Page 75 - 201 Killer Cover Letters

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Be timely.
No one has money to burn in a tough economy—which is why
adding one exceptional research pro to your staff can actually reduce
your overhead. Allow me to explain.
If the federal government approves the revision of PL-1442 next
month, you’ll require the skills of a collections agent who has dealt
with hazardous waste—a rare expertise I’d be pleased to offer you.
Congratulations on your recent promotion! With the additional re-
sponsibilities this entails, you may need an assistant with the special
expertise I can offer you.
In today’s economy, there’s no time to waste on workers who need
continual training, motivation, and fires lit under them. Why not hire
an experienced self-starter like me?

STEP 2: INFORM

It’s in the body of your letter that you support the promise you’ve made in your
opening. Here is your chance to explain why the person or the company should
consider, interview, and hire you. If you have completed the worksheets in Chap-
ter 3, you already possess several strong concepts to use for this step in your Ad
Response and Resume Cover Letters. If you haven’t completed these worksheets,
take a few minutes to do so now, or follow the guidelines below.
First, detail any specific skills, talents, or knowledge you possess, and what
difference this will make to the firm—without repeating point by point what’s on
your resume. If your abilities might help your immediate superior reach his goals,
say so. If you’re switching fields, explain the benefits that this offers your prospec-
tive employer, such as a new perspective, or the opportunity to expand into new
areas.
Then, describe how you will deliver the benefits you’ve promised, or how
you acquired the special skills you possess. State what experience has taught you,
and how you learned. If you accomplished relevant goals in previous jobs, use this
to support your claim; where appropriate, use dollar amounts and percentages of
growth or increase. (And be sure you can substantiate them if you’re asked dur-
ing the interview.) Relate work experience to skills acquired, and not to job re-
sponsibilities. Relate school experience to skills or knowledge acquired, and not to
specific coursework. If you’re switching fields, note similarities between your cur-
rent or previous job and the job you seek.

STEP 3: INSTRUCT

You’ve grabbed the reader’s attention. You’ve detailed your support points. Now
for the next section of your letter. This is where you tell your reader how to take ad-

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