Make 'em READ Your Cover Letter Using This Killer Secret!
want to read on when the title promises a "killer secret."If I hadn"t nabbed you in the first three seconds, however, I"d
have lost you. People read and decide just like that. A job
interviewer does the same thing. Read and toss. Read and toss.
But that doesn"t have to happen to your cover letter. You can
grab and keep his or her attention with a smashing title or
headline. This technique is one of the best-kept secrets in the
career industry. Most job-hunters focus on their credentials,
instead of focusing on the hiring manager they want to meet in
person. Make him or her read your complete cover letter from
start to finish without blinking.
How does this little secret separate your cover letter from all
the others? Great question! The answer? Most people don"t know
about it, so they can"t use it. But now you know, so by putting
a powerful headline at the top of your cover letter, it will
rise to the top of the pile on the interviewer"s desk. In fact,
he or she may stop right there, and ignore the other letters. It
can lead to the appointment you"re after and the job you want.
What happens if you skip it? Your cover letter might hit the
trash can faster than you"d hear these dreadful words, "thanks,
but no thanks." You can avoid this disaster by creating a hot
headline that will assure your cover letter the attention it
deserves. If you"re trying to land a job interview, what could
be more important than pinning the reader to your every word? He
or she will want to shake your hand, discuss the job opening,
and possibly make it yours. Anyone with your creativity will be
a "keeper."
Convinced? I hope so. Here"s what to do. Just above the greeting
in your cover letter (Dear Mrs. Smith), place your "killer"
headline in bold-face print and center it on the page. (Two
lines maximum).
Here are THREE examples of excellent cover letter headlines:
THE reason why I think I"m the right candidate for the job
opening of [insert job opening title here] at [company name].
Why I believe I"m an excellent match for the position of [insert
job opening title here] at [company name].
I would love the opportunity to be interviewed for the position
of [insert job opening title here] at [company name].
With a headline like one of the above, what do you think the
hiring manager will do? He or she will read, decide, and call
you for an appointment. Exercise the "muscle" of a strong
headline at the beginning of your next job-search cover letter
and watch your calendar fill up with interviews for the job that
is just right for you