"How to Transform a Boring Message Into A Killer Cover Letter -
Part II"
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
To Your Extreme Success, Robert A Phillips
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