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!"

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Gift Yourself an AMAZING Cover Letter for the Holidays…

Do you look forward to the holidays––and dread them at the same time? November and December often blur together as we move from Thanksgiving to the December Holidays. And the next thing you know it's time to celebrate the next twelve months on New Year's Eve! 

If this sounds familiar, you, like many people, may be caught in a holi-daze. Cooking, shopping, entertaining, cleaning, and organizing take over. If you're in the market for a new job you may be tempted to put off writing that cover letter till all the celebrations are over.  

Don't Give In 

Tempting as it might be to glide through the next month, avoid it if you can. The holiday season is actually a great time to keep moving along with your job-search goal. You'll get a jump on all the job seekers who are waiting until January. 

While the kids are playing with their holiday toys and games, and visitors are resting or sightseeing, sneak off to another room and spend time drafting a brand new cover letter. Set your sights on what is ahead. Look forward to all the good that will come your way in 2012.  

A well-written job-search cover letter is a gift to give yourself—one that will give back to you all through the new year.  

Such a letter will: 

·       Put you in touch with hiring managers

·       Plant your name in the mind of those who read your cover letter

·       Place you in the running for an interview for a specific job

·       Promote your work experience and skills to decision-makers 

Get Started Now 

Here are four steps you can take immediately to write the kind of cover letter that will capture a hiring manager's attention, one that will compel him or her to contact you for a job interview by phone or in person. 

Step 1. Meet the hiring manager's needs.  Show him or her how you, the job seeker, can benefit his or her company––if you're hired to fill the open position. 

Example:

I'm aware through my friend Rich Lewis, your company CPA,that you're interested in hiring someone to expand your sales territory in the southwest . . . I'd like to accept this challenge. I have a master's degree in Sales and Marketing . . . I opened six new accounts in less than six months while employed by Fenwick and Bolton Textile Company in North Carolina. 

Step 2. Ask for what you want.

Example:

May we get together in person to talk about how your expectations for the person you hire and my job expertise can benefit your company. 

Step 3. State your goal. 

Example:

I'll phone you by the end of the week to schedule an appointment that works for you. If you prefer to speak before then, please call or email me using the contact info above.           

Step 4. Show your appreciation. 

Example:

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. I'm enthusiastic about meeting in person to see how I might help fill the opening and enhance the vision of your company.                       

Keep in mind that hiring managers need you to do their job. They must hire people to fill the available positions. Make them look good by showing the benefits you can bring. 

Let your cover letter work for you, not against you. Focus on the hiring manager's needs and in turn, he or she will give you what you want—an interview for the job of your dreams.

 

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."

Ring in the New Year With a Brand New Cover Letter

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!

AMAZING Cover Letter for the Holidays

Give Yourself an AMAZING Cover Letter for the Holidays

Do you look forward to the holidays––and dread them at the same time? November and December often blur together as we move from Thanksgiving to the December Holidays. And the next thing you know it's time to celebrate the next twelve months on New Year's Eve!

If this sounds familiar, you, like many people, may be caught in a holi-daze. Cooking, shopping, entertaining, cleaning, and organizing take over. If you're in the market for a new job you may be tempted to put off writing that cover letter till all the celebrations are over.

Don't Give In

Tempting as it might be to glide through the next month, avoid it if you can. The holiday season is actually a great time to keep moving along with your job-search goal. You'll get a jump on all the job seekers who are waiting until January.

While the kids are playing with their holiday toys and games, and visitors are resting or sightseeing, sneak off to another room and spend time drafting a brand new cover letter. Set your sights on what is ahead. Look forward to all the good that will come your way in 2012.

A well-written job-search cover letter is a gift to give yourself—one that will give back to you all through the new year.

Such a letter will:
• Put you in touch with hiring managers
• Plant your name in the mind of those who read your cover letter
• Place you in the running for an interview for a specific job
• Promote your work experience and skills to decision-makers

Get Started Now

Here are four steps you can take immediately to write the kind of cover letter that will capture a hiring manager's attention, one that will compel him or her to contact you for a job interview by phone or in person.

Step 1. Meet the hiring manager's needs. Show him or her how you, the job seeker, can benefit his or her company––if you're hired to fill the open position.

Example:
I'm aware through my friend Rich Lewis, your company CPA,
that you're interested in hiring someone to expand your sales
territory in the southwest . . . I'd like to accept this challenge.
I have a master's degree in Sales and Marketing . . . I opened six
new accounts in less than six months while employed by Fenwick
and Bolton Textile Company in North Carolina.

