Writing a cover letter can be like cleaning your garage -- you don't know where to start ... and you just want it done.
Wouldn't it be great if you could use a few "underground" techniques to write cover letters that get more job interviews? Faster and easier than you ever thought possible?
Well, pay attention. I'm going to share 3 cover letter secrets that should get you more interviews, while a lot of the guesswork out of your letter writing.
To dig up these "cover letter secrets," I interviewed career expert and author, Jimmy Sweeney (www.amazing-cover-letters.com).
Read on!
Cover Letter Secret #1 ? Drop The Big Words
Always keep one thing in mind: when you write a cover letter, you're not trying to impress readers with your vocabulary. You're trying to land an interview.
"Write your cover letter in language anyone can understand. Bring it all together with a friendly tone throughout and chances are you've got yourself a winner," says Sweeney.
So, don't write gibberish, like this:
"I have consulted, choreographed, compiled and specifically isolated technological solutions for challenging, yet highly inordinate retroflex samplings that have lead me to a potential mathematical resolution."
Write in plain English:
"I have taken the time to research your company and am very impressed. I have a real passion for this industry. I would love the chance to interview with (company name) for the position of account executive. Thank you in advance for the opportunity. I really look forward to meeting you."
See the difference?
"To improve your cover letter, simply read it out loud. If you find tongue twisters or wording that sounds a little too impressive, fix them! Write as you speak and let your personality shine through. Show your enthusiasm and clearly ask for the job interview," says Sweeney.
Which leads to the next tip ...
Cover Letter Secret #2 ? Ask And Ye Shall Receive
Want more job interviews? The answer is simple. All you have to do is ask -- clearly and directly.
Most job hunters beat around the bush in their letters. But this is a mistake, according to Sweeney. "Use your cover letter as the marketing tool to bring home the one result you most desire -- the job interview. And you get that interview by asking for it," he says.
Here's one way to ask for that interview:
"I am excited about meeting you for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my credentials meet your needs. I can be reached at 555-555-5555 and will call you to follow up, as well, to make sure you received my application."
This approach can work as your final paragraph. Remember, you are asking the reader (HR Director, Hiring Manager) to take a specific action. You want him or her to pick up the phone to call you for the interview. Don't leave it to chance -- ask directly.
Cover Letter Secret #3 ? P.S., Hire Me!
Here's a blockbuster cover letter secret, one proven by decades of advertising. It's this: add a P.S. to your cover letter.
What the heck for, you ask?
A P.S. is nearly impossible to ignore. When you see one in a letter, you are practically forced to read it. Smart marketers have known this for nearly 100 years. (To prove it for yourself, read any 10 "junk mail" letters and you will find a P.S. at the end of at least 9. Try it!)
"A few years ago, my background in marketing led me to insert a P.S at the end of a job-search cover letter. I figured if it worked so well selling things by mail, it would help job-seekers who want to 'sell' themselves to employers," says Sweeney.
And what happened?
"My clients immediately experienced a dramatic increase in job interviews when they started adding a P.S.," says Sweeney.
Here's an example:
P.S. I would like to restate my desire to interview for the position of {insert job title }. {Company name} is #1 on my list of companies I want to work for. I am available immediately and can be reached on my mobile phone at 555-555-5555. Thank you!
In the above example, your P.S. can directly ask for the interview and tell the reader what action to take. You can also restate why you believe you're such a strong candidate for the job.
"Take advantage of the fact that people are trained to read a P.S. -- be sure to include one in your next cover letter," suggests Sweeney.
Note: you can download a Special Report, with 10 of Jimmy Sweeney's best cover letter secrets, at this link - http://www.gresumes.net/sample-cover-letter
Now, go out and make your own luck!
Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes. Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.
As a reader of this publication, you're eligible for a special offer. Get your Free Job Search Kit ($25.00 value) at the Guaranteed Resumes Web site - http://www.gresumes.com
1. Develop excellent work habits ? for example, meet deadlines... Read More
A new resume can jump-start your career. Your network contacts... Read More
Regardless of where you open your briefcase or palm pilot... Read More
Why do you work?Stop and think about it. Other than... Read More
No, you can't control how the interview will be conducted,... Read More
Many people do not bother to look at their own... Read More
According to statistics one out of every five pregnant women... Read More
Maybe "buck" is better referred to as the Boss' Challenge.... Read More
Obviously, there are RIGHT ways to move UP the ladder.... Read More
A career transition is no longer about getting your hands... Read More
"Doing a good job is one of the most important... Read More
Many professionals and managers are so involved in day-to-day crises... Read More
More and more people are calling it quits to successful... Read More
Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More
It takes between seven and seventeen seconds for a person... Read More
A resume is a tool. It allows employers to see... Read More
You've thought a lot about the kind of work you... Read More
Follow these quick and easy tips to build yourself a... Read More
According to US Department of Labor statistics, the average time... Read More
Starting a new job can feel like moving to a... Read More
Telecommuting Interview Tips- By Nell TaliercioYou've made it! Your cover... Read More
Effective follow-up after a job interview is often a key... Read More
Growing up on a Delaware farm was a wonderful and... Read More
Step One - Plan:Most people spend more time planning a... Read More
Today we hear much talk of the 'global village'. People... Read More
Most of the time, competition stimulates us, gets our juices... Read More
Many people can easily write a resume in just a... Read More
In the rush of everyday work, it can be difficult... Read More
Most jobs on farms in the UK involve picking strawberries... Read More
Common sense appears to be a rare commodity these days.... Read More
So you've figured out, more or less what you want... Read More
During my job search I read dozens of books and... Read More
If you left your last job under less-than-ideal circumstances, you... Read More
The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More
Look upon yourself as a company with a product or... Read More
"Know your Ruling Star. One man is better received by... Read More
If you're wondering how to become a real estate agent,... Read More
For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any... Read More
No, you can't control how the interview will be conducted,... Read More
Unemployment is depressing: financial pressures stress you out, looking for... Read More
When you start a new job, you probably realize the... Read More
10. Understand all of the opportunities available to you. Don't... Read More
Ohio has always been big on education and that means... Read More
Get Inspired about Your CareerDo you linger in bed long... Read More
Dr. Denis Waitley, trainer of leaders, including Super Bowl and... Read More
Moving to another state meant finding a new dentist. I... Read More
There is little doubt that Americans still have a deep... Read More
I agree with Brooker T. Washington, "Few things help an... Read More
Targeting your portfolio, (resume and cover letter) can get you... Read More
When you want something, the best way to get it... Read More
In a recent survey of over 662 career seekers, some... Read More
"Stop being such a Pollyanna," a trusted, more experienced colleague... Read More
'Fear of rejection' is the major reason why individuals looking... Read More
A friend of mine laments that work would be great... Read More
Salary negotiation requires preparation and good timing. It's important to... Read More
Do you dislike making decisions and avoid the challenge whenever... Read More
You've been successful in your job hunt and have received... Read More
I'll quickly cover the following:A) Why Employer Ask Illegal Interview... Read More
1. Employee Backdrop in AustraliaThe whole arena of Industrial Relations... Read More
Interviewing for a new job, or a promotion, can be... Read More
You can benefit from sample cover letters as they can... Read More
An industrious black-tailed ground squirrel has his home beneath a... Read More
FIRST STEP -- Set short-term, incremental goals.... Read More
Jack, downsized from his last job, was frozen in a... Read More
At some point in every professional or managerial career, there... Read More
What do you want to be when you grow up?... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |