|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In Part I, we covered how to grab the reader's attention with the opening sentence. Now we'll get them interested, arouse desire, and get them to take action. Let's get moving.
Interest
Now that you have the reader's undivided attention. The next step is get them interested in what you have to offer. In this case, since you're applying for a job, the goal is to get the reader interested in you, right?
So how do you do that? You feed them interesting facts. Like how much money you saved your previous employer. By telling them how you were at top of your class. Or that you were one of the top salespeople and the qualities you possess that enabled you to become a top performer.
Look at your past. There have to be some accomplishments you can talk about. And you must possess some strengths that enabled you to achieve those accomplishments. Don't keep them to yourself. Tell the hiring manager. Create enough interest to make the reader want to know more. How else can they make an informed decision? You're not helping anyone by holding back.
Desire
You've grabbed the reader's attention and created interested, now you'll arouse desire by describing the benefits the company will get if it "buys" what you're selling (which is you). What are the benefits of hiring you?
You've got a proven track record. You possess qualities that have made you successful in the past and will continue to make you successful in the future. The hiring manger will be congratulated for making such an outstanding hiring decision. Those are some general ideas. I'm sure you can think of some that are more specific to you and your situation.
Fill in the details that apply to your situation. Do you have some special certification or accreditation? Do you have a specialized degree? Do you have unique and relevant experience that make you an ideal candidate for the job? Surely, there are several benefits you can use to sell the hiring manager on bringing you in for an interview.
Even if you're trying to switch careers, my killer "System" will get you noticed. You'll get interviews just because the hiring manger wants to meet someone who'd send such a creative cover letter.
Action
All that's left now is to get the reader to pick up the phone and call you. Don't leave the reader hanging. You've grabbed their attention, created interest, and aroused desire. Now tell them what to do next. And don't be timid. I like to use a subheadline - a headline within the letter. It looks like this:
Here's What To Do Next?
Can you be any clearer than that? I don't think so. You could also use something like: "Here's How To Schedule An Interview With Me?"
Then give them your contact information - all of it. Your phone number, fax number (if you have one), mailing address, email address, cell phone, etc. People are different and you don't know what their preferred method of communication is so make it easy for them to "order" an interview with you.
Some people will want to pick up the phone and call you. Others prefer email. So give them multiple ways to contact you. That increases the chance they'll contact you for an interview. And that's what you want, isn't it?
So there you have it, the AIDA formula. Apply it to transform stale, boring cover letters into Killer Cover Letters that'll get the phone ringing off the hook.
Here's What To Do Next?
Hey, haven't you seen that somewhere before? Well, if you liked this article, you'll absolutely love my Killer Cover Letter "System." You can get all the details at: www.CoverLetterGuru.com
Robert is an author, speaker, and real estate entrepreneur(both on & offline). Robert applied his direct response marketing skills to develop a Killer Cover Letter System that produced 3 job offers in 72 hours. Please visit http://www.CoverLetterGuru.com to find out more about Robert's Killer Cover Letter "System." To request your FREE Report send a blank email to report@CoverLetterGuru.com
The Summary is the preview of your entire resume. This... Read More
A very effective and persuasive tactic when selling something is... Read More
In light of recent unemployment figures, and a continual downturn... Read More
Some may want to interpret "independent" to mean WITHOUT others.... Read More
This question comes up often when I'm working with someone... Read More
When you're looking for work, some of your expenses will... Read More
A Resume Cover Letter has only one purpose - to... Read More
The US Army Corp of Engineers and numerous private companies... Read More
Do you find yourself easily becoming bored or tired at... Read More
Career change is no walk in the park.If it was... Read More
There's a certain courage required to hear your gut. To... Read More
A job search for executives is far less complicated today... Read More
How much of our career path is destiny and how... Read More
Bringing your emotional baggage into the work place is inappropriate... Read More
Millions of people everyday spend eight hours or more in... Read More
There are several types of online resume formats that can... Read More
If you are not busy living, then you must be... Read More
It's true. Things have changed. You need to know the... Read More
Maybe "buck" is better referred to as the Boss' Challenge.... Read More
The resume objective statement is typically something that trips people... Read More
The fastest way to make a good interview go bad... Read More
Most of us have to work for a living. Since... Read More
Which of the following would you chose? Doing your lifework... Read More
I learned in first grade that one plus... Read More
About four years ago a friend told me one night... Read More
It's no secret that there is a lot of competition... Read More
Determine your ideal career--one that's in alignment with your values,... Read More
Suppose you were the hiring manager, your desk piled high... Read More
Negotiating a pay rise is not something many people do... Read More
One of the most emotionally crippling aspects of unemployment is... Read More
You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on... Read More
"When I was a child, I always thought the world... Read More
Let's face it, most of us consider professional success and... Read More
It's hard to believe that there are people in today's... Read More
After days, weeks, months or longer of interviewing, you have... Read More
Throughout the past decade, workplace diversity issues have allowed organizations... Read More
It's okay to take your job seriously, to be a... Read More
The AIDA formula is as old as dirt. It was... Read More
"I've heard you talk about building a website to get... Read More
Older job hunters fear interviews where their age cannot be... Read More
The rapid changes that have mainly been brought about by... Read More
Moving into a new job always involves some degree of... Read More
Are you going nowhere in your career? If you've decided... Read More
As a human resources specialist for many years, I've seen... Read More
Trucks and truck drivers are a constant presence on US... Read More
With today's economy, more and more companies are... Read More
Working abroad can be an exciting, rewarding and horizon broadening... Read More
A friend of mine laments that work would be great... Read More
With the advent of the Internet, many of us have... Read More
Effectively present all of your IT skills with the IT... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |