Tag: Letter

The Perfectly Formatted VITO Letter

The following is true story about the power of a perfectly formatted VITO letter. Before you pick-up that 3,000 pound phone to make a sales call on any member of the ‘C’ Suite including the CEO read and remember this story.

Recently, one of my salespeople had some car problems so I offered to give him a ride to work. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity to do a little one-on-one, role-playing I suggested we go over some appointment setting telephone skills. A well proven statistic that you’ve got just eight seconds to grab an executive’s attention. Daniel, was a bit skeptical about the eight second rule. He looked at me and said, “Boss, eight seconds is too short a period of time! That’s hardly enough time to take a deep breath, let alone make a meaningful opening statement!”

At the very next red light as it turned green, I kept my foot on the brake and started counting: ‘One thousand one, one thousand two…’ People started honking. By the time I got to “one thousand four,” Daniel was begging me to get moving. By the time we hit the sixth second, the guy behind us was starting to get out of his car, and Daniel was looking for a place under the seat to hide. When I finally hit eight, the intersection was a symphony of honking horns, ‘pointing fingers’ and shouting mouths. I hit the gas.

Now, if you’ve read any of my books, attended my live events, webinars, or read any of my articles, you understand what motivates members of the ‘C’ Suite to buy; you know the real Benefits about your product, service, or solution; and you have a good idea about the VITO tactics at your disposal. When you find yourself getting ready to pick-up that 3,000 pound phone to call any ‘C’ level executive including the CEO, what do you say?

Let’s also assume that you’re calling a new prospect:

You’ve decided to use the telephone to do this, either by means of a follow-up call on a written communication (see my article on Correspondence to VITO), or as your first contact without sending a correspondence.

Your aim is to get an appointment or create the next step with VITO who is the person who can actually buy whatever it is you’re selling and the person who has the ultimate veto power.

Three big Goals:

1.Make it sound conversational.

2.Deliver it with confidence.

3.Get a favorable interruption as-soon-as-possible…one that clearly keeps VITO in control.

The Five Key Ingredients of Your Telephone Opening Statement

For right now, assume that VITO is going to pick up their own phone and not their Personal Assistant…(for my epic tactics on how to work with VITO’s private assistant take a look at my article titled ‘Gatekeepers’). By the way, VITO will pick up their own phone about 25% of the time.

Key Ingredient 1: The Introduction

Usually, when VITO picks up their own line, they say their name: “This is VITO,” or “VITO Importanta speaking.” Your first step will be to repeat VITO’s name. Keep things formal for now use Mr. or Ms., then the VITO’s last name.

Prospect: This is VITO.

You: Ms. Importanta?

Prospect: Yes.

This first step will earn you Ms. Importanta’s undivided attention. Whatever she was doing prior to your saying her name, she’s now stopped doing. She’s paying attention to you and that’s a good thing!

What most salespeople do now despite ample and endlessly repeated evidence that they shouldn’t is to say something totally lame like this: “Hi, Ms. Jones. This is Will Perish, with the ABC Insurance Company.”

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Unless your name is, say, James Bond, or your company affiliation is, say, the Prize Disbursement Division of Publishers Clearing House, or the IRS I can tell you what’s going to happen next in the vast majority of such calls. The prospect will respond to this self defeating “verbal handshake” by tuning out, asking you to send written information, pretending that the building just caught fire, or otherwise disengaging from the call. In other words, you will have only been on the line about a second and a half, and you’ll be done.

Key Ingredient 2: The Pleasantry

Here’s an alternative plan (one that works). What I’m about to tell you will contradict what you’ve been taught. Do it anyway.

You’re going to say something positive and enthusiastic, something that does not directly identify you, your company, or the product or service you eventually want to discuss. It’s too early in the call for that…Instead, you’re going to use a pleasantry, something like this:

•”It’s an honor to finally speak with you!”

•”Thanks for picking up the phone!”

•”Thanks for taking my call!”

•”What a surprise to get you live!”

Get the idea? Each and every one of these pleasantries will do a far better job for you than your name and company affiliation at the outset of the conversation. Or saying something totally lame like: “How are you today?” or, “Do you have a minute?”

Key Ingredient 3: The Hook

Immediately after your pleasantry, you’re going to snag the intentional area of VITO’s brain by using a hook that’s keyed directly to something likely to be of interest to this VITO.

