Let’s face it, finding a job in today’s economy is rather hard, especially if you don’t have a killer cover letter. I know you are probably thinking “A killer cover letter? What about a killer resume?” The trick is learning how to write a killer cover letter that is guaranteed to have your phone ringing off the hook with hot job interviews and job offers!
Current statistics show that even those who have a perfect resume (or close to perfect – honestly, I don’t think there is such a thing as a killer resume!) may not land a job due to a horrible cover letter!
If you have a few minutes to spare, and want to know the secret to landing job offers that will make others envious of you, keep reading! After all, in order to get hired for a job, you first have to land an interview.
Spending an afternoon writing a cover letter only to erase it and start over is not a way I want to spend my afternoon. Instead, by following a few steps (and learning a few tricks) you can create one heck of a killer cover letter in just a matter of minutes!
Minutes compared to hours? Hmm, I vote for the minutes! This saves me time to search for employment rather than writing a cover letter that may never even get read in the first place!
I will show you step-by-step how to create a cover letter that will get your phone ringing so much you will wonder why you haven’t done this before now. Before you know it, your calendar will be flooded with hot job prospects and interviews!
So, let’s get started.
Grab a pen and paper and take notes! Jot down that a cover letter should be four paragraphs no more. There is no need to explain your entire life story in a cover letter – that would prevent your resume from possibly even being read or worse yet a potential employer to overlook your LONG cover letter.
Step 1
Do not start your cover letter with a statement such as “I am excited to submit my application for your review.” Starting a cover letter that says this or something similar to this only makes the readers think you are rather stiff, and they would be lucky to have you as an employee. Bad first impression!
Step 2
Now that we have covered that part, you should also never start your cover letter with something similar to “I am a highly skilled professional with proven experience in xyz.” This instantly leaves your statement open for thought and possibly a difference in opinion. Again, bad idea!
It is important to remember cover letters do matter, and do make a difference even if your cover letter is short!
Step 3
Another thing you never want to start your cover letter with is “I have enclosed my resume….” The reader will know you have enclosed your resume.
Step 4
Start your cover with a joke, or even a story as this will grab his or her attention and immediately make your cover letter stand out from the rest of applicants.
Perhaps you may want to state something like; “a reason I want to work for your company is because I remember something my grandfather said…. “
You have instantly attached human traits to your cover letter grabbing the reader’s attention immediately! Good job!
You ARE a step above the rest.
Step 5
Find a mutual contact to include in your cover letter. Statistics show this the number one key factor to grab attention. You can say something like “ Jane Doe recommended that I get in touch with you about the zyx opening at Today and Today Co.”
At this time, you should have your first paragraph of your cover letter complete.
Step 6
In the second paragraph you will want to write a short summary of your career experience which is tailored to fit the company you are sending your killer cover letter and resume to.
Remember this paragraph is a SHORT version of your expertise. If you give away too much the reader has no reason to read your resume!
You want to include specific accomplishments that are relative to the position you are inquiring about starting with your most impressive accomplishment. Format your accomplishments in a bullet form such as
- In 2004 I was named “Best New Chef” at Jane Doe’s Diner.
- In 2007 I was promoted to head chef at John Doe’s Eatery.
- My rate of unsatisfied customers is EXTREMELY low.
Ok, so we have completed our first, second and third paragraph of our cover letter. Now it’s time to work on the last (and fourth) paragraph.
Step 7
This paragraph is where to you tell the reader when you plan on getting in touch with him or her. Thank the reader for reading your cover letter and end it by writing something similar to “I will call or e-mail you in a few days to set up a time that is convenient for us to meet.”
An example of a killer cover letter that will get your phone ringing off the hook with hot job interviews and top job offers should look something like this:
“Jane Doe suggested that I get in touch with you about your job opening for xyz position.
I am a seasoned chef at John Doe’s Diner in Island Town, Nowhere. I have a strong background in the restaurant business with an emphasis in meal planning and healthy recipes. I have extensive knowledge in creating and cooking delicious low-calorie meals, special food diets, and running a kitchen productively.
- In 2004 I was named “Best New Chef” at Jane Doe’s Diner.
- In 2007 I was promoted to head chef at John Doe’s Eatery.
- My rate of unsatisfied customers is EXTREMELY low.
I am seeking an opportunity which will take full advantage of my experience. I have extended my search for employment outside of Island Town, Nowhere, as well as actively seeking a new opportunity inside as well. Jane Doe thought it would be worth our time to meet. I will call you in two days to set up a time meet that is convenient for you.
Regards,
Signed Me.”
If you are anything like me, your head is probably spinning right about now. This is A LOT to take in and learn by reading one article, trust me I know!
Don’t worry, just take notes and reread the article if you need to — hey there is no shame in reading something more than once!
I will point out a few things to remember that are important when it comes to creating a killer cover letter
- Your cover letter should NOT be longer than four paragraphs. A long cover letter may not be read ensuring you do not land the killer job of your dreams.
- Never say how excited you are. Saying you are excited simply does not add to your cover letter, in fact it does the opposite.
- Never say you are HIGHLY experienced, as this may vary from opinion to opinion. Your opinion may not be the same as your potential bosses.
- Never say you have enclosed your resume. It is rather obvious if you did or did not enclose your resume.
- Start your cover letter with a joke or a SHORT story. The key to remember is to keep it short and sweet.
- Add a mutual contact. Adding a mutual contact adds a human characteristic to your cover letter.
- Add a short summary of your career. And, I do mean SHORT! No need to tell your life story.
- Include important accomplishments, with your proudest accomplishment listed first. This is your time to show off!
- Explain why you are getting in touch with the company. After all, no one likes to play the guessing game!
- Thank the company for taking their time to read your cover letter and resume. It is always polite to end your cover letter with a thank you. I don’t know one person who does not like to be thanked, and I am pretty sure you don’t either.
- And, end your cover letter by stating when you plan on following up – either by calling or emailing. This tells the company when to expect to hear from you, and shows you are eager but without being pushy.
If you follow these tips to creating a killer cover letter, you will notice your phone will start ringing. Getting your phone to ring is the first step in landing a job – after all, if you don’t get a call back or a response, your chances for employment with that specific company is slim to none!
Current statics show that over 99% people do not know how to create a killer cover letter.
That’s right…ninety nine percent.
If you have made it this far, you are already above the rest…but implementing the above strategies, will out you light years ahead of the crowd!
Good luck!
P.S. Before I finish, just a few words regarding job interviews…well, more specific, job interview answers!
They are stressful, they can be mysterious, and they CERTAINLY are what makes or breaks the job offer! You got to be on the top of your game with your answers and you got to impress the people interviewing you. Unfortunately, most people get weeded out at this stage because they have zero experience as to what really counts in these interviews.
Being that person that spits out EXACTLY what the interviewer wants to hear, learning to spin stuff, mastering correct body language, learning the interviewers hidden needs (yes, they ALWAYS have them!), is what it’s all about and what counts….and it’s what Bob Firestone from “Job Interview Answers” will teach you how to master. Check it out here.
Bob has helped 1000′s of people around the globe with his “out of the box” type, unconventional, and smart ideas and methodologies.
