Short, honest, and about the job. Here's how to write one when you have a record.
People ask me all the time: do I mention my felony in the cover letter?
No.
Your cover letter has one job, and that's to get someone to read your resume and call you. Your record is a conversation for later, when they can see you and hear you. On paper, with nothing else to go on, a record is the easiest reason in the world to put you in the no pile. Don't hand it to them.
Leaving it out isn't lying. Lying is making something up. If the application asks you straight out about convictions, you answer that question truthfully where it's asked. The cover letter isn't that place.
There's one thing a cover letter can handle: a long gap. If you've been away two years or more, one plain sentence gets ahead of it. More on that below.
What a Cover Letter Is Actually For
A hiring manager reads a cover letter for maybe 30 seconds. In that time they want to know three things. Can you do the work? Will you show up? Why this job?
That's it. Everything in your letter should answer one of those. Anything that doesn't, cut.
Keep it to about 200 words. Three or four short paragraphs. Nobody's mad a cover letter was too short.
The Simple Shape
Open with the job and a reason. Name the position. Say one specific thing about why you want it or why you fit. Not "I am writing to express my interest." Just say it.
"I'm applying for the warehouse associate opening at your Kenosha site. I've run a forklift, I've worked nights, and I'm looking for a place I can stay."
Then the proof. Two or three things you've actually done that match the job posting. Use numbers if you have them. Work you did inside counts. Call it by its real name.
"For three years I worked in a facility kitchen feeding 600 people a day, on time, every shift. I finished my ServSafe certification and trained new workers on the line."
Then reliability. Employers worry about whether you'll show up. Answer it without being asked.
"I have reliable transportation, I'm available any shift, and I can start this week."
Close by asking for the next step.
"I'd like to talk about the job. You can reach me at (555) 555-0123. Thank you for your time."
If You Have a Big Gap
If the gap is two years or more, they're going to notice it. One sentence, then move on. Don't explain the gap in detail and don't apologize for it.
"After time away from the workforce, I've spent the last year building my skills, finishing my forklift certification, and I'm ready to get back to work."
If you have something real to point to from the gap (a certificate, a program, work assignments), name it. If you don't, the sentence still works.
What you never write: a cover story. "Caring for a family member," "traveling," "personal development." If it isn't true, a background check can turn it into a lie on record, and that's worse than the record. The employment gaps guide has more on this.
What Not to Put in It
- Your record, your charges, or your time inside described as time inside.
- An apology. You're applying for a job, not asking forgiveness.
- Your life story. Save it. If they hire you, there's time.
- "I know I'm not perfect, but..." That line tells them to look for the problem.
- The same letter for every job. Change the first paragraph at least, every time.
When They Do Ask About Your Record
Usually it comes up on the application, in the interview, or after a background check. Where you live decides when an employer is allowed to ask. Your state page has the rule, and the ban the box guide explains how it works.
When it comes up, you want a short, true answer ready. The interview scripts have word-for-word versions, and the disclosure guide helps you decide when to bring it up yourself.
A Full Example
Dear Hiring Manager,
I'm applying for the maintenance technician job at Lakeview Apartments. I've done building repair for six years, and I like work where you can see what you fixed at the end of the day.
In my last role I handled plumbing, drywall and appliance repair across 120 units, and I cut the open work-order list in half in my first three months. I hold an EPA 608 certification and I'm comfortable on call.
I have my own tools and reliable transportation, and I can start right away.
I'd like to talk about the job. You can reach me at (555) 555-0123. Thank you for your time.
Marcus Reed
Notice what's not there. No record, no apology, no long story. Just someone who can do the job and wants it.
Common questions
Should I mention my felony in my cover letter?
No. Your cover letter's job is to get you an interview, and a record on paper is the easiest reason to skip you. Leaving it out isn't lying. If the application asks about convictions, answer that question truthfully where it's asked, and be ready to talk about it in the interview.
How do I write a cover letter after prison?
Keep it short and about the job. Name the position, give two or three things you've done that match it (work assignments and certificates from inside count, by their real names), say you're reliable and ready to start, and ask for the interview. If you were away two years or more, add one plain sentence about getting back to work.
How do I explain a gap in a cover letter?
Only if it's two years or longer. One sentence, no details, no apology, then go straight to your skills. Never use a made-up reason like "family care" or "travel" that a background check could contradict.
How long should a cover letter be?
About 200 words, three or four short paragraphs. A hiring manager gives it about half a minute.
Do I even need a cover letter?
If the job asks for one, yes. If it's optional, a short one still helps, especially when you want them to notice a skill that's easy to miss on your resume.
Need Help With Your Cover Letter?
Free, no account. Tell it your story and it writes your resume and a cover letter you can edit, built around what you can do.
Questions? Call (262) 391-8137 or email troy@steelmanresumes.com
Last Updated: October 2026