Cover Letter Voice | Skills Pool

Identify job slug
- Ask user: "What is the job slug (directory name) for this application?"
- Example: "ucla-arts-director"
- Construct path: ~/career-applications/[job-slug]/
Ask about current work-in-progress (three separate questions)

Ask these questions one at a time, waiting for response to each:

Question 1:
```
"Have you started writing any rough drafts or paragraphs for this cover letter yet?"
```
- If yes → Ask them to share what they have
- If no → Continue to Question 2
Question 2:
```
"Do you have bullet points, notes, or a list of ideas about what you want to include?"
```
- If yes → Ask them to share
- If no → Continue to Question 3
Question 3:
```
"What initial thoughts or direction are you considering for this letter?
Any ideas about the narrative approach or key points you want to emphasize?"
```
- Capture any thoughts shared
- Store all responses for integration into framework development
- Why this matters: User may have already started thinking/writing; we should build on their work, not ignore it

Load job analysis

Read: ~/career-applications/[job-slug]/01-job-analysis.md

If missing → Error Handler A

Load career philosophy

Read: ~/lexicons_llm/01_career_philosophy.md
Store entire content as context

If missing → Error Handler B

Load narrative patterns

Read: ~/lexicons_llm/03_narrative_patterns.md
Store entire content as context

If missing → Error Handler B

Load language bank

Read: ~/lexicons_llm/04_language_bank.md
Store entire content as context

If missing → Error Handler B

Check for optional files

Check: ~/career-applications/[job-slug]/03-gap-analysis-and-cover-letter-plan.md
If exists → Read and note strategic guidance

Ask about past cover letters

"Do you have previous cover letters you'd like me to analyze for tone patterns?
If so, please provide them now."

If provided → Analyze tone, structure, patterns (see Phase 2A)

✓ Loaded successfully:
  - Job analysis for [job title] at [company]
  - Career philosophy (X core values, Y leadership approaches)
  - Narrative patterns (X opening strategies, Y evidence patterns)
  - Language bank (action verbs, power phrases, industry terms)
  [If applicable]: Cover letter strategic plan from gap analysis
  [If applicable]: 3 previous cover letters for tone reference

Ready to develop your narrative framework.

## Job Context Summary

Organization: UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture
Role: Senior Director, Center for the Arts

Cultural Requirements:
- Tone: Collaborative-innovative (balanced, not startup-disruptive)
- Values emphasis: DEI, student-centered mission, artistic excellence
- Communication style: Professional but approachable, mission-driven
- Cultural fit: Values both strategic vision and practical execution

Key Communication Requirements:
- Demonstrate stakeholder engagement capability
- Show commitment to mission/values alignment
- Balance visionary thinking with operational expertise
- Professional tone without excessive formality

## Strategic Plan from Gap Analysis

Your gap analysis recommended:
- Address [specific gap] by reframing as [strategy]
- Emphasize [strength] to counter [concern]
- Use narrative thread: [recommended thread]
- Length: [recommended word count]

I'll incorporate this strategic guidance into the framework.

## Your Established Voice & Patterns

From career_philosophy.md:
- Core Values: [list 3-5 key values]
- Leadership Approaches: [list 2-3 approaches]
- Most prominent themes: [identify 2-3 recurring themes]

From narrative_patterns.md:
- Opening Strategies: [list available patterns with usage frequency if noted]
- Evidence Patterns: [list established narrative structures]
- Most frequent pattern: [identify most-used approach]

From language_bank.md:
- Action verb categories: [list categories]
- Power phrases: [note key recurring phrases]
- Industry language: [sector-specific terminology]

Now let's explore which narrative thread will create the most authentic
and compelling story for this opportunity.

