Today I wrote a check for, oh, let’s just say a large amount. Several months salary. This check was to cover some unanticipated expense: a family member needed the money a week ago. I don’t mind, as I’d believe I was worthy of hell if I hadn’t give the money (except that I don’t believe in hell, but that’s not the point).
Anyway, the check’s written. By Monday the funds will be but a fond memory, and my savings account one quarter of its present size. That means I’ll have to get a job in a month or two. You see, for the past two months I’ve been deliberately unemployed, working on the novel I talk about in various threads. I saved money so I’d have the leisure to work on it full time. But again, no regrets: I love my family much more than I love this novel.
To the point: searching for employment possibilities, I came across this website for a local ad agency. You’ll note the copywriter position posted first thing. You’ll also note that the ad is rather…well…playful. I’ve heard many good things about this agency, and they happen to be within three blocks of my apartment and all my favorite coffeehouses; obviously I’ll be applying. The question is: should I include a similar amount of whimsy in my cover letter, or should I play it entirely straight?
My suggestion would be to creatively echo 1 (one) of the light touches in their ad (movies, see the big/small picture, etc). Don’t go overboard–as in do your whole resume and cover letter in this is good/ this is bad format.
I work in marketing, but I’ve never worked for an agency and I’ve always been in very corporate environments–so please take my advice with a grain of salt! That said…
If you can do whimsy and not end up sounding cheesy or insane, I’d say go for it! Do make sure you get your experience and qualifications in there, but I see nothing wrong with a somewhat playful, humorous approach. It sounds like they don’t want the typical corporate type and will be looking for some evidence of personality.
I’d keep the resume as professional as possible, but definately have a little fun with the cover letter. I’d address the issues of diversity, nerdiness, hanging out and going to movies, maybe mention something about the dogs and free sodas.
They’re going to get a lot of interesting responses, so make it stand out! It sounds like a cool place to work.
My current plan is to keep the resume exactly as it is. On the cover letter I have seven bullet points: four discuss ways I meet the formal qualifications for the job, the other three are whimsical responses to the whimsy in the ad, such as…
(I’m not sure about that one; I’ll be working on it tonight.