Got your attention? Great. That was my intention. Who wouldn't
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.
About the author:
Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the
new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy has written several
career-related books and his unique articles are always a
job-seeker favorite. Who else wants their phone ringing off the
hook with more quality job interviews? Visit Jimmy on the web
right now at http://www.Amazing-Cover-Letters.com for your
'instant' cover letter today.
|
