When it comes to job applications, you’ve probably heard time and time again that sending a tailored cover letter is essential. It’s a document that’s supposed to support your résumé and showcase your tangible skills in figures and examples, providing concrete evidence of why you’re a good fit for the role.
And while it’s generally advised to use a professional tone in your cover letter, it doesn’t mean that you can’t add a little bit of personality to it. Indeed, the right amount of humor (while unconventional) could go a long way and make you stand out from the crowd!
In this article, we’ll explore why using humor in a cover letter is a good idea, and how to go about it. We’ll also reveal 20 funny cover letters (for all the wrong reasons).
Can you be funny in a cover letter?
While using humor in a cover letter was once considered inappropriate and unprofessional, it can be a great little trick to help you stand out from the competition. Indeed, when done right, writing a funny cover letter allows you to show off your creativity and personality, tailor your application to the job you’re applying for, and demonstrate your cultural fit.
That said, cover letters for some professions (such as doctors and lawyers) generally require a more serious tone, but there’s nothing wrong with injecting a bit of humor into your letter — as long as you’re strategic about it.
How to write a funny cover letter
When writing a cover letter, balancing humor with professionalism can be a challenging task — but not an impossible one. By following these quick tips, you can craft a compelling cover letter that convinces employers you’re the right candidate for the job and shows them your unique personality.
Research the company and its culture
Personalizing your cover letter can be a great way to stand out from the crowd, and the best way to do this is to first research the company by checking its website. Indeed, if you find that they maintain an online presence that’s humorous or even silly in tone, you could mirror their informal approach in your letter.
Use appropriate humor
Like stand-up comedy, there’s a fine line between funny and inappropriate. And your cover letter isn’t the time to test boundaries. In other words, it’s a good idea to avoid any political or sexual jokes and to instead keep things lighthearted — while marketing your top skills, achievements and qualifications.
Include a call-to-action
A call-to-action is a short statement at the end of the cover letter that encourages the hiring manager to get in touch and set up a job interview. This could be something catchy like: “Let’s chat — unless you’ve found someone who can make spreadsheets and dad jokes at the same time!”
Examples of 20 funny cover letters to avoid
While you can be witty and humorous in your cover letter, you need to exercise caution and not go overboard or, worse, make a fool out of yourself. These funny cover letters, while hilarious, are complete fails. And they’re exactly what you definitely don’t want to emulate if you want a fighting chance of job search success.
1. Replacing the deceased manager
Funny or a little psycho?
This job applicant has taken job searching to the extreme. While their cover letter really made us chuckle, it did leave us wondering if they really went to such lengths to secure a job.
On the other hand, it demonstrates perfect detective skills, and they’ve probably made the wrong career choice! It’s definitely giving us Joe Goldberg vibes from the hit Netflix series You.
2. The jack of all trades
Have you ever heard of the phrase “been there, done that”?
This so-called genius is an embodiment of that phrase. It’s left us questioning what a professional genius actually does. And how do you go from a skateboarder to a self-proclaimed Einstein?
We’re also guessing that spelling isn’t a strong point of this professional genius. While we’re certain this cover letter didn’t land the writer the job, it certainly entertained the hiring manager.
3. The c*ck
While this cook may have prepped and made pizzas and pasta dishes, spelling clearly isn’t their forte. While this hilarious typo must have tickled the hiring manager, it’s safe to say it cost them the job.
So, what should this cover letter teach you? To ALWAYS double-check your spelling —with spell checkers readily available, it should never be an issue.
4. “Please feel me”
We love this guy’s enthusiasm and work ethic. Besides wanting to travel, he just wants a job — even an unpaid one! Meanwhile, he’s apparently fought a bear, and he’s faster than a train.
We’re not quite sure how, but we’d pay to see that. That said, you can tell that English isn’t his first language, and he should be given a chance.
5. You got Caged
Although there is nothing wrong with this email, despite the lack of content, we were left rather confused as to why there’s an image of Nicolas Cage attached. Is she claiming to be the famous actor? Or does she just really like him?
While it’s random and a little funny, this is a prime example of why you should always check what you attach to an email before hitting the “Send” button. Maybe she intended to send her résumé and ended up with Nicolas Cage instead.
6. Mike was “the Bomb”
While this cover letter was entertaining and kind of hilarious (something out of a rap battle, even), it’s something that would definitely end up in the “no” pile.
Swearing, for one, is something we don’t advise doing on your cover letter. So, although Mike “Da Bomb” has some skills, we’re not sure that Flash is one of them.
7. Words are overrated
According to this jobseeker, there’s really no need to write a cover letter and tell the hiring manager why you’re a good fit for the role. Words are clearly overrated, and silence is the best policy!
