Show Enthusiasm And Passion In A Conversational Manner
Writing a resume cover letter filled with sentences and words even an English teacher would have to check a dictionary to understand is totally ineffective! Unfortunately, I notice some candidates are still using this strategy. A cover letter is not a place to showcase your superior vocabularies, “big” or “important” words.
Have this golden rule in mind: A highly effective, interview-grabbing cover letter has to be read like a friendly conversation with a good friend.
You may greatly admire Shakespeare, but bear in mind writing business letter is different from writing literature. A super way to present your writing skills is to make your points easy to understand by using words everyone can recognize. Use simple modern English and blend in your enthusiasm and passion in it. Bring it all together with a friendly tone throughout will give you a license to win.
Compare These Two Paragraphs:
"I have consulted, choreographed, compiled and specifically isolated technological solutions for challenging, yet highly inordinate retroflex samplings that have lead me to a potential mathematical resolution. I am self-assured my skill set will meet with your parameters and would encourage further communications between all parties concerned and in accordance with regards to this dynamic conceptualization we all strive to finalize and perpetualize." - gibberish?!
"I wanted you to know I have taken some time to research your company and am very impressed. I have a real passion for this industry. I am a hard worker and my attention to detail is one of my best qualities. I would love the chance to interview with (company name) for the position of account executive. Thank you in advance for the opportunity. I really look forward to meeting you." - plain English!
So now you see what plain English is.
Note: I’ve borrowed these two paragraphs from Jimmy Sweeney’s resume cover letter ebook. If you haven’t read it yet, click on the link at top of this blog and download a free copy.
Should Jargons Be Used
Yes. Generally I don’t go for using jargons, but recruitment ads, resumes and cover letters are the exceptions. Some employers intentionally use jargons in their ads to filter out those candidates who are not familiar with their businesses. For example, if you don’t understand what FMCG is, there is no way you can apply for a marketing role at Procter & Gamble. Similarly, if you are applying for an asset management role, you should have no problem in writing AUM.
TIP: Read your cover letter out loud and if you find any tongue twisters and sentences that sound a little too 'impressive' fix them! Write like you speak, let your personality shine through. Show your passion and enthusiasm for the position and clearly ASK for the job interview. Get a trusted friend to help if necessary. Very often, a second pair of ears and eyes may be able to spot something that you subjectively don’t observe.
CONCLUSION: Write simple, modern, easy-to-understand English, in a friendly conversational manner.
Resume Cover Letters - Mini Course Day 3