“We’ve helped (three of the top five widget corporations) increase shareholder value by further (increasing revenues by as much as 4% annually ) while holding the line on (major line item expenses).”

Now, there’s a tangible benefit if ever there was one! Keep your hook focused and one or two sentences long, and you can’t go wrong.

The Interruption

More often than not, here’s where you’ll get your favorable interruption if your hook is doing its job. VITO is likely to cut in and say something like:

“Interesting tell me all about it.”

Or:

“How did you pull that off in this economy?”

Or:

“I have absolutely no interest.”

Don’t worry. You’ll be learning how to deal with any not-so-favorable interruptions, in another one of my high value articles.

As I said, you’ll almost certainly get interrupted by this point. For the sake of completeness, though, you need to complete developing your opening statement, so you know what to say in those cases where you don’t get interrupted at this point.

Key Ingredient 4: Naming Names

Once you’ve shared your hook, VITO knows the reason for your call. The cat’s out of the bag. This is the perfect time to identify yourself and, if you’d like, your organization. If you choose to identify your employer, give it a brief “commercial.” What you say will fit in one sentence. It should sound like this:

“This is Will, Will Prosper, with ABC Insurance Company the hardest working company it the insurance industry today.”

Key Ingredient 5: Your Ending Question

If you don’t get interrupted by this point, you’re going to conclude your opening statement with an ending question that incorporates some element of time.

“Ms. Importanta, does this touch on issues that are of concern to you this (month/year/quarter)?”

Or,

“Mr. Benefito, are you wanting to accomplish something like this by the end of this (quarter/year)?”

Or,

“Ms. Importanta, what’s the best way to explore this further?”

Or,

“Mr. Benefito, who on your team would you like for me to continue this conversation with between now and the end of this business (day, week)?”

Putting it all together:

Here’s an example of an opening statement for VITO that works. Yours shouldn’t sound exactly like this one, but it should be about this long, and it should, like what follows, hit all the bases you’ve been reading about.

Prospect: This is VITO.

You: “Ms. Importanta?”

Prospect: Yes…

You: “(Pleasantry) It was a pleasure to read that your company has successfully expanded into the European marketplace. By the way… (Hook) After studying another client’s operation, we suggested an idea that provided revenue gains of over $25,000 per year. The real surprise is that we did this without taking one bit of their hard earned capital. (Your Name) This is Will Prosper at Zenith. (Ending Question) similar or greater results may be tough to duplicate. But would you be open to taking the next step between now and the end of this business week?”

Again you shouldn’t try simply to insert your company specifics into the messaging you see above. You should use all the ideas in this article, and most importantly make sure you read all of my articles and use what you read!

Job Application Cover Letter Tips to Help Get More Interviews

Whether it’s a job application cover letter, or resume – one thing to remember is that there is only one “job” that your actual submission materials have. And that “job” is: Getting Job Interviews.

Once you get more interviews, we’ll talk about job interview techniques in other articles, OK?

So, if the entire purpose behind cover letter writing is getting job interviews, then it stands to reason that writing a good cover letter ought to be at the top of your “to do” list when you are looking for a job. Right?

Welcome to “Cover Letter Writing 101” where I hope the next few paragraphs and points and a personal experience will bring you up to date with the basics of how today’s successful job seekers get more interviews.

Point #1: You must be subtle about tooting your own horn while still letting employers know that YOU are the best candidate for the job. In other words, everything you write must be “about them” – about THEIR needs, about how THEY will benefit from bringing you in for an interview. And, you must put all this focus on THEM while still talking yourself up!

Point #2: You must be able to speak knowledgably not only about the position, but also about the company. You must know what the company’s needs are to begin with if you are to address them convincingly in your job application cover letter. Besides, if you don’t know exactly what their needs are, how will you know for sure if you are the right one for the job? Hopefully this makes sense to you! If it does, then writing a good cover letter and getting job interviews just got a whole lot easier for you!

Let’s try the following practice exercise to work on this little cover letter writing gem.

Practice Exercise: Take a job or position that you are interested in, and list the skills and qualifications that you believe will be most important to the company.

If you cannot think of a specific job or company off the top of your head, here is an example: Pretend you are going for the job of cashier at a local supermarket, “The Local Family Grocer.” This is where it gets personal – so the information is very real!

