Algorithmically Yours: A Totally Algorithmic Cover Letter
When your friend Indeed refers you to a job, you apply. And you send a cover letter.
Dear XXXXXXX Job Poster, Hiring Manager, Esteemed Person Offering Employment,
I am writing to apply for a copywriter position at XXXXXXX. I have seen the opening on several job boards and have been referred to you by the Algorithms of Indeed. They sent me an email saying I would be a great match, and who am I to disagree with Computer Science?
Examining the job listing section by section, I can see its genius.
As Indeed identified, my skills and experience align with those outlined in your job listing:
- Manage copywriting efforts across editorial content, e-commerce, email, and digital advertising.
-Drive product storytelling that supports the editorial calendar and brand initiatives.
-Author copy with a consistent brand voice and tone for all digital media, e-commerce, and product marketing
Now for the sections about Scope, Complexity, and Essential Responsibilities:
Seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of area specialization. I find this particular requirement unclear, but I am certainly seasoned, experienced, and can don an appropriate professional facade when called for. I have a “full understanding of area specialization” in clothing arbitrage, money hacks, and writing SEO articles that drive massive traffic and revenue.
Fully trained and qualified for professional level activities. Outside of throwing a baseball more than twenty feet, yes. With gaffer tape, WD40, and a notepad and pencil, I can MacGyver or MacGruber any activity or situation with professional aplomb.
Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors. Yes. I can solve problems based on information and observation.
Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Yes. When evaluating methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, I consider all applicable laws, bylaws, ordinances, client guidelines, and social repercussions. When the homeless shelter I volunteered at in college was struggling to pay its mortgage (meetings and task forces), I directly asked the Mayor if the city would forgive the mortgage. It worked. Problem solved in a 5-minute, educational conversation. Proving “what would never work” sometimes does.
Writes creative, conversion-focused direct-to-consumer copy for email, website, and retail. Yes. I have written a number of articles, retail pages, and email blasts that were magnets for leads and conversions.
Creates product descriptions and positioning copy to support spring/summer and fall/winter launches. Yes. I can write seasonally themed things and update evergreen content to make it seasonally relevant.
Writes and translates long-form articles to support editorial storytelling. Yes. I write and translate long-form articles, listicles, infographics, and personal narratives to support editorial storytelling.
Translates product storytelling into video scripts as needed. Yes. I have written video scripts for videos (talking heads) to explain a range of more technical consumer products: college savings plans, state-specific 529 plans, XXXXXXX, and XXXXXX rewards app.
Collaborates with social and SEO teams and supports with ideation and editing as needed. You have just described a major portion of my last job role. Well put. I may steal this for my resume.
Lastly, let’s look at the section outlining the minimum qualifications.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, advertising, creative writing, or related field. Yes. I have a degree in English and French from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. (My parents are also sorry that I did not attend a more prestigious school.)
Understanding of SEO and its impact on organic and paid search acquisition. Yes. Another excellent descriptor of my last job that I’m copping.
A portfolio of examples that brings an authentic and engaging voice to copy. Must have retail experience. Yes, with the caveat that my portfolio highlights more content writing than copywriting. I have experience writing for and about a number of retail brands including Target (and Target’s vendor partners), XXXXXXXXX (and their retail and fintech affiliate partners), and I blog about children’s clothing and apparel sustainability.
Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe, CS applications, and share docs. Mostly yes. I am proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, Adobe Photoshop Express, Canva, Visme, Basecamp, and Trello. Other SEO-focused applications I regularly use include Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Semrush, Ahrefs, Moz, Surfer SEO, Chat GPT, and Jasper. (Jasper used to be Jarvis. Due to a lawsuit they volunteered at gunpoint to change their name.)
Proven ability to create a range of product-related writing, including long-form storytelling, with acute attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment. Yes, definitely yes, probably yes, subjectively yes, and yes.
Travel required. Um, hell yes. I live in fly-over country. It’s the middle of winter: I am still shoveling out from the two feet of snow we got last week. I have TSA PreCheck and I know how to travel lightly. (I once wore the same wool dress for 100 days straight.)
As you and I can plainly see, the Algorithms of Indeed are terrifyingly en pointe. They’re telling us that my candidacy is the right fit, and trust me, that much Computer Science cannot be wrong. Let’s meet up and write some MS-proficient, solution-oriented, conversion-focused, long-form, editorial content together.
Or we can just grab coffee.
Algorithmically yours,
Stacy
XXXXXXXX@gmail.com