Writing Cover Letters That Sizzle
nything being sent to a sentence about five dozen times.
decision-maker should sell Remember, you want to GRAB the
you, not just state facts. decision-maker's attention and
When conducting a job search, SELL yourself to them.
your cover letter and resume are
in a pile for the decision-maker Since the cover letter is
to review, one by one, along with designed to market you to
a vast number of other documents potential employers, don't state
submitted by other hopeful the obvious. If the cover letter
individuals. The odds that YOUR does not create a sense of
document is the very first ones excitement and entice the reader,
on the pile are about a zillion it is a waste of your time for
to one! This means the writing it and a waste of time
decision-maker has probably read for the reader reading it.
X number of cover letters (and
resumes) before reaching your set Keep track of how many times you
of documents. With that in mind, use the words "I" and/or "my".
I never recommend you start the After you write the letter, take
cover letter with the sentence a pen and circle all the I's and
used in so many other letters: my's in the letter: more than
five? Time to re-write some of
"Pursuant to your recent the sentences.
advertisement in the New York
Times for the position of Staff Here's an illustration of how to
Accountant, I am enclosing my do that: instead of writing "I am
resume for your review." looking for an opportunity for
advancement with a new employer.
B-O-R-I-N-G!! Plus, the My background is in retail
decision-maker probably just read management and I feel
this same (or very similar) well-qualified for the Store
Manager position with your highlight in what would naturally
company" you can write, "A be a longer cover letter:
background in retail management
and proven record of obtaining ...Recognized as a top-performer
results as a Store Manager are and dedicated professional, my
key elements in qualifying me for record of achievements include:
consideration as part of your Generating a 58% increase in new
team." business during tenure as
Regional Advertising Manager
Remember the PURPOSE of the cover Boosting client media coverage
letter: to highlight your 50% and developing partnerships
background in the right light, with previously unsecured media
sell your skills, and show the contacts
potential employer you are worthy
of an interview. Explaining what There are many ways to say things
you WANT throughout the letter but, as you can see, some words
doesn't tell the reader the have a stronger impact on readers
BENEFIT of what you can offer, than others. In cover letters,
which is imperative for you to be e-resumes, and traditional
successful. resumes, you can change the
reader's perception in a
One of the techniques I like to heartbeat by substituting various
use in cover letters is to pull words or phrases for more
out the top 4 or 5 achievements traditional (and outdated)
and mention them in bullet form verbiage. See the outline below:
with the letter. It serves as a
wonderful focus point for NON-AGGRESSIVE VERBIAGE
readers' eyes and draws their
attention immediately to your Set up entire department from
strengths. Here's a brief scratch
Fostered relationships with
Worked closely with department department heads
heads
Instrumental in generating $3
Helped produce $3 million in million in sales
sales
Aided new employees
Helped new employees
Expertise in capital markets and
In-depth knowledge of capital corporate finance
markets and corporate finance
Actively participated in
Assisted marketing department in formulating marketing strategies
strategies and bids
Slashed (or cut) expenses by 10%
Reduced expenses by 10%
In short, aggressive writing
AGGRESSIVE VERBIAGE makes you SIZZLE, while passive
writing tells your "story."
Established department from Remember your goal is to
inception through successful effectively market yourself, not
operation to author your employment
biography.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com
Published in 25 career books, Alesia has been cited by Jist Publications as one of the "best resume writers in North America" and quoted as a Career Expert in the Wall Street Journal. Serving as the Resume Expert for over 50+ organizations, she has numerous media appearances to her credit and is a frequent keynote speaker. getinterviews.com
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