Now, “The Local Family Grocer” has stated that they need a cashier, and they pay $10/hour. The cashier needs to be available on weekends and weeknights. That’s about all you know about the position. For now!

As you collect your thoughts prior to writing your job application cover letter, sit down with a pencil and paper and ask yourself:

What do the cashiers actually do over at The Local Family Grocer? You can brainstorm your answers. The most obvious ones that will come to mind will probably be,

  • “scan items through check out,”
  • “bag groceries,”
  • “take the payment,”
  • “give receipts,”
  • “run price checks,” and things of that nature.

But now, I need you to dig deeper.

I need you to come to the store with me.

When you are about to get in line at the store, do you go to any old checkout line? Or are there any cashiers you seek out? Are there any you avoid? As you answer these questions, ask “why?”

I can tell you, as we walk through the store together on our cover letter writing exercise, that there are several cashiers I just adore. Again. Why?

For me, it’s the customer service and the big smile I get from them.

For example, “Mr. Richard” always makes me feel welcome. He comments on my smile, and says things like, “It’s always so good to see you! You always seem to be smiling!” and in response, after thinking about it, I have to say, “Why, I believe it’s because YOU are smiling and seem so glad to see ME! Thank you! You’ve made my day.”

And, now, you and I will stroll over to the manager and comment about what a terrific employee “Mr. Richard” is.

Conversely, why do I avoid certain cashiers in the same way I avoid eggplant? (My apologies to those of you who like eggplant. It’s nothing personal!)

Perhaps you saw the cashier whose line wasn’t quite as long as “Mr. Richard’s” was. Why, you may ask, didn’t I go for “Ms. Whoever’s” line? (Of course, you’re taking careful notes, because you are learning a lot more than just good cover letter writing strategies.)

For me – especially as someone who has done a lot of career coaching – I notice things like sullen attitudes, cashiers looking at their watches, etc. When I ask “Ms. Whoever,” “So, how are you today?” and hear, “Oh, I’ll be a whole lot better in a half hour when my shift ends,” it makes my skin crawl. Seriously!

I don’t like feeling my skin crawl when I’m in a grocery store. There’s something just not right about that…

I’ve also been known to avoid cashiers who chit-chat with other employees while they are waiting on me. What really rolls my eyes is when they begin talking about a member of the community behind his or her back.

I have been tempted (notice I say “tempted” – because I have held my tongue!) to look right at the cashier and say something like, “Oh, I wasn’t aware you knew my brother/sister/aunt/uncle/mother/father/cousin so well!”

Ahh… The things we’d like to see. Maybe in a movie one day.

But I digress.

So, as we get back to writing a good cover letter, it now becomes evident that the job of the cashier goes even deeper. The Local Family Grocer needs people who make customers feel welcome. People who are cheerful. People who act as though they enjoy their jobs.

So, as we leave the store, you take out your pencil and paper, and write a few sentences about the cashier job.

You have now become inspired to write a good job application cover letter directly to “Ms. Jones” (who you happen to know is the person who will be reviewing the job application, because we just found out about it while we were complimenting “Mr. Richard.”)

Armed with all this information, imagine this cover letter:

“Dear Ms. Jones,

I was so pleased to meet you earlier today when my friend and I were telling you what a great job we feel Mr. Richard does for The Local Family Grocer.

In fact, Ms. Jones – I am so glad that I visited and experienced that customer service, because I had to rush right home and let you know that not only I am not applying to be your next cashier, Ican prove to you that if you are looking for another cashier with that same positive energy and excellent work ethic, I am that person! Here’s why.”

And you can go on. Now, this is just one simple example of how this works. We have more to share on this and related topics, so please watch for more articles!

Cover Letter Do’s & Don’ts

Most people are familiar with the importance of a well-constructed resume, and put a fair amount of time into creating one. But just as important is the cover letter that accompanies and introduces your resume.

In an extremely competitive job market, neglecting your cover letter is a big mistake. Why? A cover letter is your first opportunity to tell a prospective employer about yourself, and to do so in your own words. Like a written interview, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to point out applicable experience and qualities that make you right for the job. And just like any other important job searching tool, there are definite do’s and don’ts to follow to make sure your cover letter is an asset, not a hindrance.

Do personalize your letter.

