New Cover Letter 2014

A New Year and a Brand-Spankin' New Cover Letter! 

10 . . . 9 . . . 8 . . .! The hours tick away one by one till they run down and out and a brand new year dawns. What will you do with this bright New Year ahead? Simply count down till it too is over, or make it count for you and your career starting now ?  

This is the hour. This is the day to create a new cover letter that will lead to a new interview for a new job—the one you've wanted for so long. That may take some doing, some thinking and planning, and some wanting—wanting enough to make it happen. 

Following are five key ingredients to insure a new and compelling cover letter—one you can write. 

1.  A smashing headline—a carefully written phrase that will grab the hiring manager's attention and make him or her want to read more. Place the headline right below the greeting in your cover letter. Example: 

Why I believe I'm the most qualified person to fill the position of

[Insert job opening title here]. 

            Just say the words, "You're hired for [Insert job title here]" and you

won't be disappointed. 

2.  Short sentences with simple words. Stay away from long-winded writing that drives the reader away, wondering what you really meant to say. Examples: 

For ten years I led a sales team at ABC Corporation that exceeded all stated goals. 

I will do the job right—right away. 

3. One page--tops. Put it all on a single page—not one and a half or two. Just one! Get right to the point of why you're qualified. Leave the details for your resume. 

4. Appreciation. Regardless of the outcome, say 'thank you' in writing for being considered. Everyone deserves gratitude. Examples: 

Thank you for reading and considering my letter.

May we meet in person to discuss this job in detail? 

I am grateful for the opportunity to contact you with this cover letter.

I'd welcome meeting in person to talk specifics.  

5.   A cheery P.S. below your signature line. Here is a polite and light-hearted way to remind the hiring manager of your next step. Examples: 

P.S. I'll phone you on January 5 when you return to the office. I welcome a chance to meet and speak in person about (insert job title here). If you have any questions, please call me at 333-333-3333. Thank you in advance. 

P.S. I'm eager to assume the position of (insert job title here). Are you free to meet to talk over the details? Please call me at 333-333-3333. Thank you again. 

If you write a cover letter with these outstanding ingredients, you'll be among the very few job seekers that know how to reach a hiring manager in a personal and professional manner. He or she will be motivated to seriously consider you as a candidate for the job opening. What a great new year you could have—all because you took time to create a great new cover letter. Then it will be just a matter of counting down the hours till you're hired.

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

Avoid These "Big Bad" Words In Your Cover Letter

Avoid These "Big Bad" Words In Your Cover Letter

 

Be aware! The Big Bad Word virus can attack your cover letters when you least expect it, knocking out your message and destroying every sentence. And worst of all, if your letter reaches a hiring manager before you've caught the culprit, you could lose your opportunity for a job interview. So the best thing to do is be on guard ahead of time so this nasty virus never touches any of your cover letters. 

What are the Signs? 

As you write your cover letters, such words as pursuant, heretofore, credence, and others like them will suddenly pop onto the page. That will be your first clue. Delete them without hesitation and vow never again to give them access to your writing. 

Keep in mind that hiring managers are regular people–just like you and me. Most don't have a big fat dictionary at their fingertips in order to wade through what should be a clear and concisely worded job search cover letter. They want to pick up one to two pages that communicate a simple message about why you are interested in the job they want to fill and why you are qualified to do so.  

Everyday conversational language with a light touch and some specific details about what you can do for the company and why you're the one for the job will make the difference between being noticed and being overlooked. Remember your letter is a handshake, a how do you do, a greeting that introduces yourself and your skills and experience for the hiring manager to consider and act upon. 

Try this: 

I was very pleased to see your job post for a position as assistant sales

manager at ABC Publishing Company. I've been in the publishing

industry for seven years and wouldn't trade it for any other. I especially

like presenting products to bookstore buyers, letting them know about

the great books that will enhance the lives of their customers. 