## Past Cover Letter Analysis

Letter 1: [Title/Organization, Year]
- Opening Pattern: [identify: institutional positioning, personal connection, etc.]
- Tone: [warm/authoritative/collaborative/formal - describe with specific adjectives]
- Evidence Pattern: [Challenge→Action→Result, Context→Insight→Application, etc.]
- Length: [X paragraphs, ~Y words]
- Notable phrases: [quote 2-3 distinctive phrases that show voice]
- Role level: [director/VP/etc. - if applicable]

Letter 2: [Title/Organization, Year]
- Opening Pattern: [pattern]
- Tone: [describe]
- Evidence Pattern: [pattern]
- Length: [X paragraphs, ~Y words]
- Notable phrases: [quote phrases]
- Role level: [level]

Cross-Letter Patterns Observed:
- Tone variation: [e.g., "You shift from collaborative to authoritative based on role level"]
- Consistent elements: [e.g., "All letters use institutional positioning opening"]
- Length patterns: [e.g., "Director roles: ~450 words, VP roles: ~550 words"]
- Signature phrases: [phrases that appear across multiple letters]

From your 2023 CSUF letter (Director of Arts Programs):
- Opening: Institutional positioning ("CSUF is uniquely positioned by...")
- Tone: Warm, collaborative, student-centered
- Evidence pattern: Challenge → Action → Result
- Length: 3 paragraphs, ~450 words
- Notable: "I believe [role] should be..." appears in opening

From your 2024 UCLA letter (VP of Academic Affairs):
- Opening: Personal connection to mission
- Tone: Authoritative, visionary, strategic
- Evidence pattern: Context → Insight → Application
- Length: 4 paragraphs, ~550 words
- Notable: "Our moment demands..." framing

Pattern observation: You adjust formality and tone based on role level
(collaborative-warm for director, authoritative-strategic for VP)

## Your Narrative Pattern Library

From narrative_patterns.md:

### Opening Strategies Available:

1. Institutional Positioning
   - Template: "[Institution] is uniquely positioned by..."
   - When used: Academic organizations, mission-driven roles
   - Frequency: [if noted in lexicon]
   - Source: narrative_patterns.md:[line number]

2. Personal Connection
   - Template: "My commitment to [value] was shaped by..."
   - When used: Values-driven roles, mission emphasis
   - Frequency: [if noted]
   - Source: narrative_patterns.md:[line number]

3. [Continue for all opening patterns identified]

### Evidence Patterns Available:

1. Challenge → Action → Result
   - Structure: Set context/challenge, describe your actions, state measurable outcome
   - When used: Achievement-focused narratives, operational roles
   - Source: narrative_patterns.md:[line numbers]
   - Example from lexicon: [quote example if available]

2. Context → Insight → Application
   - Structure: Establish situation, share strategic insight, show implementation
   - When used: Strategic roles, change leadership
   - Source: narrative_patterns.md:[line numbers]

3. [Continue for all evidence patterns identified]

### Closing Patterns Available:

1. Values Reaffirmation + Forward-Looking
   - Template: [if available in lexicon]
   - Source: narrative_patterns.md:[line number]

2. [Continue for all closing patterns]

## Pattern-to-Job Alignment

Based on job analysis Section III and your established patterns:

Recommended Opening Pattern: [Pattern Name]
Why: [Explain how this pattern matches job's cultural tone + your authentic voice]
Example: [Show how it would work for this specific job]

Recommended Evidence Pattern: [Pattern Name]
Why: [Explain alignment with job requirements + your storytelling style]

Recommended Closing Pattern: [Pattern Name]
Why: [Explain fit]

Length Guidance:
- Role level: [Director/VP/etc.]
- Your historical pattern for this level: [~X words]
- Industry standard for this role: [Y-Z words]
- Recommended: [specific word count range]

## Pattern-to-Job Alignment

Recommended Opening: Institutional Positioning
Why:
- Job emphasizes mission-driven culture (matches pattern's use case)
- You've used this successfully in 60% of academic applications
- Their collaborative-innovative tone aligns with this pattern's professional-warm style

Recommended Evidence Pattern: Challenge → Action → Result
Why:
- Job requires demonstrated operational expertise
- This pattern showcases concrete achievements (their priority)
- Matches your most frequent narrative structure

Recommended Closing: Values Reaffirmation + Forward-Looking
Why:
- Reinforces mission alignment (critical for this role)
- Creates invitation for dialogue (collaborative tone they value)

Length Guidance:
- Role level: Director
- Your pattern for director roles: ~450 words
- Industry standard: 400-500 words
- Recommended: 480-520 words (3-4 paragraphs)

Based on your career philosophy and this role's requirements, I've identified
three potential narrative threads. Each connects your authentic values to what
this opportunity represents.

Which thread resonates most for this application?