Nobody likes to receive impersonal mail. Cover letters that begin with phrases like “To Whom This May Concern,” sound like random junk or bulk mail, rather than an important correspondence. You expect the company to take the time to read through your material, so you too need to take some time to research the correct addressee. Call the company, look on its Website or talk to others to find the correct contact.

Don’t send a generic cover letter to many different companies.

Hiring managers can spot a mass mailing a mile away. What gets their attention are letters that address the company-and its needs-specifically. Research the company prior to writing the letter. Check out recent news and read through the company’s Website, and then incorporate what you learned into your letter. Doing so will demonstrate to employers that you are informed, motivated and willing to go the extra mile.

Do address the specific position advertised.

Companies that post openings are making your life easier by telling you the qualities they are seeking. Show the company that you paid attention. If a company advertises that it is looking for sales experience, make sure you address your sales experience. One way to do this is by making a table for yourself before writing your letter. List the company’s stated needs in one column, and your corresponding experience and qualifications in another column. You can then use that information to write a letter that tells them exactly what they want to know.

Don’t make the reader work too hard to see that you are right for the position.

Include specific examples about your past successes and experience. If you are looking for a marketing position, give the reader detailed information about a marketing campaign you successfully executed. Don’t just tell the reader that you are motivated. Give an example that shows your motivation. You need to lay all of your pertinent information out in a way that lets the person making the hiring decision easily see how your experience and qualities fit the company’s needs.

Do get to the point.

Hiring managers receive letters and resumes from dozens and even hundreds of applicants, and often just don’t have the time to read lengthy, wordy letters. Be direct. In the first paragraph, include the title of the position you are interested in and then move on to your specific qualifications immediately.

Don’t end your letter passively.

Nobody gets a job by sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. Similarly, not many people get a call once a resume or cover letter is sent. Since you are the one looking for work, you need to take the initiative and follow up. Instead of ending the letter with “I look forward to hearing from you,” close with “I will call you next week to discuss a time for us to meet.” Once you’ve included this call to action, however, make sure you follow your own promise.

Do write and edit your letter with great care.

Nothing says “I don’t really want this job” like a cover letter with typos, incorrect information, or spelling errors. Make sure the company’s name is spelled correctly. Check to see if the contact is a male or female. And, while it sounds almost too obvious to mention, be sure to sign your letter. Careless-and easily correctable-mistakes tell the company that you did not take this simple task seriously.

Application Cover Letter

Application Cover Letters are Written in Response to a Known Vacancy

These are 1) A letter in response to a known job vacancy, 2) a letter inquiring about possible vacancies and 3) a networking letter which asks for assistance with the job search. A letter of application is sent along with the resume which will provide additional information on the applicant’s skills and qualifications which are relevant to the applied job. The application letter provides the prospective employer a chance to take note of the specific skills, experience and achievements of the applicant. If well written this type of a letter can prompt the employer to form a good opinion of the applicant. It is a misconception of most applicants that cover letter of the application is not as important as the resume. This is incorrect and CL is in fact the first piece of writing from the applicant which the prospective employer will read.

The Application Cover Letter is as important as the resume itself. Since it lends to the first impression on the applicant, it is imperative that you write an effective application letter to make a good impression. This can be achieved by highlighting how your skills are equal to the desired skills which are needed to do the job. All cover letters have one goal in common, and that is to grab the reader’s attention and make the reviewer call the applicant in for an interview. How does one achieve this goal? There are few basic rules when it comes to writing a proper cover letter.

1. The resume has to be impressive as the CL claims it to be. This is important as the content e cover letter has to be matched by an excellent resume.

2. The format used for the cover letter will depend on the type of job applied for.

3. A good Application Cover Letter should not only address the applicant’s capabilities but should also align these with the job requirements mentioned in the advertisements.

4. Make your application letter unique. Most applicants will go online and download a sample of a cover letter and will not change any items in order to make it more personal. A cover letter which is not customized will not be an effective one.

5. The opening statement should be a strong one. Instead of putting the identifying position on the left hand corner of the letter you can centre and state it clearly.

6. The letter should convey to the reader that applicant is competent, courteous and confident.

7. Keep it short. The letter should not be more than four paragraphs. It should explain why you are interested in the job and why you think you are the person that is best suited for the job. Be positive and convey your enthusiasm for the job, and finally give information as to how you can be contacted for an interview.

