Do cover letters really make a difference?

According to data from a study released two weeks ago by Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), they do.

During an initial review of the application materials:

 12.5% of recruiters always read cover letters on the first pass.

 25% read them about half the time.

 62.5% rarely or never read them during an initial look.

During a more in-depth review:

 88% typically review the cover letter “often or most of the time” on a second look.

 12.5% rarely review the cover letter, even during a deeper review.

Cover letters don’t have to be perfect, so if you get anxious about writing them, here are some tips. Customizing is important, but you can rely on some key words and phrases that show who you are, so don’t hesitate to use them more than once.

�� Sources & Insights

1. AARP: Age-Proof Your Resume and Cover Letter

“Don’t dwell on how old you are. Instead, focus on your strengths—skills, experience, and accomplishments… Frame your experience in terms of how it solves problems for the employer.”

Source: AARP, “Age-Proof Your Resume and Cover Letter”

2. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Applicants are not required to disclose a disability, but if they choose to do so, it should be in the context of how it enhances their ability to perform the job.

Source: EEOC, Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act

3. National Council on Aging (NCOA)

“Older adults bring stability, reliability, and valuable knowledge. Don’t be afraid to showcase your lived experience and how it applies to modern work environments.”

Source: NCOA, “Job Hunting Tips for Older Adults”

4. Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT)

“Disability-inclusive language in application materials can help position job seekers as self-aware, adaptable, and committed to inclusive workplaces—especially when aligned with the employer’s values.”

Source: PEAT, Accessible and Inclusive Job Seeker Resources

5. Harvard Business Review: Why Age Diversity is a Strategic Advantage

“Older workers tend to be more loyal and bring institutional knowledge, mentoring abilities, and perspective that can guide organizations through uncertainty.”

Source: HBR, It’s Time to Rethink How We View Older Workers

Reports Coordinator
San Francisco, California • Part-time
$26 – $26 hourly

About the Job
California applicants only.  Please provide a cover letter and resume to jobs@sfcommunityliving.org. 

We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Reports Coordinator to join our Reporting team.  Tracking and reporting participant and program information is essential for delivering impactful services, meeting contract requirements, and seeking funding. 

Job Details: 

• This role will primarily entail data entry tasks, constituting approximately 75% of the workload, with the remaining 25% focused on coordination responsibilities, including database support for fundraising. 
• Enter participant information from paper and online forms into CLC’s spreadsheets, database (DonorPerfect), and San Francisco’s reporting system (GetCare). 
• Enter monthly service data for CLC programs into GetCare. Assist with tracking other metrics as part of CLC’s contracts as needed.  
• Prepare Excel spreadsheets tracking participant progress and feedback for program leads. 
• Take on the role of a project manager to meet reporting requirements and deadlines across various programs.  
• Coordinate and gather necessary information from Community Living Campaign staff and outside partners.  
• Prepare reporting deliverables promptly, accurately, and in close alignment with other Reporting Team members.  
• Support CLC staff with fundraising database and ad hoc support, reporting & review requests, and reporting related questions.  
• Create and run reports from DonorPerfect and GetCare.  
• Draft new and amended reporting policies, guidelines, and procedures in consultation with key stakeholders. 

Required Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will work closely with the Operations and Analytics Manager to meet CLC’s ongoing reporting needs. They will enjoy spreadsheets, pivot tables, and finding ways to streamline how we gather, track, and report data. They will have:  
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to plan, implement, track, evaluate projects, and communicate effectively amongst diverse audiences and across platforms.   
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  
• Experience with data entry, including the ability to enter data accurately and be comfortable learning new technical systems as needed.  
• Proven experience in using information systems/ databases to enter and track constituent and program information.  
• Highly proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, and Google Sheets. Have a strong working knowledge of collaborative tools such as Dropbox and G Suite.  

Desired Attributes:

• Donor database experience highly desired, preferably with DonorPerfect. 
• Fluency in a second language a plus, especially Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, or Tagalog.  
• Professional experience working with diverse communities, older adults, and people with disabilities.  
• Experience designing and conducting technical training programs.  
• Non-profit experience. 

Flexible Work Arrangement:
This position can be up to 100% remote/work-from-home.  Applicants must reside in California, be available to attend meetings during San Francisco, CA, business hours and must be legally able to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Community Living Campaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome and consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable laws.

Fair Chance Hiring:
We embrace Fair Chance Hiring practices and consider qualified candidates with criminal histories, in compliance with applicable regulations. Following a conditional job offer, we conduct an individualized assessment that considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the relevance to the responsibilities of the role. Applicants are encouraged to share any relevant information regarding their conviction history, including rehabilitation efforts or mitigating circumstances.

Dear Job Seeker,

Let’s face it — job searching can feel like a rollercoaster. But even through the ups and downs, you have the power to stay resilient, focused, and hopeful. Whether you’re pivoting, re-entering the workforce, or chasing a new dream, here are five evidence-based tips to help you stay strong and energized.

1. Focus on What You Can Control

You can’t control every outcome, but you can polish your resume, practice interviews, and connect with others. Taking action in areas you can influence boosts confidence and reduces stress.
Studies show that job seekers with a strong sense of control feel more motivated and experience better outcomes. (Ng, Sorensen, & Eby, 2006, Psychological Bulletin).

2. Lean on Your Support System

You don’t have to go it alone. Share your journey with friends, mentors, or job-search groups. Sometimes, just talking it out can shift your perspective and renew your energy.
Social support plays a major role in boosting emotional resilience and job search success. (Wanberg, Kanfer, & Rotundo, 1999, Journal of Applied Psychology).

3. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Break the search into manageable steps: apply to two jobs today, message one contact, and attend one virtual event. Celebrate progress, not just offers!
Goal-setting boosts motivation and reduces burnout, especially during uncertain times. (Locke & Latham, 2002, American Psychologist)

4. Reframe Rejection as Redirection
Didn’t land that interview? It’s not a dead-end — it’s a detour to something better. Reflect, adjust, and remind yourself that every “no” brings you closer to your “yes.”
Reframing setbacks helps build emotional resilience and a growth mindset (Beck, 2011, Cognitive Behavior Therapy).

5. Prioritize Your Well-Being
Take breaks. Go for walks. Laugh. Sleep. Eat well. You are not a machine — and a healthy body supports a resilient mind.
Exercise and rest improve mood and reduce anxiety — both essential for resilience. (APA, 2018).

Final Word: You’ve Got This!
You are not your resume. You are not the number of interviews you’ve had. You are a whole, capable, growing person — and the right opportunity is out there for you. Stay consistent, stay kind to yourself, and trust that something good is coming your way.

For job search assistance, click on this link for our Resource Guides. Stay tuned, they’re all being updated!

We believe in you!
SF ReServe Team
Sources Cited:

• Ng, T.W.H., Sorensen, K.L., & Eby, L.T. (2006). Psychological Bulletin
• Wanberg, C.R., Kanfer, R., & Rotundo, M. (1999). Journal of Applied Psychology
• Locke, E.A., & Latham, G.P. (2002). American Psychologist
• Beck, J.S. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond
• American Psychological Association (2018). The Exercise Effect