Step 2. Ask for what you want.

Example:
May we get together in person to talk about how your expectations
for the person you hire and my job expertise can benefit your company.

Step 3. State your goal.

Example:
I'll phone you by the end of the week to schedule an appoint-
ment that works for you. If you prefer to speak before
then, please call or email me using the contact info above.

Step 4. Show your appreciation.

Example:
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. I'm
enthusiastic about meeting in person to see how I might help
fill the opening and enhance the vision of your company.

Keep in mind that hiring managers need you to do their job. They must hire people to fill the available positions. Make them look good by showing the benefits you can bring.

Let your cover letter work for you, not against you. Focus on the hiring manager's needs and in turn, he or she will give you what you want—an interview for the job of your dreams.


Article source:  Jimmy Sweeney.  Jimmy 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."

"Be Yourself" Cover Letter

Introducing the "Be Yourself" Cover Letter…

When you're nervous about speaking to a stranger at a party or reluctant to ask a hiring manager for a job interview, consider the age-old advice, "Be Yourself." We've all heard that phrase over and over and yet few apply it. Why? Because most don't believe they're good enough or smart enough or talented enough just as they are. They seem to think that if they add a bit of pizzazz or comedy they can overshadow their weaknesses. But the opposite is true. The other person can see right through the performance, whether in person at a cocktail party, or on paper in a job search cover letter. When they feel 'snowed' by such verbiage, they will likely move on to the next candidate.

Therefore, the best way to get what you want—an interview for the job you're suited for an excited about—is to be who you are right now.

1.     Write in conversational English.

Dear Mr. Hiring Manager:

I saw your listing asking for experienced administrative assistants to contact you about a new position at your company. I got excited when I realized that what you are looking for in the person you hire are the very traits and skills I can bring to this job. If possible, I'd like to meet with you in person to talk over specifics and to show you that I understand and can apply your company's mission statement to the work I perform . . .

     

2.     Mention your unique abilities.

While working at ABC Corporation for the past six years I had many

opportunities to contact clients directly, answering their questions and helping them make decisions about which of our products and services to use. I was acknowledged for going the extra mile that resulted in increased sales and revenue for the company. I can do the same for you.

3.     Conclude your letter with personal words of thanks.

Thank you very much for reading my cover letter and resume. I appreciate it and look forward to meeting you in person for an interview.

The truer you are to your personality the more likely you are to land an interview for the job you want.

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, "Tough Times Jobs Tips."

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!

"Less is More" Cover Letter

Win More Interviews with the "Less is More" Strategy

"Less is more", as the old adage says, and it's never truer than when writing a job search cover letter. Many job seekers bombard the hiring manager with a slew of words that runs two or three pages. But you don't have to. You can get to the point quickly and precisely. This may take some practice, but it will be worth it. You'll want the reader to sit up and take notice of how different your cover letter is from those in the stack he's already rejected. How can you do this? It's as easy as 1, 2, and 3.

1. Be CONCISE

Keep your letter to one page and include only what matters. This is not the time to talk about your personal life or your hobbies. State your enthusiasm for the job you hope to land, your skills and experience, and your willingness to come in for a personal interview. End with a polite 'thank you' for reading your cover letter and enclosed resume.

2. Be PRECISE

Speak up in language that clearly spells out your desire to bid for this job. Refer to the company's mission statement and that you believe you are qualified to live by it and you will commit to being a loyal employee, doing your best to perform the required tasks and to working harmoniously with your colleagues.

3. Be NICE

Convey your respect for the hiring manager and for the company by using words that show that you are a polite and considerate individual who has more than self-interest at heart. Clearly and directly ASK for an interview… one of the most overlooked interview-landing secrets of all time. And do so in a manner that shows you are a nice, caring, confident and competent person.

Not all cover letters are the same. In these tough economic times, it is essential to be concise, precise, and nice if you hope to grab a hiring manager's attention and move from just one more person in a long list to one the employer is eager to hire.

By Jimmy Sweeney, author of the new, Amazing Cover Letter Creator. Jimmy is also the author of several career-related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Tough Times Jobs Tips."

Cover Letter Blog - The "Less is More" Cover Letter

A Cover Letter That Can NET You a Job!

Have you heard of the idea that A Cover Letter That Can NET You a Job?  

