In Part I, we covered how to grab the reader's attention with the opening sentence. Now we'll get them interested, arouse desire, and get them to take action. Let's get moving.
Interest
Now that you have the reader's undivided attention. The next step is get them interested in what you have to offer. In this case, since you're applying for a job, the goal is to get the reader interested in you, right?
So how do you do that? You feed them interesting facts. Like how much money you saved your previous employer. By telling them how you were at top of your class. Or that you were one of the top salespeople and the qualities you possess that enabled you to become a top performer.
Look at your past. There have to be some accomplishments you can talk about. And you must possess some strengths that enabled you to achieve those accomplishments. Don't keep them to yourself. Tell the hiring manager. Create enough interest to make the reader want to know more. How else can they make an informed decision? You're not helping anyone by holding back.
Desire
You've grabbed the reader's attention and created interested, now you'll arouse desire by describing the benefits the company will get if it "buys" what you're selling (which is you). What are the benefits of hiring you?
You've got a proven track record. You possess qualities that have made you successful in the past and will continue to make you successful in the future. The hiring manger will be congratulated for making such an outstanding hiring decision. Those are some general ideas. I'm sure you can think of some that are more specific to you and your situation.
Fill in the details that apply to your situation. Do you have some special certification or accreditation? Do you have a specialized degree? Do you have unique and relevant experience that make you an ideal candidate for the job? Surely, there are several benefits you can use to sell the hiring manager on bringing you in for an interview.
Even if you're trying to switch careers, my killer "System" will get you noticed. You'll get interviews just because the hiring manger wants to meet someone who'd send such a creative cover letter.
Action
All that's left now is to get the reader to pick up the phone and call you. Don't leave the reader hanging. You've grabbed their attention, created interest, and aroused desire. Now tell them what to do next. And don't be timid. I like to use a subheadline - a headline within the letter. It looks like this:
Here's What To Do Next?
Can you be any clearer than that? I don't think so. You could also use something like: "Here's How To Schedule An Interview With Me?"
Then give them your contact information - all of it. Your phone number, fax number (if you have one), mailing address, email address, cell phone, etc. People are different and you don't know what their preferred method of communication is so make it easy for them to "order" an interview with you.
Some people will want to pick up the phone and call you. Others prefer email. So give them multiple ways to contact you. That increases the chance they'll contact you for an interview. And that's what you want, isn't it?
So there you have it, the AIDA formula. Apply it to transform stale, boring cover letters into Killer Cover Letters that'll get the phone ringing off the hook.
Here's What To Do Next?
Hey, haven't you seen that somewhere before? Well, if you liked this article, you'll absolutely love my Killer Cover Letter "System." You can get all the details at: www.CoverLetterGuru.com
Robert is an author, speaker, and real estate entrepreneur(both on & offline). Robert applied his direct response marketing skills to develop a Killer Cover Letter System that produced 3 job offers in 72 hours. Please visit http://www.CoverLetterGuru.com to find out more about Robert's Killer Cover Letter "System." To request your FREE Report send a blank email to report@CoverLetterGuru.com
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
You have obtained an interview -- congratulations! You feel prepared... Read More
If your current CV or resume is not generating the... Read More
When we ordered the stained glass window as... Read More
Sample resume objectives. When a harried and possibly panicked job... Read More
Unemployment carries a lot of emotional baggage for most of... Read More
The need to tell people about yourself may present itself... Read More
I generally shy away from using the word "networking" when... Read More
In one short week, the axe fell at a number... Read More
Today's society has created an environment that requires business owners... Read More
As a frequent traveler, my goal for each trip is... Read More
We naturally hesitate to tell our boss when we can't... Read More
The tragedy for millions of people is that they never... Read More
Effectively present all of your IT skills with the IT... Read More
You're interested in becoming a nurse. How do you get... Read More
One of the trickier questions an interviewer might put to... Read More
Perhaps you saw it coming. The fall in company stock... Read More
Want to break into the petite modeling industry but wondering... Read More
There is a major difference between conventional resumes and executive... Read More
Jobs in speech writing are amongst the most difficult to... Read More
You are one of the fortunate few who have not... Read More
In today's economy, job seekers need an edge beyond their... Read More
Moving into a new job always involves some degree of... Read More
When all is not well with work, what do you... Read More
Most people at some point in their lives have to... Read More
Q. I'm about to graduate High School and I don't... Read More
Your mouth is dry, your palms are sweaty, your heart... Read More
Get Off the Treadmill - Exit Your Rat Race!We can... Read More
Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to... Read More
Here are two success stories from my readers who found... Read More
A raise in your base salary is a permanent source... Read More
Congratulations! You've finally landed that job interview you've been waiting... Read More
Online distance learning has gained rapid popularity with the advent... Read More
Ever wanted a job where you could spend all day,... Read More
Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More
Most of us are aware that we need to grieve... Read More
Many physicians are unsure of what tasks are appropriate to... Read More
I know what you are thinking. You're thinking, "Wait a... Read More
Without doubt, job loss through downsizing or redundancy, is a... Read More
Take a moment to step outside yourself. Now, be honest... Read More
Suppose you were the hiring manager, your desk piled high... Read More
Work at Home Jobs vs Owning a Home Based BusinessNot... Read More
Are free resume templates a viable answer to preparing a... Read More
Building your resume, based on a resume outline will give... Read More
With the U.S. economy still slumping and unemployment numbers barely... Read More
This question comes up often when I'm working with someone... Read More
One day I walked into my boss's office and said,... Read More
Here is a last year resident checklist not to forget:LICENSING:Licensing... Read More
Do you have what it takes to become an FBI... Read More
Those who watched HBO's Sex and the City (SATC, now... Read More
A part of you can't wait to dive into your... Read More
CIO Magazine ran an article entitled, "Ten Mistakes CIO's Too... Read More
It's Not What They Ask - The Hidden Agenda of... Read More
Making a career change is nothing new in today's job... Read More
For those who are looking for a career as a... Read More
One-day you're minding your own business and your boss comes... Read More
One of the biggest mistake for job seeks is to... Read More
Marketing shouldn't be limited to advertising companies. Finding a job... Read More
Ok, so you've determined that you have the right skills... Read More
Is your working life in the doldrums? Do you feel... Read More
Online distance learning has gained rapid popularity with the advent... Read More
Your mouth is dry, your palms are sweaty, your heart... Read More
Janelle Delacorte has been happily answering calls for the Home... Read More
Here are the sobering facts: studies show that almost 70%... Read More
Man is a social animal and survival is his major... Read More
If you're looking for that promotion or pay rise then... Read More
You'll get wet but the reward just might be a... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |