30-Second Marketing Tip; Cover Letter Writing Tips
Written by Norine Dagliano
Keywords: cover letter writing tips, letter writing format, business letter writing, writing letters, write a cover letter, resume written
"Does that include a cover letter?" I get asked this question quite frequently when prospective clients call me to inquire about having their resume written. It seems like a simple question to them, yet my answer is never simple. Instead I launch into this long explanation about what a cover letter is and isn't; how emailing ones resume is handled differently than mailing it; how many job boards fail to provide a place to put a cover letter; and so on and so on.
Although this is all useful information that I think job seekers should know, they still hold tight to the belief that they need A letter that they can use over and over when applying for work. The following marketing and sales tip cuts to the chase when it comes to cover letter writing:
Write your sales letters with a personal, one-on-one tone. Be honest and sincere. Remember, advertising is just "salesmanship in print." It's just selling, that's all. And if you want to sell, be personal with your prospect. Go beyond truth, all the way to honest. Go to the heart. Is there anything that can make your prospects feel more special?
Many job seekers think that a cover letter needs to follow some rigid format. First paragraph: "I am writing about the advertisement I saw ... blah, blah, blah." Second paragraph: "in case you don't read my resume (or you do and don't understand it) here is everything it says." Closing paragraph: "thank you for your time and consideration" (which is all you will get, since you failed to tell the employer why it would benefit him to take action.)
Here is what I tell my clients about how to write a cover letter: "Talk to the employer. In your own words, let him know that you understand his needs and feel his pain. Give him a window into your personality by writing the way you speak. Make him feel special; after all, an effective cover letter is not about you -- it is about the employer, his needs, and how you can fulfill those needs."
Sure, as resume writers we all know that there are certain standards when it comes to cover letters. We also know that many of our clients do not have full command of proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. But, they can speak and with a little prodding, they can even say why they are special and why they are right for the job.
When a client asks "does this include a cover letter" ask them "who are you writing to, what are you selling, and why would the prospect want to buy?" Coach them through answering these questions and ask them to put their thoughts on paper -- honestly and from their heart. With these critical steps now completed, all you have left to do is format the letter, edit it for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and seal it with a request for an interview.
TA-DAH -- a sales letter (aka cover letter) with meaning and purpose!
Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission from the author.
Norine Dagliano, of ekm Inspirations, is an independent and nationally certified professional resume writer (NCRW, CPRW, CFRW/CC) and job search coach. With more than 20 years of experience, Norine has crafted powerful, achievement-focused resumes and provided logical and straight-forward job seeking tips and advice that has helped literally thousands of professionals in overcoming the anxiety of looking for work ... and finding their ideal job. Learn more at www.ekminspirations.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~**~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - ::Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Marketing Articles Sales & Marketing
Career Professionals Create & Utilize Marketing Messages that Get Attention New
Resume Writers Take Lead from Ad Writers New
Headlines Can Make or Break Advertising Success New
How Much Do You Charge For a Resume? New
The Power of Client Testimonials New
Tips for Free Press Coverage New
Prospect/Client Specific
Career Professionals: Should You Expect Customer Loyalty? New
How Does Your Business Differ from Competitors? New
Recouping Lost Sales New
Website/Content Development
Writing's on the Wall: Web Needs Content
Don't Be a Website Design Dinosaur
Online Search is On; Is Your Website Ready?
Web-Based Firms Do the Heavy Lifting for Your Business Idea | ::Job Bank Posting Services
::Recruiter Submission
::5-Part Interview Program | ::Resume/Online Portfolios
::Content on Demand (COD)
::Submit Your Article | 
|
Copyright 2009 BeyondTheCraft.com, a Resume to Referral site, All Rights Reserved
| 