You selected: [Thread Name]

Let's develop this thread with specific examples from your experience.

From your [philosophy/achievement lexicon], which experience best illustrates
this philosophy in action for this specific opportunity?

[Present 3 options from achievement library or past work, each with:]
- Achievement name
- Why it demonstrates the philosophy
- How it connects to job requirement
- Source citation (achievement_library.md:line numbers)

How do you want to position what this role represents for you?

Which additional achievements or experiences strengthen this narrative thread?
(Select 1-2 more)

## Narrative Thread Map

Core Thread: [Selected Thread Name]
Philosophy Anchor: [Quote from philosophy.md with line reference]
Job Connection: [Quote from job analysis]

Primary Evidence:
- Achievement: [Name]
- Demonstrates: [Key qualities]
- Source: achievement_library.md:[lines]

Supporting Evidence:
- Achievement 2: [Name]
  Demonstrates: [Qualities]
  Source: [Citation]
- Achievement 3: [Name] (if selected)
  Demonstrates: [Qualities]
  Source: [Citation]

Positioning Frame: [How role is positioned]

This narrative map will guide the structure and tone development.

## Tone Profile Development

### Job's Tone Requirements (from analysis):
- Formality level: [from job analysis Section III]
- Cultural style: [collaborative/innovative/traditional/etc.]
- Values emphasis: [key values to emphasize]
- Communication preferences: [any specific guidance from analysis]

### Your Natural Voice (from lexicon + past letters):
- Characteristic tone: [describe from past letters if available, or from language bank]
- Sentence patterns: [longer vision statements, concrete examples, etc.]
- Recurring phrases: [from language bank power phrases]
- Emotional register: [warm/reflective/strategic/authoritative/committed/etc.]

### Recommended Tone Synthesis:
- **Formality level:** [Specific recommendation, e.g., "Professional-collaborative (not academic, not casual)"]
- **Sentence structure:** [Specific guidance, e.g., "Mix longer vision statements (25-30 words) with concrete examples (15-20 words)"]
- **Vocabulary approach:** [e.g., "Mission-oriented language, avoid jargon, emphasize values"]
- **Emotional register:** [e.g., "Committed optimism (not neutral, not effusive)"]

### Example Opening Sentence (Tone Demonstration):

"[Draft opening sentence that demonstrates the recommended tone synthesis]"

Tone Notes on This Example:
- "[Phrase 1]" = [explanation, e.g., "institutional positioning pattern"]
- "[Phrase 2]" = [explanation, e.g., "complexity acknowledgment (collaborative tone)"]
- "[Word choice]" = [explanation, e.g., "confident but not presumptuous"]
- "[Specific detail]" = [explanation, e.g., "credibility through specificity"]

Does this tone feel authentic to how you want to present in this letter?
[Wait for user confirmation or adjustment request]

## Tone Profile Development

### Job's Tone Requirements:
- Formality: Professional but not overly formal
- Cultural style: Collaborative-innovative
- Values emphasis: Mission-driven, DEI, student-centered
- Communication: Clear, concrete, values-aligned

### Your Natural Voice:
- From CSUF letter: Warm, reflective, student-centered
- From UCLA VP letter: Strategic, visionary, authoritative
- Language bank shows: Action-oriented, evidence-based framing
- Power phrases: "I believe [role] should be...", "uniquely positioned by..."

### Recommended Tone Synthesis:
- **Formality level:** Professional-collaborative (not academic formal, not casual conversational)
- **Sentence structure:** Mix of longer vision statements (25-30 words) with concrete examples (15-20 words) and impact summaries (10-12 words)
- **Vocabulary approach:** Mission-oriented language, avoid corporate jargon, emphasize collaboration and impact
- **Emotional register:** Committed optimism (enthusiastic but grounded, not neutral, not effusive)

### Example Opening Sentence:

"UCLA's School of the Arts and Architecture is uniquely positioned by its intersection of artistic excellence, research innovation, and public mission to advance arts as a tool for social transformation—a vision that aligns precisely with my 15-year commitment to arts-as-social-justice practice."

Tone Notes:
- "uniquely positioned by" = your institutional positioning pattern (from narrative_patterns.md)
- "intersection of" = acknowledges complexity (collaborative tone)
- "aligns precisely" = confident but not presumptuous
- "15-year commitment" = credibility through specific timeframe

Does this tone feel authentic to how you want to present?

