With the turn of a page or the click of an app you'll be looking at January 2012 on your calendar—a perfect time to start fresh with a brand new cover letter to help you land the job you've been dreaming about.
Employers are ready for a new beginning, as well. They want to match qualified job-hunters with quality jobs. You can be one of the people they're looking for. Get started now with a top-notch cover letter that catches their attention and compels them to call you in for an interview.
Raise Your Glass!
Imagine yourself chatting with a friend over a Coke or coffee. You'd speak in everyday English with a relaxed and easy tone. No clutter. No camouflage. No confusion. You'd talk and smile, toast the new year, and end with a handshake or a hug.
Think of a winning cover letter in the same way. It's a friendly, yet professional form of communication that does the job clearly and succinctly so each party understands what's important, necessary, and useful. To reach this goal, here are five tips for writing a brand new cover letter that will bring you face-to-face with a hiring manager who wants to hire—you!
Be friendly. Start you letter with a warm greeting.
Example: Thank you for listing your description of the position of store manager now open at your company.
Be focused. Stick to the point of your cover letter.
Example: My experience as an assistant store manager has motivated me to move to a new level of leadership. I feel ready to assume the full responsibilities of store manager.
Be forthright. State your goal.
Example: May we meet in person to talk over this job? I'd welcome an opportunity to hear what you're looking for in the man or woman you hire and to share more fully why I believe I'm qualified to fill this position.
Be far-sighted. See what's ahead.
Example: I plan to invest myself in the company for the long run and to do my best to promote its mission and vision.
Be firm. Say what you mean.
Example: I've played sports all my life and know the value of performing and leading with integrity, enthusiasm, and commitment to reach the team's objective.
Kick the Clutter!
Read your cover letter aloud. Take a hard look. Does any of your writing sound like this?
"Regarding your listing for a job in administration on jobsaplenty.com I am taking time today to respond to that post in high hopes that you will take some time to consider me for the job of administrative assistant, given that I have six years of doing this type of work for the employer I used to work for before I saw your listing. It would be great if you decided to interview me, although I realize there are other people hoping to win this job but if you meet me in person I think you'll agree I'm a good candidate. If you want I can provide you with more information about my qualifications. Just ask. Please consider me for this job. I have been unemployed for the past six months and need to get to work soon so I can pay my bills and keep my family going."
Now's the time to cut, slice, and chop any words that give the impression you're desperate, discouraged, or disappointed. Follow the suggestions in the list above and you'll create a cover letter that will catch any hiring manager's attention.
Tip Your Hat!
Add a dash of personality, a pinch of humility, and a bit of gratitude. Then tip your hat to the new year—the year that will change your life and your employment because of a great cover letter that is uniquely yours.
Happy New Year and happy job hunting!