I'd welcome meeting you in person to share a list of ideas that I'd like to

put in place so we can build up the sales force and exceed quarterly goals.

I look forward to hearing from you, and setting a date for an interview. 

Toss this: 

Pursuant to said resume attached, I have compiled a list of my personal and professional characteristics, and carefully analyzed those necessary to extrapolate my purpose and penchant for the kind of work you articulated in your description of the job opening you are hoping to fill with a person of high quality, extreme integrity and willingness to meet expectations. That said, I ask your kind permission to schedule a private meeting with you so I might further explore . . .  

At this point, if the employer even reads that far, he or she will likely shred the letter as well as any thought of calling you for an interview. 

Before printing your letter read it out loud—to another person, if possible. The moment you or your friend or colleague hear a word or phrase that twists your tongue and turns your mind to mush, take it out. Rewrite until the words and sentences flow. If you feel yourself smile, you'll know you are conversing like a real human being. Mention your passion for the job and then ask for an interview.  

Clear concise language is so rare in the business world today, that those who can master it will land the interview of their dreams–and the job that's behind it!

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

Less is More Cover Letter

Hot Cover Letter Tip: "Less is MORE!" 

You've probably heard the catchy phrase, "less is more." Less meat, more heart health. Less stress, more peace of mind. Less work, more play. 

But you may not have heard that less is more in a job search cover letter. In fact, just the opposite might make sense. Wouldn't the job hunter want to tell the hiring manager as much as possible so there won't be any room for doubt that he or she is the right person for the job? It would seem that the more information the employer has the easier it would be to determine the best man or woman for the job. 

Avoid Overkill! 

At first glance that might seem like the way to go—but actually there is real wisdom in delivering the wheat and leaving out the chaff. In other words, why clutter a cover letter with information the employer does not need or want? 

Generally there is an avalanche of mail on a hiring manager's desk each morning. Imagine how daunting it is to go through all the cover letters the first time and then perhaps a second or even third round in order to choose the most promising candidates for the jobs that need filling. 

Some job hunters make the mistake of writing three- and four-page letters and also include family photos. Grandma or Aunt Martha might enjoy such hearty content but the busy hiring manager does not. 

Rather, give just the right amount of detail in order to motivate him or her to invite you in for an interview where you can talk in person. At that point the employer might actually want to hear about your family and your pastimes. But you're not there yet. 

Here are the items to include in your initial cover letter: 

1.     Your name and contact information.

   Provide your contact phone or email.

2.     Your interest in the job you're competing for.

Show your passion for the work, your excitement about sales or management or whatever. 

3.     Your qualifications and experience.

Mention your talents and skills and provide an example of a way you resolved a conflict or averted a disaster or increased the bottom line. 

4.     Your knowledge of the company.

Mention the company mission and your desire to help carry it out. 

5.     Your availability for starting the job.

Can you begin immediately or within a certain number of weeks? 

6.     Your request for an in-person interview.

Be sure to ask to meet with the hiring manager so you can speak in more detail about his or her expectations and your willingness to match them. 

Here are the items to leave out of your cover letter: 

1.     Your hobbies.

2.     Your family details.

3.     Your history.

4.     Your vacation plans.

5.     . . . and any other personal information that does not apply to the job. 

If you land an interview you may then have an opportunity to talk informally so you and the employer can get to know one another, but keep in mind that it's not appropriate at the cover letter stage of the relationship.  

At this first stage––less is more! You can count on that. 

 

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."  

Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

Bring on the New Year—With a Brand New Cover Letter

Here it is—2013––the new year we've been waiting for over the past couple of months. It's the perfect time to put your goals in order with a sizzlin' new cover letter at the top of your list. 

Employers are setting their goals as well. They're in the market for qualified job-hunters, people who are ready and willing to fill responsible and good-paying positions in their companies. You can be one of those individuals. Introduce yourself with a well-written cover letter that catches their eye and compels them to select you for an interview. 

More Job Interviews in the New Year! 