Indeed, there is such kind of a cover letter that works well.  

As you know, I’m a headhunter. When I need to do a search, apart from going through my company’s database, I also contact my sources in the market and ask them for referrals.  As a matter of fact, many of my successful candidates were generated that way.  So why don’t you make use of the same strategy to land a job?  Trust me, ‘networking’ is such a powerful job search tool.   

Here is how to write a Networking Cover Letter.

 

A Cover Letter That Can NET You a Job!

Job-search cover letters introduce you and your skills to a hiring manager. You know that fact if you've been writing them to potential employers. But do you know there is another cover letter type that can do even more for you? It's called the networking cover letter.

This document goes out to your circle of human resources––family members, friends, neighbors, associates, and professional men and women––for one purpose––to ask for help as you look for work. These people can lend a hand by giving you names and contact information of individuals they know, as well as employment leads, referrals, advice, knowledge, and introductions. Imagine the wealth of assistance you can gather by simply casting your net toward these men and women.

To get started, create a master list of everyone you can think of. Refer to business cards you've collected, association and club rosters, church directories, your e-mail address book, and any other pertinent means of gathering names of people you mingle with. Then send a networking cover letter (based on the tips below) to each person on your master list. Invest some time doing this task—knowing it will pay big dividends over the next several weeks.

Writing the Networking Cover Letter Letter                                                                  

• Keep it short (one page only) and focus on what you want—help in your job search. 
• Put your job skills and employment interests in a list for easy reading.
• Ask for leads and referrals directly and politely.              
• Attach a copy of your current resume.
• Send a thank you note to everyone who responds—even if they weren't able to help.

Then get to work on the leads you do receive, sending to each person a cover letter that introduces you and your employment experience. Cast your net and be patient. It will bring in a catch worth waiting for.

Written by Jimmy Sweeney

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 monthly articles titled, "Job Search Secrets" and "Tough Times Job Tips."

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!

The Elements of an Outstanding Cover Letter

Regarding the elements of an outstanding cover letter, you should have mastered them all if you've gone through the 7-day mini course in this blog.  However you must blend in one more important ingredient.  My friend Jimmy Sweeney has written an outstanding article on this and I'm happy to share with you.

Your Cover Letter Must Have THIS Ingredient

Written by Jimmy Sweeney, author of The Amazing Cover Letter Creator

Focus, vivid language, clear request for an in-person interview, proper format with plenty of white space? Yes to all of these essentials of a job search cover letter. But one ingredient that is often overlooked is tone. Many job seekers give too much attention to their work experience and skills, important as they are, and neglect to reveal their personality and character through the manner in which they express themselves. 

Tone of Voice Matters

As you sit down to write your cover letter, consider how you want to come across and then match your wording to that objective. Do you want to convey enthusiasm and sincerity or are you willing to settle for lackluster language that leaves the hiring manager wondering who you are as a person? Here are two examples.

Example A:  Thanks so much for posting your need for an administrative assistant on AnytownJobs.com. I've been looking for such a position since I moved to AnyTown last month. When I discovered that your organization is hiring, I jumped on the opportunity to contact you. I've had five years of experience assisting my previous employer and I know I can contribute to your company the skills I've developed in this job––organization, dependability, crisis management, and positive problem-solving.

Could we meet for an interview? I'm eager to find out your expectations for the person you hire and to show you how I will work hard to meet them. Please name a date and time that is right for you and I'll be there, ready to get right down to business.

Example B: I read your advertisement for an administrative assistant on AnytownJobs.com. This is the kind of work I wish to do. Therefore, I am writing this cover letter to let you know that I would like to meet for an interview so I can talk over what you need and how I can provide it. I have experience and skills related to this type of work. You can consult my enclosed resume for more details.

Please let me know if you would like to interview me. I am available weekday afternoons. I hope to hear from you soon.

Review and Study

If you were the hiring manager, which cover letter would you respond to? Take a moment to review each example and then jot down some notes on why you prefer the one you chose.

· What makes it stand out?

· What character trait shines through?

· Would the person behind this letter be someone you'd like to work with?

· What might you expect from that individual if faced with a crisis?

      

Save your comments and these examples to study while planning your next cover letter for the position you're seeking. Then let your personality and character guide you as you write, including job-related details in a tone that will compel the hiring manager to call you for an interview.

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!"

The Elements of an Outstanding Cover Letter

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