In order to make the Application Cover Letter an effective one use positive and professional language. Avoid the use of clichés and slang words but do not be too formal. Do not try to impress your employer by using unnecessary long words. Do not use the word “I” more than three or four times. Knowing information about the company or organization you are applying to will help to relay your skills and qualifications better. Proofread the letter to make sure there is no grammar or spelling errors.

Application Letter Sample Warning

So, you finally finished your resume and now it’s time to write your application letter. You know in order to get noticed you need your application letter to really stand out to the employer. You want that interview, but you don’t know the first thing about writing an application letter. You understand all the key points, but you’re no good at organizing your thoughts on paper. So you turn to your computer, log on to the internet and Google “free application letters”.

Hundreds of websites pop up offering tons of free application letter samples. You can’t believe your luck. You click through a few sites and find a letter you like. Your are positive that this one that will knock the socks off the hiring manager. You feel confident, as you copy and paste it onto a word document, that this letter will pretty much guarantee you an interview. Let’s face it you found it online and it claims to be written by a professional, therefore you can’t go wrong. You change a few words around, sign your name and off it goes. Now all you have to do is wait for that phone to start ringing.

Let me tell you, you are going to be waiting a long, long time for that call. Take heed of this application letter sample warning. While these sample letters can help guide you in how to write an application letter, they should never be used as a substitution for your real work. Most employers review a countless amount of application letters and resumes daily. Do you really think that the free online application letter sample you “borrowed” is going to grab their attention? Chances are no. Is your application letter sample going to be original? Probably not. Is the application letter going to be written to show how you meet the employer’s needs? Again, probably not.

Do you think you are the first person to go looking on the internet for free cover letter samples? In this day and age of the internet where you can find anything you need, chances are you are not the first person to use a free application letter sample. In fact it probably happens more often than you imagine. These employers received countless amounts of resumes and cover letters. They are so seasoned at reading application letters they will be able to tell yours is not your own after the first paragraph. This is why your application would really need to stand out to the employer. It’s doubtful that the application letter you found online is going to do that for you.

A good application letter consists of a few key elements. Essentially it’s what you can do for the employer. The letter should show why the employer would be making a mistake not calling you for at least a interview. Your application letter needs to highlight some key points in your resume, specifically those points that qualify you for the job you are applying for. How is a letter that you found online going to do that? In order for your letter to get notice it needs to be original, and show your passion for your work. Can an application letter you get online be original? That is highly doubtful. Your letter also needs to ask for the opportunity to be interviewed and needs to give the employer options to make that happen. Again, would your sample application letter provide that? If I was a gambler, I would bet the house that the answer would be no.

Instead of using the internet to find a free application sample letter to pass off as your own, use the internet to research how to write a effective application letter. Anything that has the word sample in it, is meant to be just that. A sample. Something to sort of push you in the right direction. The most important things to remember is that applications letters should be original and they should represent you. The only person, who can represent you, is you. Why would you want to take an application letter written by someone who does not even know you? Only you know why you would be perfect for that one job. Why trust a generic letter to get that point across to the employer?

Writing Your Resume and Cover Letter to Meet District-Specific Ideals and Standards

When developing any resume or cover letter it is crucial to tailor your documents for a specific audience. Before crafting any career-related document, as well as planning for an interview, you must do your research. Once you have chosen a school district you are interested in, find out what its goals, philosophy, and standards are. Districts tend to focus on different key issues such as literacy, multiculturalism, inclusion, special needs, outreach programs, etc. Find out the one or two main concerns that the district concentrates on and adapt your resume and cover letter accordingly.

Lets start off with the resume. If a learning community is most concerned about incorporating literature in the classroom, you can showcase related competencies in your areas of expertise section. For instance, you might include items such as Reading Strategies, Interdisciplinary Reading, Literature Circle, Writer’s Workshops, etc. In the main body of your resume, under teaching experience, you should highlight literature-based activities and units you have previously implemented. Make sure you describe the results. For example, “Developed a fun thematic unit on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and integrated correlating units that examined key themes throughout the book. This unit sparked students’ interest and imagination, left them wanting to learn more, and helped instill a love for reading and writing”. You do not need to explicitly dwell on the topic of literature, as you want to demonstrate that you are well-rounded, but make sure you touch on it as much as possible.

