Have you ever read a letter, article, or book that annoys you because of its high-falutin' wording and pretentious tone? The writer seems to think he or she is superior to the reader.
This can occur in a cover letter too. Some job seekers, eager to make a good impression, create a buffet of fancy words, hoping it will appeal to the hiring manager. However, just the opposite occurs. Such writing is not only inappropriate, it's ineffective.
Write An Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter
Think about a conversation you've had with a good friend over coffee––easy, friendly, and stress-free. You can strike a similar tone in the cover letters you write. Choose familiar words that anyone can recognize and understand. Basically, you're communicating your interest in the company they represent and the job they want to fill. State your qualifications and refer to your attached resume for more information. Then assure them that you are enthusiastic about joining the organization and contributing your knowledge and skills to the company's success. Close with a request for an in-person interview where you can talk further about what the hiring managers are looking for.
Try this: Thank you for posting your need for an assistant administrator. I have five years of experience in this line of work and would really appreciate the chance to speak with you in person about how I can contribute my skills to your new company.
Not this: I would be duly honored to present myself and my award-winning skills to the attention of your senior administrator with the sincere hope that I would be highly considered for the position of assistant administrator to which you refer in your recent job posting . . .
Be Yourself!
Write as you speak, share your personality, and ask for a job interview.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator".