January 5, 2015

Out With The Old, In With A New… Cover Letter!

Say good-bye to the old and hello to the new! There's something special about a bright new beginning, an opportunity to start fresh. And there's no time like the present––January 2015––to create a cover letter that will lead you to the job you've only thought about.

You're not the only one eager to start over. Employers want to pair qualified job seekers with quality jobs. Help them look good and help yourself at the same time by creating a job search cover letter that will place you front and center. How can you do that? By following the proven strategy outlined below.

Use The Four P's Recipe…

Ring in the New Year with a cover letter that is professional, positive, precise, and personal. Write as if you're speaking to a friend.

PROFESSIONAL: Thank you for posting your need for a manager for your sporting goods store.

POSITIVE: I've played sports all my life and have a passion for helping others succeed in their sport of choice.

PRECISE: Based on my experience as the assistant manager of Sam's Sports in my former location, Big City, USA, I know the value of high-quality equipment, good employee relations, and excellent customer service.

PERSONAL: I hope you will consider me for the position of manager. I will pay close attention to your company standards and promise to meet them to the best of my ability.

Notice the difference between the style of the previous writing and the one below:

"Given your listing posted on FindYourPerfectJob.com I am responding herein with the sincere hope that you will provide me with ample consideration regarding the possibility of granting me an interview with the high expectation of being hired for said stated employment . . ."

Kick this clutter to the curb and write a cover letter in simple conversational language that reflects your personality. Think of the employer as a good friend who wants to hire you because of your honesty and humility. You're not banging down his door but rather knocking respectfully.

Raise Your Glass!

Before sending your cover letter, read it aloud so you can catch errors or a formal tone.
Cut the long and windy sentences. Chop the pompous phrases. Clip the weedy words. Revise it again until you hear your own voice on the page. Add a dash of personality. Then toast the New Year—the year that will change your life and your employment because of a great cover letter that will have any hiring manager sit up and toast with you.
Happy New Year and happy job hunting!
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Author:  Jimmy Sweeney
Amazing Cover Letter Creator