Yes and no.

For the specific example you gave, the "WTF" treatment you illustrated might actually do better than the humble, politely obsequious cover letter you (accurately) presented as the "standard" style.

I think the WTF form works well in that specific instance only because the applicant has the second-best possible background for the slot he seeks: He held a near-identical role for one of the company's closest competitors. (Why did I say "second-best"? Because the first-best profile would someone who held that role at a competitor that BESTED the target company, rather than being bested by it.)

Most applicants, though, can't show such an ideal fit. So they won't be able to lead off a "WTF" cover letter with a message anywhere near as pertinent (=relevant=potentially attractive to the reader/hiring manager) as the one in your sample.

Bottom line: To justify an "impassioned" (I'd call it "in-your-face") opening to a cover letter, a candidate must have something dramatically relevant to say next. In most cases, the usual listing of relevant accomplishments won't do the trick... which is likely to leave the WTF opening looking like a cheap (not-so-professional) gimmick.

@Jon Jacobs

You're quite right, Jon, if there's nothing relevant in your cover letter, whether it's standard or in-your-face, it won't be effective. If you're really planning to send it, it had better be relevant to the employer's needs.

I think the main point I was trying to make was that an honest vent will either a) get you noticed, or b) boost your spirits so you can get back in the game.

Here's another example:

-- I hope you won't dismiss my application when you hear I've had 20 years in the field. So far, the companies I've interviewed with seem to think experience is a dirty word. I may have graduated in the 1980s, but I'll pit my technical savvy against the youngest geeks on your team...

Bottom line, any time you use an unorthodox method, it can backfire if you don't do it well. Sometimes, the crazy cover letter should be for your eyes only!

Thanks for commenting.

--Julie

A pithy attitude with a great example. Joe has a great point as well. Find your passions, all of them. the first love, the second and so on. One of these will match the position you are searching. One of these will match the descriptions listed by an employer. Ah! Now the light brightens. NO, not the same old nice letter. No, now a passionate WTF letter. True, you may make the coffee room bulletin board. You also might be the one looking at it and laughing with your new co-workers. Thanks Julie.

I love this! Just reading this made me feel better. No, I don't think the WTF cover letter should ever cross the table but I think I'm going to write one "for the hell of it"!

I was definately fed up with all the cover letters I needed to write with no calls for an interview to show for them. I finally said WTF! My next cover letter started out with 'You found me!' and a more matter of fact body. Guess who received a call for an interview the very next day! Unfortunately I did not get the job, but I realized my cover letter needs to have something that pops off the page.

This also made me feel sooo much better about this whole job process as I sit in a coffee shop looking for something motivating to lift my spirits!! Thank you Julie!!!

@Rob, Tara, Melanie, and Eric

Thanks, one and all, for the nice comments.

I'm delighted if this post lifted your spirits just a bit. That was my objective. Believe me, I've been there and I know what it's like.

You just want to scream in the streets, "I'm awesome, why can't you people see that???"

Best of luck everyone!

Julie

I don't think a "WTF" cover letter is a good idea. What it shows is that you're at the 'end of your rope' in your job search. Qualities & skills, (essential to most positions) such as: patience, tenacity, problem solving, interpersonal communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and, not personalizing 'rejection', have gotten "lost in the sauce". No employer wants someone who buckles under pressure, is easily frustrated, and has a passive aggresive attitude. If you can't hold it together while conducting a job search, what will you do on a job? Appling to jobs is like being a salesperson; grin & bear it.

@Sharrieff

You're quite right that you don't want your cover letter to convey desperation or passive aggression.

On the other hand, if you've been following all the so-called rules, sending very professional cover letters, and getting no replies, it can be worth taking a risk and sending on that is a bit edgy.

A good salesperson knows how to adjust the pitch to engage the audience :)

Thanks for the comment!

--Julie