I'm assuming you're female. That's a very typical female response. Put yourself in a guy's shoes - "of course they'd want me, I'm awesome!" That's totally what the guy applicants are thinking. You are as good as anyone else - you go apply for that job, op!! Right now, I mean it!!!!

Anonymous wrote:If you can't motivate to write the cover letter, why would I think you are capable of performing the job and work described?

It's not laziness, it's insecurity, which the other posters seemed to recognize. Of course insecurity could also be a reason to rule someone out, but it's not as damning as laziness IMHO.

If you can't motivate to write the cover letter, why would I think you are capable of performing the job and work described?

Don't overthink it! State a few reasons why it is a good fit and highlight relevant experience and skills. That's it. If you wait, you may miss out on the opportunity all together!

The way most job descriptions read, there isn't anyone actually qualified to do them (b/c so much is learned *on the job*).

And pretty much every job I've ever had was a lot different than the actual job description (some were easier, some harder).

Pick out a few items on the description that do match with some experience you have. And then include those things on the cover letter "while at ABC employer, I handled a lot of XYZ [XYZ being a specific task listed on the job description]."

Do like two or three things like that.

The more time I spend reading the job description the more I convince myself that I can't do the job; it's too much of a stretch; not the right fit... I was excited at first, but my screen is still blank. Tough love, or just tips to help me crank this out, please?!