At blist and throughout my career I’ve received thousands of resumes, most of which have come by email in the last decade. Most cover letters are either omitted or too long. They almost always simply restate what’s in the resume. Today I received an unsolicited resume with a brief cover note that really caught my attention because of how succinct and crisp it is. Here it is:

Subject: Vote for xxxxxx for Software Engineer @ blist

I want to contribute at blist because I can see the product is a great disruptive alternative to current database solutions. My core motivation that drives me to produce is being able to make a difference in software products that people want to use and that make their lives better. Working on blists’ small team on a relatively new product is ideal for me.

I can contribute at blist because I have strong software engineering skills and experience with a variety of relevant languages, platforms and technologies including Java, C++, Ruby, SQL/RDBMS, REST, JavaScript, JSON and Linux.

I am currently employed at Microsoft but can take a day off as needed to interview if you think I would be a good candidate.

In one catchy subject and three short paragraphs he tells me all I really need to know:

a) That he has a personality

b) Why he’s passionate about coming to work for us

c) What he brings to the table

d) That he’s committed to explore this employment opportunity with seriousness

The most powerful aspect of his introduction is how it’s cleverly written relative to blist, not himself. Most cover letters are written in the style of “I have worked here and here and here and I’ve used this and that and that too.” This cover note is all about how he’s both excited and comes prepared to contribute at blist.