I do not mean to dis the sample cover letter. Job applications demand cover letters. And samples give you a format, a way to get past a blank page. That can be very useful. Just do not make the mistake of thinking they are enough. Simply put your information in a sample cover letter and you'll turn out the same boring slush the hiring manager sees from 98% of the other candidates. Which means you're just making the job easy for the 3 people who create a cover letter that pops.
But there is something you can do about it, a lot in fact, and it's not tough or time consuming. Here are just a couple of little known techniques for turning dull cover letter samples into hot properties recruiters want to follow up:
Be like Mike . What I mean is, show the hiring manager how much you understand about her and her needs. You're in a similar industry after all. Point out the parallels - explicitly. "Last year, we were so overworked, four accountants took early retirement. After you've established some identification with the recruiter, show her what you can do for her. "Well, while we could not stop them from leaving, I could do this ... and a surprising thing happened. Of course, we've got to talk about how that translates from government to a private firm." Now you're the trusted advisor instead of one more applicable begging for a job. And there's an obvious reason for you to get together.
Read the best copywriting . Study it, in fact. Cover letters are sales pages, period. Instead of asking for the sale, you're asking for the interview.
Great copywriters make more money than you or me. Why? Because they get people to take action. Their clients are not looking for pretty language, they want the cash register to ring. Copywriters do not balk at using emotional language, strong imagery, bold claims, and hot-button phrases like fast, certain, and now.
The next time you're at the check out counter check out the tabloids, the Inquirer or the Globe. Skip the story about the potato chip that looks like Elvis and read the ads. Pay close attention to how quickly they get to what interests you. Its' usually features combined with benefits. Now look over your job application letter. You're really advertising yourself, are not you? Is your writing worthy of a hot property like you?
Make just a couple of small powerful changes to your cover letter . Most applicants will not. Make a few changes, and together they'll make your job pack impossible to put down.