By Jimmy Sweeney
Got your attention? Great. That was my intention. Who wouldn'twant to read on when the title promises a 'killer secret.'
If I hadn't nabbed you in the first three seconds, however, I'dhave lost you. People read and decide just like that. A jobinterviewer does the same thing. Read and toss. Read and toss.But that doesn't have to happen to your cover letter. You cangrab and keep his or her attention with a smashing title orheadline. This technique is one of the best-kept secrets in thecareer industry. Most job-hunters focus on their credentials,instead of focusing on the hiring manager they want to meet inperson. Make him or her read your complete cover letter fromstart to finish without blinking.
How does this little secret separate your cover letter from allthe others? Great question! The answer? Most people don't knowabout it, so they can't use it. But now you know, so by puttinga powerful headline at the top of your cover letter, it willrise to the top of the pile on the interviewer's desk. In fact,he or she may stop right there, and ignore the other letters. Itcan lead to the appointment you're after and the job you want.
What happens if you skip it? Your cover letter might hit thetrash can faster than you'd hear these dreadful words, "thanks,but no thanks." You can avoid this disaster by creating a hotheadline that will assure your cover letter the attention itdeserves. If you're trying to land a job interview, what couldbe more important than pinning the reader to your every word? Heor she will want to shake your hand, discuss the job opening,and possibly make it yours. Anyone with your creativity will bea 'keeper.'
Convinced? I hope so. Here's what to do. Just above the greetingin your cover letter (Dear Mrs. Smith), place your 'killer'headline in bold-face print and center it on the page. (Twolines maximum).
Here are THREE examples of excellent cover letter headlines:
THE reason why I think I'm the right candidate for the jobopening of [insert job opening title here] at [company name].
Why I believe I'm an excellent match for the position of [insertjob opening title here] at [company name].
I would love the opportunity to be interviewed for the positionof [insert job opening title here] at [company name].
With a headline like one of the above, what do you think thehiring manager will do? He or she will read, decide, and callyou for an appointment. Exercise the 'muscle' of a strongheadline at the beginning of your next job-search cover letterand watch your calendar fill up with interviews for the job thatis just right for you
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