Cover Letter Question

[HIU8]

I'm helping DH write a cover letter for a job. I have been out of the workforce for 5 years. So I need some help. Do you put the reason you are no longer at your immediate past job in the cover letter?

[lil_acorn]

no I would not. I would put why you are interested in the job and how your qualifications are applicable and make you a good candidate.

[wellyes]

No. You are a great fit with the job opportunity because ....
Your current job status doesn't belong in the cover letter, which is just a sales pitch. Wait for the interview.

[HIU8]

Ok. DH seems to think that b/c his end date of 3/30 is in his CV that he has to put the reason in the cover letter. I thought it seemed odd to place it there (and honestly it made the cover ltr seem on the long side).

[twowhat?]

No, you don't. It will come up during interviews.

[JustMe]

Another no vote. I agree with the pp that its for saying why you are a good fit for the position, as well as a chance to sell yourself. Also, I know you did not ask this, but I would never assume people read the cover letter once you get an interview. Sometimes they have and sometimes they haven't...so don't be afraid to repeat what you have in the cover letter during an interview if is is relevant.

[codex57]

Only if he's trying to sabotage his job chances.

You explain that in an interview. The cover letter is a sales pitch as to why you're a great fit for this position. You're trying to get an interview and you only have so much space so it all needs to be concentrated on selling your good points.