"I've sent out 769 cover letters. No responses."
The human way to respond to this is to conclude there are no jobs out there, no clients for our business, no new customers. Everyone has boarded that space ship to Mars.
The smart way to respond is to ask ourselves what we could be doing that we're not doing and what we might stop doing any of. So, let's look at fundamentals of cover letters, the to-dos, and what's gets them tossed.
FUNDAMENTALS:
In essence, our cover letters are how we explain to those with purchasing power why they should buy us or from us. Yes, it's sales on paper. That means that we use all the basics of selling. Those include the focus on the buyer, not ourselves. We only refer to ourselves in context of how our skills, knowledge base and experience can benefit the buyer. It also means respect for their time. We only present those credentials which align with what is wanted or needed and what could get the organization to the next level. We don't give our professional history. In addition, we demonstrate we have researched the buyer. We are not applying cold. Do that in the opening and sprinkle it through the cover letter briefly.
MUSTs:
The musts include:
- Short.
- Sticky or mentioning points that will get and keep the reader's attention. Usually that means picking up the language of the business and providing concrete evidence of a track record. The more quantified the better.
- Description how we are going to add value. That sets apart from the competition
- Call for action. That they will contact us at this telephone number for the next step.
NEVERs:
The irreversible mistakes come from a preoccupation with ourselves instead of a complete focus on the buyer. They range from becoming too personal to not displaying any knowledge of the buyer's needs to copying and pasting a canned letter.
TAKEAWAY:
Cover letters which get results are buyer-centric, custom-made, and get in and out fast.
Complimentary consultation on cover letter matters Mgenova981@aol.com. Information about Download Coach50.
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