Of the many thousands of job search cover letters that
cross the desks of hiring managers each month, hundreds are sent directly to
the gallows! They're tossed, forgotten, and shredded. What a sad state of
affairs and such a waste of paper, print, and personality. Many receive barely
a glance, let alone a full reading. Why?
The writing is pompous, pitiful, and pathetic! The job
searchers who create such cover letters try hard to impress a potential
employer but instead do just the opposite.
But you don't have to be among this crowd. You can take a moment to put these five
steps into action before you write your next cover letter.
1. Open your letter with a 'killer headline'—a
phrase you carefully select to win the hiring manager's attention in a way that
will compel him or her to finish reading. Example:
KEEP
READING to find out why
I'm the person most qualified to fill the position of [insert job opening title here].
2. Create
short sentences using simple words. Stay away from long-winded writing that
causes the reader to gasp for a breath or run to the dictionary to understand
what you're trying to say. Shorter is the order of the day. Examples:
I worked for XYZ Company
for six years as Chief Operating Officer, exceeding all
financial goals.
3. Keep your letter on one page. Be clear
and focused on a single topic—why you're the one for the job and what makes you
qualified. You can cover details and dates in your resume instead of adding
pages to your cover letter.
4. Be sure to say 'thanks.' Whether or not
you receive a job offer, be sure to express your appreciation for being
considered. Courtesy counts!
Examples:
I am grateful for your taking time to
read my letter.
5. Include
a P.S. after your signature line. This is an excellent way to remind the
hiring manager of what you'll do next. Example:
P.S. On April 9 I'll give you a call to
talk more about this outstanding position. I look forward to meeting and speak
with you in person about (insert job title here). If you have any questions,
please phone me at 555-555-5555. Thank you ahead of time.
Put together a
cover letter with these five ingredients and you'll be among the few job
seekers that know how to reach and relate to a hiring manager in a positive and
encouraging way. What more could you want? And what more could a hiring manager
want than a person like you who is willing and able and pleasant, yet
professional?
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Author: Jimmy
Sweeney
Instant Cover Letters - "In
just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through
YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"