What does it take to create a cover letter that shines with friendly language and practical information? Four simple ingredients: 

1.     A warm greeting.   

Dear Ms. Smith:

Happy New Year! I was excited to see your ad for a qualified person to fill the position of general manager of the ABC Corporation. It seems you were writing directly to me, as I have had managerial experience over the past five years . . . 

2.     A clear point. 

In fact, all of the duties I've performed as assistant manager of XYZ Company have prepared me for the next level. I am ready and eager to assume the full responsibilities of general manager. I'm known for my leadership as well as my ability to handle a crisis with a level head . . .  

     3.   A tangible goal. 

My objective for the next twelve months is to encourage my peers and subordinates and to increase the bottom line of the company I work for. Customer service and satisfying employee relations are my primary goals . . . 

4.      A future plan. 

May we meet in person to discuss this job? I'd welcome the opportunity to hear your objectives for the man or woman you hire and to provide you with examples of why I believe I'm the person to fill the position and to help promote the company's vision and mission. Please call me at 555-555-5555 at your convenience. 

Glad Tidings To You! 

Finish writing your cover letter and then take a long and honest look at it. Does it include the four ingredients listed above? Does it sound friendly yet professional? Does it reflect you at your best? If your answer to any of these questions is 'no' then go back and rework that section until it feels just right. Cut, chop, slice, and dice any words or phrases that don't match your personality. Keep in mind the most important thing you can do on paper and in person is to be yourself.  

Raise Your Glass to A Fruitful New Year! 

Add a splash of kindness, a sprinkling of facts, and a dollop of personality. Mix with an attitude of gratitude. Then raise your glass to the New Year—the year that will lead you to new employment and new opportunities––the result of a great cover letter that presents your unique self. 

Happy New Year and happy job hunting!

 

 Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."  

Visit our friends at AmazingCover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

How To Use A "Thanksgiving" Cover Letter

© Written By Jimmy Sweeney

President of CareerJimmy.com

Author of the brand new, AmazingCover Letter Creator    

 

Hungry job seekers focus their cover letters on what they want, what they expect, and what they can do. Then they wait for the phone to ring to book an interview. That's one way to approach the job search market.  

Essential as these points are, however, they're not nearly as effective as opening and closing a cover letter with two simple words—THANK YOU.  

Why say thank you when you don't know the hiring manager and you don't have the job yet? Here's why. Behind every desk in every company sits a human being just like you, a person with hopes and dreams, plans and challenges, and a desire to be acknowledged and appreciated. 

One day your cover letter will land on his or her desk. Will you jump off the page as a person ideal for the job, a team player, someone who'll be a great addition to the staff? I hope so, but more important, will you come across as someone who has a humble and grateful attitude, an individual who recognizes the value of an opportunity, the privilege of holding a job and working with others toward a common goal? That profile is what every hiring manager is looking for.

 

Giving Thanks Could Land You a Job!

 

Thank you. These two simple words seem to be in hiding because they so rarely appear in public! But they are golden, even more so than your resume, skills, and qualifications—because they set the stage for what is to come. What man or woman wouldn't respond to someone who is polite, personal, and professional? 

Following are examples of how to express your thanks at the beginning of your cover letter and at the end. 

Example #1: 

Dear Mr. Hiring Manager: 

(beginning) 

Thank you for taking a moment to read my cover letter. I'm pleased to meet you here and hope to do so in person. I was happy to see on careerjimmy.com your listing for an administrative assistant—a position for which I feel qualified and eager to fill.   

(ending) 

Thank you again for reading my letter and resume and for considering me for the job. May I come in for an interview so I can hear your perspective on this position and the qualities you're looking for in the person you hire? I can be available any time that works for you. I appreciate this opportunity very much. 

Example #2:

Dear Mr. Hiring Manager: 

(beginning) 

Thank you for posting on careerjimmy.com such a clear description of the opening for an administrative assistant now available at your company. I was able to tell at a glance that this job is just what I've been looking for and feel qualified to fill. 

