Page 12 - 201 Killer Cover Letters

01 6/27/03 9:20 AM Page xi
How to Use This Book
and CD-ROM

201 Killer Cover Letters is for any job seeker who finds it difficult to write the per-
fect cover letter—and that’s almost all of us! This book tells you how to write
every type of job search letter you’ll ever need and puts at your fingertips a library
of letters that will get noticed and get results. The special bonus CD-ROM contains
all 201 killer cover letters featured in the book. You don’t even have to rekey
them—just change the specifics, and they’re ready to send!
Before using the CD-ROM, peruse the book. If you’re pressed for time, at
least read Chapters 1 and 2, which provide information on jobhunting in a tough
economy and job market, as well as the basic do’s and don'ts for writing effective
job search letters. Chapter 3 helps you identify and position your strengths. Take
a few minutes to complete Worksheets 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 in this chapter. Doing so
will furnish you with several powerful sentences that you can use immediately in
the body copy of your letters.
Then you can move on to the specific chapters that focus on the particular
type of letter you’re writing; in each chapter you’ll find sample letters, as well as a
choice of sample openings and closings. (Every letter is numbered; letter 5-12, for
example, refers to Chapter 5, letter 12.) Each letter is titled with the industry or spe-
cific position of interest to the job seeker as well as issues addressed in the letter.
For example, a heading such as “JOB LOSS” indicates that the letter contains a refer-
ence to downsizing, layoffs, a job being eliminated, merger, acquisition, challeng-
ing economy, or other such scenario that affects either the writer or reader. “WORK-
FORCE RETURN” demonstrates that the letter is from someone returning to the job
market after several years. “SALARY” indicates a salary discussion that may pro-
vide ideas for you to use. “CONFIDENTIALITY” refers to a request for discretion in
contacting the jobhunter at his or her present place of employment...and so on. For
quick reference, turn to Index of Letters by Industry and Job Title and Index of Let-
ters That Address Specific Issues at the end of the book.
In addition to all the cover letters in the book, the CD-ROM also includes
Worksheets 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 from Chapter 3 for those who prefer to complete these
on their computers. In using the model letters provided, it’s important to person-
alize them so that they don’t sound too generic. Remember to pay attention to
visual appearance, as well. All of the text provided here can be used in letter or
e-mail form, but you’ll need to do some simple reformatting, cutting, and pasting,

xi
Copyright 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click Here for Terms of Use.