How can you write a cover letter for a non-traditional job?

1 Research the company and the job

Before you start writing your cover letter, you need to do some research on the company and the job you are applying for. This will help you tailor your cover letter to the specific needs, values, and culture of the organization, as well as the skills, responsibilities, and goals of the role. You can use the company website, social media, online reviews, and industry publications to learn more about the company's mission, vision, products, services, customers, competitors, and achievements. You can also use the job description, the company blog, or the LinkedIn profile of the hiring manager to find out more about the job requirements, expectations, challenges, and opportunities.

2 Explain why you are interested in the non-traditional job

One of the main purposes of your cover letter is to show your enthusiasm and motivation for the non-traditional job you are applying for. You need to explain why you are interested in working remotely, freelancing, or changing careers, and how this aligns with your professional and personal goals. You also need to demonstrate that you understand the benefits and challenges of the non-traditional job, and that you have the necessary skills, experience, and attitude to succeed in it. For example, you can highlight your flexibility, adaptability, communication, collaboration, self-management, and problem-solving skills, as well as any relevant projects, achievements, or testimonials that showcase your performance in similar or related situations.

3 Showcase your value proposition and fit for the company and the job

Another key element of your cover letter is to showcase your value proposition and fit for the company and the job. You need to explain how you can help the company achieve its goals, solve its problems, or meet its needs, and how you can add value to the team, the project, or the organization. You also need to show how your skills, qualifications, and personality match the job requirements and the company culture, and how you can contribute to the company's growth, innovation, or social impact. For example, you can use specific examples, numbers, or results to demonstrate your achievements, skills, or impact in previous or current roles, projects, or activities, and how they relate to the non-traditional job you are applying for.

4 Format your cover letter for a non-traditional job

The format of your cover letter for a non-traditional job should be clear, concise, and professional, but also reflect the tone and style of the company and the job. You should use a standard font, size, and color, and keep your cover letter to one page or less. You should also use a simple and consistent layout, with appropriate margins, spacing, and alignment, and avoid any unnecessary graphics, images, or colors. You should start your cover letter with a salutation that addresses the hiring manager by name, or uses a generic greeting if you don't know their name. You should then write an introduction that briefly states who you are, what position you are applying for, and how you learned about the opportunity. You should then write two or three paragraphs that follow the tips above, and end your cover letter with a closing that thanks the hiring manager for their consideration, expresses your interest in hearing from them, and provides your contact information.

5 Proofread and edit your cover letter for a non-traditional job

The final step of writing your cover letter for a non-traditional job is to proofread and edit it for any errors, typos, or inconsistencies. You should also check your cover letter for clarity, readability, and relevance, and make sure that it conveys your message and personality effectively. You can use online tools, such as Grammarly, Hemingway, or ProWritingAid, to help you with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. You can also ask a friend, a colleague, or a professional to review your cover letter and give you feedback or suggestions. You should also test your cover letter for compatibility and accessibility, and make sure that it can be opened, viewed, and printed correctly by the hiring manager. You should save your cover letter as a PDF file, and name it with your first and last name and the position title.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?