While that’s a statement we strongly agree with, silence isn’t ideal when it comes to proving why you get an interview. In such a competitive market, it’s necessary to showcase your skills and experience via a cover letter.
8. Available 24/7
While we love this jobseeker’s enthusiasm, we’re worried they don’t have a life. Being eager to please is one thing but being available at any time of the day is quite another.
While it’s not extremely funny, the “bilingualism” skills made us chuckle. This applicant has taken to inventing their own language in the process.
9. The no-BS cover letter
This applicant is tired of writing cover letters and has adopted a new approach, although we’re not sure it’s the right one. And considering they claim to be a writer, their grammatical errors and spelling mistakes beg to differ.
Meanwhile, they should probably go out and do some networking to make some friends since they don’t have any at all.
10. A handwritten approach
This little cutie was probably joking when he wrote his “cover letter” but it didn’t fail to make us chuckle. He’s got the right confidence and work ethic behind him. And we’re extremely impressed by his skills — especially the ones where he’s able to control two electric trains at once.
11. A questionable cover letter
This applicant’s job application questionnaire had us in fits of laughter. The sarcasm oozes off the pages, and it’s simply hilarious.
While we wouldn’t hire this person, we can appreciate their character. An incredible collection of stolen pens as their most notable achievement isn’t exactly a green flag for a potential hire. Nonetheless, it was rather amusing — as too their preferred working hours and days.
12. The rap game
This kid has big dreams of being a rap artist but posts a rather questionable cover letter on a forum.
Indeed, knowing how to run three blocks in 30 seconds with a 32-inch flatscreen TV is more likely to see him end up behind bars, rather than in an honest job. (Unless he’s been recruited by an underground association or something.)
13. A poetic approach
This application has a poetic air to it, and while it’s not funny, it had to be included for its grandiosity. They clearly think a lot of themselves and believe they can be a good addition to the team. And we’re not too sure that the hiring panel is anticipating meeting said applicant.
14. Deserving to be paid
Don’t we all, my friend! But you’ve got to try a bit harder to convince the hiring manager that you’re suitable for the job. Besides the terrible handwriting, this applicant shared that he got sent to the principal’s office for helping someone cheat on a test. I guess, in the grand scheme of things, it shows good teamwork skills, right?
15. The funny burger guy
In this case, this cover letter was quite spot on. The hiring manager asked for an entertaining cover letter, and this applicant provided just that. They even managed to get the hiring manager to repeat the code word “who dat’” We’re sure that this burger man thrived in his position.
16. Ricky’s story
Besides the scary headshot, Ricky took his cover letter to the next level when he decided to write a biographical story. And while his cover letter is hilarious, it seems like he’s high on some kind of narcotics.
Let’s not ignore the constant swear words, either, or the ALL CAPS. Yikes — Ricky’s story is going to wind up in the trash.
17. “The most unflaggingly hard worker I know”
This applicant clearly thinks highly of himself. From claiming to be the hardest worker in the world to being able to bench-press double his body weight, he sure puts on a good front.
While these qualities don’t apply to the world of finance, we’re still entertained by his level of dedication and sheer confidence. That said, if you’re applying for a job in finance, we wouldn’t recommend this approach.
18. The best smile
This jobseeker definitely caught our attention with her hilarious cover letter. From claiming to be the best candidate for the position to being a self-proclaimed “big foam finger” (whatever that means), she definitely has an entertaining personality.
While it’s not the best approach to apply for a role in PR (including all the profanity), this cover letter is generally well-written and entertaining.
19. The best dog walker in town
This is hands-down the most entertaining dog-walking application we’ve ever seen. Claiming that the furry friends will be on them like Charlie Sheen on a porn star is an interesting example and not one that many of us would like to imagine.
We’re also not sure that any sane person would let him sleep in their house, but kudos for trying.
20. Move over, Mike Tyson
There seems to be a theme among these cover letters where applicants think that physical strength will get them the job. While English clearly isn’t this person’s first language, the way the cover letter reads is hilarious. He’s also willing to take matters into his own hands and shoot dead a thief — yikes!
Final thoughts
While these cover letters provide great entertainment, it’s not advisable to follow in their footsteps. Instead, use your humor tastefully, and tie it into a cover letter that balances both professional achievements with insights into your personality.
Remember to use tangible examples to showcase why you’re a good fit for the role, and — we can’t repeat this enough — to always proofread your cover letter to make sure it’s free of typos and grammatical errors!
Have you ever come across a funny job application? Let us know in the comments section below.
This article is a major update of an earlier version originally published in 2015.
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