Cover Letter Tip: Put The "Secret 7" To Work For You!
Many hiring managers face a pile of cover letters each and every day from job seekers. If you want yours to stand out from the crowd, make it short, succinct, and snappy! In other words, grab the reader's attention and hold it. The last thing you want to do is bog down the employer with a multi-page letter filled with ponderous prose. Instead incorporate the following seven secrets—the ones every cover letter should include:
Secret #1 Write a one-page cover letter. Period.
Secret #2 Leave lots of 'white space' in your letter so it's easy to read.
Secret #3 Create three paragraphs maximum or the cover letter will overwhelm.
Secret #4 Number or 'bullet' your lists when this technique fits. It catches interest.
Secret #5 Bold face the first sentence of each paragraph to highlight your point.
Secret #6 Write only three sentences per paragraph for quick scanning.
Secret #7 Print out your letter and read it yourself. Is it a good example of the secrets on the list above? If not, edit where needed.
Effort = Effectiveness!
The time you spend now will come back to you a hundredfold when the hiring manager selects the most promising job seekers to call for interviews. Your cover letter is the first step. Make it count by using the seven secrets above. Bonus Cover Letter Tip: Don't be afraid to ASK for the opportunity to be interviewed. Ask and you shall receive.
Writer: Jimmy Sweeney, president of CareerJimmy and author of the new, Amazing Cover Letter Creator.
