Cover Letters - Take Out The 'Self' And Put In The 'Sell'

I just came across this article and found it to be very worthwile.
It is by Joyce and Todd from Integrity Career Transitions

Cover Letters - Take Out The 'Self' And Put In The 'Sell'
To be truly effective, cover letters, like resumes, need to address the needs of the employer. Submit a cover letter which does nothing but sing your own praises in terms that the employer cannot relate to and he will simply switch off.
Your job, as an applicant, is to convince a prospective employer that you are the best possible match for the position and for his company. In order to achieve this, your cover letter needs to do several things:
1. Tell the employer why you are unique
The body of your cover letter should set out your Unique Selling Proposition, the thing that you can lay claim to but that no other can. Perhaps you achieved the best results in a particular field or area or were recognized by an award or have a unique set of skills and experience. Whatever it is, it must be unique to you, you must be able to back it up and it must be set out in specific terms. If you claim to be the top-selling salesman in your region, then you must be able to back it up with facts and figures.

2. Demonstrate that you understand what the job entails
Cover letters can never, ever be generic and it is down to you to demonstrate that you know precisely what is involved in each and every job that you apply for.

3. Demonstrate that you understand the employer's priorities
Two employers advertising a position for a production manager, for example, may have two completely different sets of priorities. One may be looking to increase output, while the other is more concerned with improving quality standards. Not only do you need to establish through your research which is the case, but you need to show the employer in the body of your cover letter that you understand his needs.

4. Demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience to fill the position
Tell a prospective employer about skills and experience which are not directly relevant to the role that you are applying for and you will be wasting your time. Fail to make a direct link between relevant skills and experience and the role that you are applying for and you will also fail to hit the mark. If the role being advertised is for a manufacturing production manager and the employer's chief priority is to increase manufacturing output, if you have the planning, organizational, technical or whatever skills to achieve this, then don't just tell him so in no uncertain terms, but show him how you used those skills and that experience in past positions to achieve great things.

5. Demonstrate that you get results
Be specific about the great things that you achieved in your previous roles. Tell the reader by what percentage you increased output and what the consequent increase in turnover or profits was in dollar terms. Wherever possible, try to relate your success back to how much money you earned or saved your previous employer. In most cases, whether his priority is increasing output or improving quality, his ultimate aim is to achieve greater profits through increased sales or lower costs.

6. Tell the reader that you have even more relevant experience which is covered in your resume
The aim of your cover letter is to get your resume read, so it is imperative that you entice him into reading it. After providing several examples of the benefits that you will take to his organization, just adding a simple sentence such as, 'As you will see from my enclosed resume, I also have a great deal of experience in.../possess excellent ... skills' will leave him wanting to find out more.

You might feel worn out by the effort of creating a tailored resume to suit every application, but if you fail to create a tailored cover letter to accompany it, you will have wasted your time. Employers admit that often they do not spend more than literally a few seconds scanning each application during the first sift. Make your cover letter one that stands out by truly demonstrating an understanding of the employer's needs, and you will be the one to get the call back!

Southwest Job Network and GCC to Host "Slow Networking" Event

Southwest Job Network Meeting

Go Slow to Go Fast in Your Job Search

The Southwest Job Network (SJN), previously known as Scottsdale Job Network, in partnership with Glendale Community College (GCC) is hosting a West Valley seminar and networking event, "Slow Networking Monday, July 13, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Glendale Community College-Student Union, Room 104, located at 6000 W. Olive Ave. in Glendale.

The goal of this seminar is to educate job seekers on how to conduct a mutually beneficial Slow Networking meeting. During the event, participants will learn step-by-step techniques for executing effective 20-30 minute discussions that result in professional referrals, job leads and new network connections. This event will also help job seekers expand their network by building new connections with fellow workshop attendees. Workshop registrants should come to the event with a prepared elevator speech. Course pre-work will be emailed prior to the workshop. Call (480) 513-1491 or email info@southwestjobnet.com for additional information.

Please pre-register at http://sjn-wv-slownetworking-07132009.eventbrite.com/

The Southwest Job Network (SJN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides training, personal connections, access to resources and moral support for individuals in career transition. SJN leaders and trainers are volunteers who come from various industries including technology, healthcare, government, finance and human resources. Members represent the entire career spectrum of the metro Phoenix area. For more information, visit www.southwestjobnet.com

About SJN

SJN North Phoenix Southwest Job Network Meeting

Southwest Job Network Meeting

Tuesday July 21, 2009 8:30-11:45 AM

Southwest Job Network

YOUR MARKETING PLAN: RESUME, LINKEDIN, AND OTHER TOOLS

Build on your career vision and create a personal marketing plan. Assess your skills inventory, decide who you want to dance with and clarify the benefits you offer to potential employers and/or clients. You will develop a personal marketing strategy and a tactical plan for getting visibility. Learn how to communicate your value in spoken, written, and online media, with a consistent message across your elevator speech, resume, LinkedIn profile, business cards, and executive bio. Successfully communicating your value will help you during networking and in your interviews.

Registration & Details:
http://sjn-ne-marketing-07212009.eventbrite.com/

Location: Temple Chai - 4645 East Marilyn Road Phoenix, Arizona 85032

Thank you,
Bill Austin

Email: | Southwest Job Network | Voice Mail: Phone: (480) 513-1491

Southwest Job Network



Southwest Job Network