Your profile near the top of your resume should reflect the same ideals. Explain your commitment to X issue and convey why you feel it is important that it is incorporated in the classroom. Again, do not solely focus on the one or two main concerns of the district. A potential employer needs to see that you are committed to addressing the same concerns that they have, as well as tackling the regular issues that most schools face (i.e. attendance, discipline, appropriately challenging the students).

The cover letter needs to keep the same ideals in mind and match up with the resume. In a cover letter it is a bit easier to convey your passion and dedication to the school community. Take advantage of this opportunity and make your personality and commitment come to life. If you know for a fact that the school district you are applying to is, for example, very culturally diverse, explain how you have incorporated multicultural elements, celebrated cultural diversity, and promoted inclusion in your past teaching positions. Also reinforce that you seek to bring these same ideals to your new job.

However, make certain that your cover letter highlights your other outstanding traits and effective teaching methods as well. Always sell yourself as a versatile and adaptable individual who is not simple a one trick pony, but rather an educator who is willing to face new challenges and employ innovative methods to cultivate a supportive and nurturing school community.

Benefits of a Sales Letter

A sales letter is an important tool when selling yourself, your company or your products to the general public. The benefits of a sales letter to your bottom line can be significant, as this letter must, literally, take the place of a salesperson. To be effective, the document will encompass several necessary points, and be formatted in a way which has been proven to gain results. Catching and keeping the attention of the reader is just one of the essential ingredients of a well-written sales letter. It’s recommended to have your sales letter professionally written to make sure it properly influences your target audience and includes a persuasive edge.

Some of the benefits of a professional sales letter include:

• Introducing your business

• Enhancing professionalism

• Building trust

• Creating hope

• Offering a solution

Introduction to Your Business

Introducing the services and products you have to offer will give you advantages over your competition. Waiting to see if people will come to you is not always the best plan. Target your demographic and introduce yourself up front. A well-written sales letter will catch the reader’s attention with an appropriate headline and persuasive copy, plus offer details about who you are, how you run your business, and the type of products or services that you offer.

Professionalism and Trust

When you present a sharp and polished letter that gives your customers the information they’ve been seeking, this will give the reader a sense of your professional talents and help to formulate trust in your business, company and products. A sales letter gives you the opportunity to share testimonials from satisfied customers, offer guarantees for your product or showcase other points of proficiency that you and your business possess.

Hope and Solutions

A well-written sales letter creates hope for customers who need solutions to a problem. This is crucial to catching and keeping the attention of your readers, and encouraging follow-through to your products and services. You are aware of all the problems that can be solved by opting for the solutions your company can provide. A sales letter will convey these solutions in a way which leaves the reader feeling comfortable that you are the most skillful, knowledgeable and savvy in your field, therefore prompting them to select your company to improve the quality of their lives.

How to Write an Email Interview Thank You Letter?

Do a quick follow up with the employer by learning how to write an email interview thank you letter. Typically, only about 5% of those looking for a job send out thank you letters. Be one of the few and get a second interview or land the job.

The key to success is to send out a note the same day or no later than the next. This way you can get your name in front of the employer as quickly as possible.

Career experts and employers are not in total agreement on whether or not sending a thank you letter through email is proper protocol. Technology has changed the job search market with today’s online job boards, email, and web resumes. Let the company’s culture guide you when making your decision about emailing a thank you letter. Your best bet is to send an email and then follow up with a formal lette through snail mail.

Follow the tips below and keep your thank you note brief:

  • Be sure to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Thank the interviewer for his or her time.
  • Tailor the letter to the company and the relationship you established with the interviewer.
  • If during the interview you forgot something of importance mention it in your email.
  • Do reinforce important information provided during the interview.
  • State your interest in the job being offered.

Quick and to the point, that’s how to write an email thank you letter. This sample can serve as a model when you write your email thank you note:

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position of Loan Officer at Bloomington National Bank. I believe my education and experience are a fit for your organization. I look forward to helping your bank expand its market share and achieve its goals as it expands into the commercial mortgage field.

If I can provide you any additional information, please let me know.

I look forward to working with you soon!

Sincerely,

James Lichner

(123) 456-7890

email address

Follow up with your thank you note as soon as possible and place yourself ahead of the competition in the job search race.

