Applications & Resumes

Cover Letter

Office Selection

How should I write a cover letter when applying to multiple offices?

If I'm applying to more than one office, should I explain my reasons for each location in the cover letter? I'm worried that focusing on one city could make another office think I'm not interested, but explaining every location also takes up valuable space.

Ian’s Answer

Honestly, there isn't much space on a cover letter and I'm of the view that this is a wasted topic.

Rather, my cover letter format focuses on "Company values x things as do I. Here's how I demonstrate them". In the intro paragraph, I would generally say "I am writing to apply as xxx to xxx in the a office, b office, or c office" and no need to really justify.

Personally, I think demonstrating your abilities is far more important than wasting space saying "I like you guys so much for these reasons!". Rather, the reasons for the office(s) should come across in your resume in the form of citizenships, shared language, past work/education experiences there, etc. If it doesn't, then you need to put that much more into networking!

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