How to nail a letter to a potential employer
Dear Reader:
Are you looking for a job? You’ve got lots of company. There are currently 14.5 million unemployed people in the United States. And chances are it’s been years, or even decades, since you last had to write a cover letter for your resume. Here’s fresh advice on how to perfect your letter. Keep in mind: sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference.
• A colon instead of a comma in the salutation is more forceful (I tried it above). Forceful people make things happen, whether it’s getting hired or working effectively once you get the job.
• Use bullets to talk about notable accomplishments at your previous jobs, like cutting costs 5% or increasing sales 4%. I’m trying that approach out here.
• Use bullets to list the qualities that make you the right person for the job.
• Mention that you will call to follow up.
And this one really surprised me!:
• A P.S. increases the chances the letter will be read—by 75%!
Sincerely,
An under-employed friend of Best You
P.S. Send the letter certified mail. Good luck!
—Adapted from Headhunter Hiring Secrets: The Rules of the Hiring Game Have Changed…Forever! by Skip Freeman
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