for hand surgery and I am using time to study, complete on going CME which are very useful for keeping up with treatments, drugs and legal aspects of health care; keeps me motivated and more effective at caring for my patients.
  • Marie Bannerman
    Marie Bannerman
    what do you do if your present job keeps you on but dont give you any cases because of having no transportation.  should I resign because I'm not making any money there.
  • Elizabeth Cani
    Elizabeth Cani
    Thank you for the information. It is extremely helpful.

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