Results tagged “Amazing Cover Letter Creator” from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters Tips Blog

Place a powerful headline at the top of your cover letter, says Jimmy Sweeney, president of CareerJimmy and author of the “Amazing Cover Letter Creator.” “Just above the greeting in your cover letter (Dear Mrs. Smith), place your ‘killer’ headline in boldface print and center it on the page. (Two lines maximum.),” Sweeney suggests.

He offers these three examples of first-rate cover-letter headlines — the secret, he says, to landing more quality job interviews:

• Three reasons I feel confident I’m the candidate you’re searching for regarding the [insert job opening title here].
• I have visited the [company name] website and believe I am a great match for the position of [insert job opening title here].
• I would love the opportunity to be interviewed in person for the position of [insert job opening title here].

“By creating a stellar headline you are attracting attention to your cover letter,” Sweeney says, “and bringing it the attention it deserves. Starting your cover letter off with an attention-grabbing headline is a highly effective way for you to stand out from the crowd in a positive light.”

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Jimmy Sweeney, author of the “Amazing Cover Letter Creator,” suggests writing a cover letter that “take[s] back control and win[s] more interview opportunities immediately.”

Here’s how Sweeney says to do so:

1. Write a NEW kind of cover letter. ASK for the job interview and mean it. No polite suggestions or innuendos. Be upfront, clear and direct:

   “I would appreciate meeting in person to discuss the position of [fill in job title here]. I will adjust my schedule to meet yours. What time and date work best for you? I welcome the opportunity for a personal interview.” (Now THAT’S a statement that all but demands a response.)

   “May we schedule an interview when it works best for you? [Insert company name here], is at the top of my list of companies I’d like to work for and I’d love to meet with you in person to discuss the position of [fill in job title here].” (Another nice, clear and direct statement to be called for the job interview).

2. Dial an interview. Wait for several days after you mail your cover letter. Then pick up the phone and call the person in charge and ASK for an interview person-to-person. Don’t sound pushy, just eager to get together. Your enthusiasm will impress him/her. Example: “Are you free for 30 minutes on Wednesday afternoon? I would love to interview for the position of [fill in job title here].
3. Send an e-mail. Professionals today rely on e-mail for quick messages. Use this effective means of communicating to your advantage. Follow up your original cover letter with an e-mail reminder. Something like this will work.

   Dear Mr./Ms. Jones:

   On September 10 I sent a cover letter and resume to apply for the position of sales manager at Sunshine Corporation. I’m sure you have many applications to sort through but I feel confident that I’m just what you’re looking for. I would welcome the chance to interview for this position and am asking for that opportunity when your schedule permits. Thank you for taking a moment to read my request. I look forward to meeting with you in person.

   Jill Job Seeker jilljobseeker@xyz.com

“That’s it!,” Sweeney says. “Take charge in an upbeat and friendly way, and you’ll be in charge. And remember to follow up everything. Step up to the quality job interviews today — and tomorrow you just may be launching the career of your dreams.”

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the new www.amazing-cover-letters.com. Jimmy is also the author of several career-elated books and writes a monthly article titled, “Job Search Secrets.”

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Jimmy Sweeney, president of CareerJimmy and author of the Amazing Cover Letter Creator, asserts that a post-interview cover letter (also known as a thank-you or followup letter) moves job-seekers to the top of the “must consider” list.

Sweeney notes that few job-seekers take time to express their gratitude in writing, so those who do are bound to stand out.

“A simple ‘thank you,’ ‘I appreciated our meeting today,’ or ‘I’m grateful we had a chance to get together,’ can draw the line between getting hired and being ignored,” Sweeney says.

Sweeney points out that “your follow-up letter will also reveal the kind of person an employer would like to hire — someone who is thoughtful, other-centered, and caring. You have only one chance to make a great first impression—and a lasting one!

He notes that mail addressed to a specific person in the sender’s handwriting will be opened first.

Here is an example of Sweeney’s suggested clear and precise post-interview cover letter that hits the mark:

Dear [specific name of ] Hiring Manager:

I really enjoyed meeting you today. Thank you so much for making time for me. I appreciated the tour of your facility, meeting some of your colleagues, and having a chance to see the department where the new candidate will work. It was very kind of you to invite me to explain why I feel I am the best-qualified person to fill the job opening. Your humor and good eye contact put me at ease. I know I’d like working for your company very much. I felt right at home. Please call if you’d like me to return for a second visit. Give me a date and time that work for you and I’ll be there. Again, thank you for meeting with me this afternoon.

Sincerely yours,

Fiona (or Foster) Follow-Up

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the Amazing Cover Letter Creator. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, “Job Search Secrets.”

Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.

"Your goal as a job-hunter is to land an interview, not bury the employer in a vocabulary
landfill," notes Jimmy Sweeney, president of CareerJimmy and author of the Amazing Cover Letter Creator. "Keep in mind, these men and women are just like you and me. They sleep and eat, go to work, play with their kids on the weekends, and catch a movie or read a book in their free time. And they want to keep their job by filling job slots in their company!"

Sweeney advises job-seekers to communicate clearly, concisely, and courteously. Employers "will not only appreciate you but will want to meet you in person because you are such a rarity," he says.

Sweeney recommends that cover-letter writers, "let your personality shine. Speak to the employer as you would a good friend. In short, be yourself."

Here's the kind of language Sweeney advises:

After reading the description of the job you want to fill, I felt as though it was meant for me. Everything you want in an employee rings true for me. I have experience and expertise as a restaurant manager and special culinary skills that will allow me to oversee the chefs as well as the restaurant workers. I would love the opportunity to meet in person for an interview. I am available for the next two weeks. The best phone number to reach me at is 555-555-1212.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to it.

Here's the kind of language he disdains:

Pursuant to attached resume, you will see my qualifications to turn around your ailing business. Chief among my outstanding characteristics is my ability to codify and quantify the statistics that have lowered your overall performance during said year. Should you decide to meet with me in person, and I trust you will, given my expertise, you will quickly discern that I have a penchant for disseminating information that is not recognized by the common employee and therefore. . .

"Can't you just hear the paper shredder warming up in the background?" Sweeney asks.

Sweeney suggests that you read your cover letter aloud. "Look at it. Search out those weedy words and grab them with the pruning shears. Rewrite until the words and sentences make you smile. If you want that job, ask for it clearly and politely -- with a dash of your unique personality. You increase the odds you will be rewarded with an interview as well as the job you're fighting for.

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the Amazing Cover Letter Creator. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.