## Recommended Narrative Structure

Total Target Length: [X-Y words] ([Z] paragraphs)
Based on: [role level + your historical pattern + industry standard]

---

### Opening Paragraph (~X words)
**Pattern:** [Pattern name from narrative_patterns.md]
**Purpose:** [What this paragraph accomplishes]
**Content:** [Describe what goes in this paragraph]
**Source:** narrative_patterns.md:[line reference]

**Draft Guidance:**
[Provide specific guidance on how to construct this paragraph]

**Example opening line:**
"[Show example sentence]"

**Philosophy Connection:**
Links to career_philosophy.md:[line reference] ([value/approach name])

---

### Development Paragraph 2: [Theme/Achievement] (~X words)
**Pattern:** [Evidence pattern name]
**Achievement:** [Specific achievement from narrative map]
**Source:** achievement_library.md:[line reference] OR narrative_patterns.md:[line reference]

**Structure:**
1. Context/Challenge: [What to establish]
2. Action (your role): [What to describe]
3. Result: [What outcome to highlight]

**Draft Guidance:**
- Begin with: [Specific opening approach]
- Action section: [What verbs/approaches to use from language bank]
- Result: [What to emphasize - metrics, impact, outcomes]

**Why This Achievement:**
- Demonstrates: [Key quality/requirement from job]
- Scale/Scope: [How it relates to their requirements]
- Approach: [How it shows your philosophy/values]

**Language Notes:**
- "[Verb/phrase]" ← language_bank.md:[line] ([category])
- "[Term]" ← [source: philosophy.md or achievement_library.md]
- "[Metric]" ← achievement_library.md:[line] (specific, credible)

---

### Development Paragraph 3: [Theme/Achievement] (~X words)
**Pattern:** [Evidence pattern name]
**Achievement:** [Second achievement from narrative map]
**Source:** [Citation]

[Repeat structure from Paragraph 2]

---

### [Optional] Development Paragraph 4: [If gap to address or third achievement]
**Purpose:** [Address gap OR add third achievement]
**Pattern:** [Pattern name]
**Source:** [Citation]

[If addressing gap]:
**Gap Reframing Strategy:** [From 03-gap-analysis-and-cover-letter-plan.md if available]
**Approach:** [How to frame the gap as growth opportunity]

[If third achievement]:
[Follow Paragraph 2 structure]

---

### Closing Paragraph (~X words)
**Pattern:** [Closing pattern from narrative_patterns.md]
**Purpose:** [What this accomplishes]
**Source:** narrative_patterns.md:[line reference]

**Content:**
- Reaffirm: [What value/thread to reinforce]
- Forward-looking: [What invitation/next step to create]
- Tone: [How to strike enthusiasm without presumption]

**Draft Guidance:**
[Specific guidance on constructing close]

**Example closing:**
"[Show example sentence or two]"

---

### Structure Summary:

Opening: [Pattern] - [Purpose] (~X words)
Development 2: [Achievement] - [Pattern] (~X words)
Development 3: [Achievement] - [Pattern] (~X words)
[Paragraph 4: if applicable] (~X words)
Closing: [Pattern] - [Purpose] (~X words)

Total: [X-Y words] ([Z] paragraphs)

Does this structure feel right for telling your story?
Any adjustments needed before we develop the detailed framework?

## Language Consistency Review

Checking proposed narrative framework against your established voice...

### Action Verbs (from language_bank.md)

Verbs proposed in framework:
✅ "[Verb 1]" - Found in [Category] (language_bank.md:[line])
✅ "[Verb 2]" - Found in [Category] (language_bank.md:[line])
❌ "[Verb 3]" - NOT in your lexicon
   → Sounds unlike your voice
   → Replacement options: "[Alternative 1]" or "[Alternative 2]" (both in language_bank.md)
✅ "[Verb 4]" - Found in [Category] (language_bank.md:[line])

[Continue for all action verbs in framework]

### Power Phrases (from language_bank.md)

Phrases proposed in framework:
✅ "I believe [role] should be..." - Your leadership philosophy template (language_bank.md:[line])
✅ "uniquely positioned by..." - Your institutional positioning template (language_bank.md:[line])
❌ "[Phrase X]" - NOT in your lexicon
   → Replacement: "[Alternative phrase]" (language_bank.md:[line])

