Creative Cover Letters
I think standard cover letters are stupid. Actually worthless. I may have met one person over since 1994 when I entered the professional world that actually took the time to read a cover letter.
On you most recent birthday, answer me this, did you take time to look at the wrapping paper? Or did you rip it off so that that you could get to the contents on the inside? How about the tootsie roll sucker. They even made commercials about how many licks would it take to get to the tootsie roll on the inside. No one ever licked the sucker enough to find out.
The standard cover letter actually belongs in the trash. Skip recycling them.
HOWEVER, I suggest we think differently. More creatively. Create SALES letters and NOT cover letters.
Do not however choose to use the same boring format. Make it into a sales letter. Selling you. Selling your capabilities and strengths and the why about YOU.
Your goal is the sell the employer on wanting to hire you.
So here is what you need to do today to start creating sales letters and not cover letters:
1. Get some attention by starting with a question
2. Highlight Quantifiable examples of what you can bring to the table (%, $, etc)
3. End the letter with a strong P.S.
When you STOP sending ordinary cover letters and start sending SALES letters that paint a clear picture of you as an investment — one that pays returns of 100%, 200%, or more on the salary you receive — guess what happens?
You start a stampede of employers who are rushing to call you for a job interview!
P.S. Give it a try today and I guarantee you that you will see results almost immediately.
Facebook comments:
January 26th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Can you post a link to an example of the type of cover letter you are writing about?
That would be very helpful.
March 16th, 2010 at 7:33 am
My husband, with more than 20 years of experience as an electrician, instructor, as well as tons of education and certifications, was interviewed by the head of the tech department at a well known employer here in town. He okayed my husband for a second interview to be done by some employee in the human resources department of the place. My husband thought he interviewed very well, but got no follow-up call for a job. How can you win?
March 16th, 2010 at 10:47 am
I agree! Is there any way you could post an example or email one? Thanks for the tips!
March 29th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Great question, how can you win?
I understand exactly where your husband is in this dilemma and how you must feel. I have felt this way it has to be close to a million times. What we have found is that simply put…things change.
Without having an insider contact, it may be hard to ever understand. May I suggest following up with the hiring authority as well as the HR person via phone and an email. Check out a couple other post that will add some insight for sure.
http://www.theinterviewgurus.com/proper-interview-follow-up/
AND
http://www.theinterviewgurus.com/here-is-my-resume-now-what/
Thanks for your comment!
March 29th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Justin, check out http://www.theinterviewgurus.com/the-email-that-landed-an-interview/
It is a pretty good example that got my attention!