(ending) 

You must receive hundreds of cover letters every week––all the more reason for me to thank you again for taking time to read mine and for considering me for the position of executive secretary on your administrative staff. I'd welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person for an interview so we can discuss what I can bring to the job and what you expect from the person you hire. 

After sending off your cover letter, take a moment to expand your thanks silently.  

·       For the job that is waiting for you, even if you haven't landed it yet

·       For the person who will hire you when the time comes 

·       For the experience, talent, and skill you have to earn a living 

·       For the people in your life who love and support you 

Thanksgiving Day is not the only time to give thanks. Move gratitude to the top of your list at home, at work, and in the community and you will find what you're looking for in the job market and in your relationships. 

 

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."  

Visit our friends at AmazingCover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

 

What EVERY Cover Letters Needs

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.

What EVERY Cover Letter Needs

If you've completed my 7-day Resume Cover Letter Mini Course, you should have mastered the 7 basic elements of a highly effective cover letter.  Now let's see what Jimmy Sweeney says.  Here are the "Secret 7" from him.  You'll find addtional insights comparing his 7 and mine.  Try to incorporate them into your next job search letter.

Cover Letter Tip: Put The "Secret 7" To Work For You!
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,© Written By Jimmy Sweeney

Amazing Cover Letter Creator

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:

1. Write a one-page cover letter. Period.
2. Leave lots of 'white space' in your letter so it's easy to read.
3. Create three paragraphs maximum or the cover letter will overwhelm.
4. Number or 'bullet' your lists when this technique fits. It catches interest.
5. Bold face the first sentence of each paragraph to highlight your point.
6. Write only three sentences per paragraph for quick scanning.
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.

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the new, Amazing Cover Letter Creator. Jimmy is also the author of several career-related books and writes a monthly article titled, “Job-Search Secrets.” Visit Jimmy on the web at Amazing Cover Letters.com for your ‘instant’ cover letter today. In just 3 ½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter! 

Cover Letter Blog - What EVERY Cover Letter Needs

Resume Cover Letter - Mini Course Day 7

A Powerful Wrap-up Sentence At The P.S. (Postscript) Location

Here’s the greatest cover letter secret ever revealed...few job seekers have the chance to read this.  You are one of the lucky ones.

Add a P.S. (postscript) to the bottom of your resume cover letter!

                                                                                      

I’ve actually borrowed this idea from Jimmy Sweeney, author of Amazing Cover Letter Creator.

I’ve made this suggestion to many job seekers and received feedbacks that they experienced dramatic increase in job interviews and job offers!  So I know this little secret works like magic.

As you may know, Jimmy has a marketing and advertising background. He has made use of this P.S. strategy on numerous sales letters to restate exactly what action he would like the reader to take and achieved his desired results. 

Job-seekers would like to be called for more job interviews and the P.S. is the perfect opportunity to stamp this fact on the reader’s brain.  It’s your best shot for a ‘direct hit’ that can increase the chances of producing the desired result… the job interview.

The P.S. is virtually impossible NOT to read! Think about it. When you read any type of letter and your eyes notice a P.S. at the end, you are practically ‘forced’ to read it! Use this P.S. power in your cover letter is going to boost your number of job interviews.

You can use the P.S. to ask for the interview the second time; or to restate why you believe you’re such a strong candidate for the job opening. 

TWO examples of the P.S. being used in a resume cover letter

P.S. I would like to restate my desire to interview for the position of (job title). {Company name} is number one on my list of companies I’d like to work for. I am available immediately and can be reached directly on my mobile phone at 1234-5678. Thank you so much!

P.S. I would love the opportunity to meet in person and to explain why I may be the right match for the position of (job title). I can be reached right away at 1234-5678. Thank you in advance.

Conclusion: Take advantage of the fact that people are trained to read the P.S. and make sure to include one in your next cover letter.

