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Need advice on cover letter as an independent contractor

3 points by tagfolder ↗ HN
Currently I'm working as a contractor, but I got that position by applying to a full time job (they can't help me with relocation). Then I thought it would be nice trying to apply to some other companies as an independent contractor. But I don't know how to write good cover letter and introduce myself as a contractor. Please critique my letter and give some advice(s).

Dear [company-name],

I came across your Python Developer job advertised on your website and I found it very interesting! I would like to discuss how I can help.

In particular, as an independent contractor I can offer [company-name]:

- very experienced Python developer. My last project was [project-details]

- expertise in multiple python frameworks, such as Django and Pylons.

- strong Linux skills, including postgresql, mysql, nginx, apache administration

Please find my CV attached for your consideration.

I look forward to discussing your project requirements in more detail soon.

Yours faithfully, [name]

4 comments

[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 15.3 ms ] thread
exolymph
This seems fine. Being straightforward is good -- hiring managers don't want to spend hours on each application.
tagfolder
Sounds great! I just had doubts, because most of job ads require full-time developers, but I'm sending my offer as a contractor.
chrisbennet
You might consider having a link to your work portfolio. A web site or on line CV can be a bit more expressive than a standard CV. I give potential computer vision clients a link to my computer vision portfolio (www.3drocketsurgery.com). I give other clients a different site.

Now when you email a potential client, they just click on a link. It's even less "friction" than opening a rather dry CV document.

brudgers
Another term for an independent contractor is "consulting business". I've found that it is easier to market a one person business as something like "Acme Consultants" than under my own name. To put it another way, I find it's easier to write:

Acme Consultants has a long history of creating value for business. We love Python and are experts in web development.

Probably because self promotion is not something I do naturally.

Good luck.