Adherence to Cover Letter Writing Guidelines Can Produce Effective Cover Letters

A good cover letter is a must if the applicant is to be selected for an interview. A resume which goes without a cover letter stands slim to nothing chance of being selected for the next round. This is why all job seekers need to develop their cover letter writing skills.

Most important aspect of this letter is to state clearly the purpose of writing it. Depending on this purpose, there can be different types of cover letters. Main types include application letter in which applicant responds to a known vacancy. Another type is a prospecting style letter in which the applicant inquires on availability of a position. Thirdly, the CL can be in the form of a networking letter in which the applicant requests information and assistance in gaining a suitable position in line with his or her qualifications and experience.

There are few issues to note in cover letter writing. First of all, you need to write a separate cover letter for each different purpose as cited above and for each different job. Secondly, it should clearly highlight your suitability for the job. It should also state why you are interested in this job and what critical skills which you possess that makes you the best candidate. The cov. letter should be addressed to the correct person and not carry the sentence: “To Whom it May concern”. It should be written in paragraph form with a maximum of 5-6 paragraphs.

When it comes to cover letter writing here are few more guidelines which have to be born in mind.

1) Keep it concise. Generally one page will suffice. Prospective employer has to go through many resumes and cover letters and don’t have the time to read lengthy and winding letters. Tell them what they need to know and do it in as few words as possible.

2) Be positive. It is not necessary to explain why you left your previous employment or why you haven’t worked for a long while. This is better left for the interview.

3) Do not talk about salary in our CL. This is against basic etiquette. Leave it to be the last topic in the interview agenda and if you have impressed them by that time, they may even agree to raise their offer to match your expectations.

4) Do not make mistakes with grammar, spelling and punctuation. It is important to show your prospective employers that you are a methodical person that pays attention to important matters. If your own cover letter is not important to you, chances are that your work too will have shoddy mistakes.

Cover Letter Writing is a tedious and often challenging task. It requires a person to contemplate on how best to market oneself. If you don’t have the correct marketing flare, it is unlikely that you will be able to strike the employer’s interest. This is why you may consider getting someone else’s help with your cover Letter.

Skillful Cover Letter Samples

A cover letter is so imperative in every job application. It ought to establish your passion and interest in a certain position. A lot of hiring managers do not pay attention to a resume with no cover letter.

An effective cover shows optimism to make the HR manager interested in your resume. It should be straightforward and direct. Make sure also that the content is directly related to the job opening. A cover letter must be unique and not merely an extraction or review of your resume.

The following are two samples of cover letters.

Sample 1:

Dear (name of hiring manager),

This letter intends to convey my interest to your advertisement posted on your website searching an advertising manager to direct ABC advertising department. I am informed of the quality service you provide your clients and I share the same values. The opportunity in this job is very engaging and I am confident that I possess the necessary education, capabilities, and experience that will make me a fitting aspirant for this job.

My accompanying résumé shows a confirmed past performance in advertising sales in the tourist sector in 16 various US States including Hawaii and Florida. I also have a ten-year experience performing in an identical position as well as the awards I obtained for excellence in sales and advertising.

I am proficient in directing a team or performing as a team player. I have lots of initiative, enthusiastic to learn new things and possess excellent communication skills. My technical expertise consists of PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe and Word proficiency.

You can always keep in touch with me through my mobile phone (number) and email (address). I look forward to meeting with you to confer how I could greatly contribute to the success of your company.

Sincerely Yours,

Your name

Sample 2: Email Cover Letter

Subject Line: Competent for Communications Manager Position

Email Message:

Dear (name of Hiring Manager),

Your communications department has posted an open position for which my experience and education makes me eligible. In my job as Assistant Communications Manager for Senator Joseph McGhee, I wrote press releases as well as drafted and revised legislation, and was in charge for organizational communications.

While my job as Communications Manager for ABC Company, I wrote and sent monthly newsletter to subscribers via email and created articles for the company website. I also have a wide-ranging experience as a freelance writer on employment and labor matters and this would be an excellent match for this job. You can look at my articles at (URLs).

Also, my resume and some supplementary samples of my writings are attached. Please give a word if I can offer you with any additional details on my qualifications and track record.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to an opportunity to discuss with you or somebody in your company to see where my competence would be of the highest advantage to your organization.

Your name

Address

Email

URL

Contact Numbers

These samples are given for your guidance and reference only. Use them only to guide you in writing a unique and impressive cover letter.

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