Resume Cover Letters - Mini Course Day 7

Resume Cover Letter - Mini Course Day 6

Effective Ways To Ask For The Job Interview

A resume cover letter should effectively ASK for the job interview.

Did you do this well in every one of your job search letter?  If you don’t, you’ll be beaten by your competitors who do!

Where And How To Effectively Ask For A Job Interview In Your Next Cover Letter

While job seekers generally ask for an interview at the end of the letter, there is no reason why you can’t place this request directly at the very beginning of the letter. 

A very effective way of doing it is to write this headline:

I would love the opportunity to interview in person for the position

of (job title).  Then continue your letter with “Dear Mr Smith…”  Of course you’ll make the same request in your last paragraph.

THREE More Effective Ways

To ASK For An Interview

If you want to attract quality job interviews like a magnet, you need to write a powerful message to achieve your desired result – job interviews.  Write messages that shine with your personality, desire and passion in the job being offered.  Here are three best examples.

1. I have researched (company name) and am excited about this opportunity. I would love the chance to interview for this position and am available at your earliest convenience. If possible, can we schedule a meeting in the next two weeks?
2. I would like the chance in person, to discuss the specific reasons why I believe I am the applicant you are looking for. If you will grant me an interview for (job title), I can be reached at 1234-5678.
3. I am excited about the possibility of a personal interview to further discuss my qualifications with you. I am immediately available and can be reached at 5555-5555. I will follow up with a phone call as well to make sure you have received my application.

Be sure to add one of these paragraphs at the end of your next cover letter. You’re going to motivate more and more hiring managers to call you up for interviews. Imagine your letter without such interview requests, you’ll be just waiting for your phone to ring, day after day. 

CONCLUSION: Write a POWERFUL message to ASK for the interview will motivate the hiring manager to give you a call.

Resume Cover Letters - Mini Course Day 6

 

  

Resume Cover Letter - Mini Course Day 5

Focus on the particular employer’s needs and explain specifically why you are the right person

One of the major objectives of a resume cover letter is to tell the hiring manager that you are the right person.  You are such a perfect match that the hiring manager picks up a phone and call you for an interview.  To make this happen, here are the things you need to observe.

Remember in Day 2 we talked about an Attention Grabbing Headline?  If you wrote this headline - Three reasons why I believe I may be the candidate you are searching for regarding the position of [job title] – be sure you provide answers to what these three reasons are.

Here’s how we can do it.

Recruitment ad requires:  industry passion, attention to details, team work:

Your cover letter states:

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 enjoy team work and have proven to be a productive team member.

Recruitment ad requires:  global vision, dedication and communication skills:

Your cover letter states:

• I developed interpersonal and communication skills critical to a consulting position
• My dedication, ability to quickly master new tasks, and drive to succeed
• My global vision gained from MNC experience

It doesn’t matter you use paragraph or bullets.  But you must provide the three reasons why you think you are the perfect match. 

Proactive Approach

If you are proactively approaching a company, please include ‘3 WHYs’ on your cover letter: Why banking (or any other industry you are applying); Why HSBC (or name of the company you are approaching), Why you. Show your passion in that business and how you can contribute to the company.

More Writing Tips

As our resume cover letter has to be short, do keep it brief.  Try not to re-write your experiences which are mostly captured in you resume. A better strategy is to summarize your USP (unique selling point), in other words, how your best strength would add value to the role you are applying. You may also include capabilities that were not stated in your resume, such as how your people skills contributed to your success; how you achieve results through team work. 

Please also try to avoid over selling.  Though cover letter is a sales tool, but we still don’t want to make it too aggressive, such as ‘hey, I’m here, hire me.’ An appropriate tone is very important.

Don’t enjoy writing?  You may check out Jimmy Sweeney’s Amazing Cover Letter writing tool which could help you craft the right wordings in the right tone in just 3 minutes.

CONCLUSION: State specifically why you are the right fit for the position being offered.

Resume Cover Letters - Mini Course Day 5