[Continue for all power phrases]

### Industry Language & Terminology

Terms proposed in framework:
✅ "[Term 1]" - Technical term from your sector (appears in achievement_library.md:[line])
✅ "[Term 2]" - Standard in your industry (language_bank.md:[line])
❌ "[Term 3]" - Corporate jargon, not in your lexicon
   → Replacement: "[Alternative]" (more authentic to your voice)

[Continue for all industry terms]

---

## Voice Consistency Assessment:

Overall consistency: [STRONG/MODERATE/NEEDS ADJUSTMENT]

[If STRONG]:
✓ Narrative framework uses your established language patterns throughout
✓ All proposed verbs and phrases match your lexicon
✓ No fabricated language detected

[If MODERATE or NEEDS ADJUSTMENT]:
⚠ Found [X] terms not in your lexicon
⚠ Recommended replacements shown above
⚠ Will revise framework to use only verified language before proceeding

[If any ❌ items found]:
I've flagged language that doesn't appear in your lexicon. Should I:
A) Replace with alternatives from your language bank (recommended)
B) Add these new terms to your language bank for future use
C) Keep them but mark as new language (use sparingly)

✓ Voice consistency check complete
✓ All language traceable to your lexicon
✓ Framework ready for authenticity review

Voice authenticity:

"Does this narrative framework sound like your real voice?

Not 'could you write this' but 'does this feel like something you would
naturally say about yourself and this opportunity?'"

Wait for response → If concerns raised, explore and adjust

Performativity check:

"Are there any elements that feel performative or unlike you?

Sometimes we include things because they 'sound good' rather than because
they're genuinely true. Anything feel that way here?"

Wait for response → If yes, identify and remove/replace

Enthusiasm indicator:

"Which part of this story excites you most to tell?

This can help us ensure that excitement comes through in the framework."

Wait for response → Note what energizes user, ensure it's prominent

Completeness check:

"Is there anything missing that feels important?

A value that matters to you, an achievement that should be included,
or an aspect of your approach that isn't represented?"

Wait for response → If yes, explore and incorporate

## Authenticity Alignment Check

Reviewing framework against your core values and leadership approaches...

### Your Core Values (from career_philosophy.md):

1. [Value 1 - name/description from philosophy.md:line]
   ✅ Represented: [How/where in framework]
   OR
   ❌ Missing: [Not present in current framework]

2. [Value 2]
   ✅ Represented: [How/where]
   OR
   ⚠️ Implied but not explicit: [Where it could be strengthened]

3. [Value 3]
   [Continue for all core values]

### Your Leadership Approaches (from career_philosophy.md):

1. [Approach 1 - name/description from philosophy.md:line]
   ✅ Central to narrative: [How demonstrated]
   OR
   ⚠️ Not explicit: [Could be strengthened by...]

2. [Approach 2]
   [Continue for all approaches]

---

## Gaps or Opportunities:

[If any ❌ or ⚠️ items]:

I notice [value/approach X] is missing or understated in the current framework.

Options:
A) Add explicit mention in [paragraph Y]
   - Suggestion: [Specific way to incorporate]
   - Would strengthen: [What this adds to narrative]

B) Let it remain implicit
   - Rationale: [Why it might not need explicit mention]
   - Already evident through: [How it shows up indirectly]

Which feels more authentic to you?

[Wait for user decision → Adjust framework as needed]

## Final Authenticity Check

Before I create your cover letter framework document, I need your confirmation:

This framework—the narrative thread, tone, structure, language, and evidence—
does it feel authentic to:
- How you actually think about your work?
- How you naturally talk about your experience?
- What genuinely excites you about this opportunity?
- The values you truly hold (not just what sounds good)?

Please answer honestly: Does this framework feel authentic to your voice?

[Wait for explicit "Yes" or concerns]

✓ Authenticity confirmed
✓ Ready to create framework document

Let's address what doesn't feel right.

What specifically feels inauthentic or off?
[Explore concern]
[Make adjustments]
[Re-confirm authenticity]

---
job_title: [Job Title]

Cover Letter Voice