Often, we spend so long perfecting our CV (Times New Roman or Arial?) that when it comes to actually applying for a job, we get hit in the face by something unexpected. Cover letter? What's that about ...

Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on culture, society, human interest and technology. Her stories hold a mirror to society, reflecting both its malaise and its beauty.

Either way, let’s not be in denial about it. Credit...Illustration by Christoph Niemann Supported by By Kevin Roose and Casey Newton Kevin Roose and Casey Newton are the hosts of The Times’s “Hard ...