| The job market, like everything in this economy, has | | | | looking forward to talking to you. And you can bet that |
| changed dramatically. And so have basic job search | | | | story is going to come up and you'll have an |
| tools, including cover letters. Today's market is | | | | opportunity to connect on some level other than |
| ultra-competitive. Your cover makes you stand out. Or | | | | business. |
| your recede into the background like a sheet of wall | | | | 2. The envelope matters. It seems like a small point. But |
| paper. | | | | it's important for two reasons. Letter carriers have a |
| If you simply copy a free resume cover letter off the | | | | reputation among direct mail marketers for throwing |
| net, you're relying on the same template most of the | | | | away letters to lighten their load. Especially when they |
| other job applicants are using. You need a way to | | | | think the letters are junk mail. I know it sounds |
| make your cover letter unforgettable. | | | | outrageous, but it happens and not just rarely. You can |
| Here are a few quick tactics that will help. | | | | track how it impacts delivery rates. |
| 1. Relate an interesting story about yourself. Start with | | | | Second, you don't want the interviewer to receive a |
| sample resume cover letters, sure. But add a story | | | | letter from you that looks like one of eighty-seven |
| about about yourself. People recount stories again and | | | | you've just mass-produced, even if it is. |
| again. Brief snippets and anecdotes that they think | | | | Get a blue felt pen or a red ink stamp and print |
| make them seem more interesting or just give them a | | | | something relevant and eye catching on the front of |
| chance to engage with others. What story could an | | | | the envelope. Even "FIRST CLASS" will catch the |
| interviewer recount about you? | | | | recruiter's eye. But you can do better. Try "For |
| For example, imagine Saj, the hiring manager, standing | | | | (recruiter's name)". |
| around the water cooler at the end of the day. He | | | | Be scrupulously honest. Don't get personal (Your Eyes |
| decides to break the ice by saying, "So, I'm gonna be | | | | Only). And if you promise something special or custom, |
| interviewing this guy who is teaching his son to make | | | | be sure to deliver inside. |
| radio controlled airplanes completely from scratch." | | | | 3. Don't just think about it do it. Your competition |
| Instantly, the guy telling the story is more interesting | | | | doesn't. So, it's a great way to set yourself apart and |
| himself. His status is raised because he's talking to | | | | make yourself the obvious candidate. |
| someone that others find fascinating. Not only that, he's | | | | |