A Killer Secret To Get Your Cover Letter Read

You're still reading-so I know my title grabbed your attention.

Why? Because it 'packed a punch.' You have three seconds to nab your reader in any written communication. Do it with a smashing title or headline! This secret technique, when used properly, practically guarantees that he or she will stay with you till the last line of your cover letter, article, or report.

How does this little secret apply to a resume cover letter?

I'm glad you asked! Put it at the top of your next job-search cover letter and you'll attract the employer's undivided attention. Without this powerful little gem, however, you risk being a victim of the 'scan and trash' syndrome.

Why do I use the phrase, "Killer Secret?" To make my point. It's an attention-grabber! I got your attention and curiosity. You can lasso the same things from your reader.

When it comes to cover letters, however, the use of a headline is hardly a theory. It's a FACT that everyone is attracted to books and articles and letters that have a title that sizzles like a burger on a grill!

People today pick up a magazine, newspaper or advertisement, scan first and read later. You can stop that process cold. A strong headline that 'jumps' off the page of your cover letter will keep them reading your writing. And if you're trying to land a job interview, what could be more important than riveting the person to your every word?

Imagine the results you'll experience in your job search when your cover letter opens with an attention-grabbing headline that is so unique and so compelling that the hiring manager cannot put it down? He or she will actually be excited to meet you, to discuss the job, and to hand it over to you! Potential employees that show creativity and color in their communication are a boon to any company.

Maybe you're thinking it's easy for me. I've been a writer for 20 years and you're just beginning. But I'm here to tell you it's easier than you may think.

Here's what to do.

Just above the typical greeting in your cover letter (Dear Mrs. Smith), place your 'killer' headline. And to make it stand out even more, type the sentence in bold-face print and center it on the page. (Two lines maximum).

Here are THREE examples of excellent cover letter headlines:

THREE reasons why I believe I may be the candidate you're looking for to fill [insert job opening title here].

I have researched [company name] and believe I am an ideal match for the [insert job opening title here].

Let me show you how why I am a perfect fit for the position of [insert job opening title here].

With a headline like one of the above, what do you think Mrs. Smith will do? Trash and scan? No way. She will be drawn in and want to read more about you. Using the 'muscle' of a strong headline at the beginning of your next job-search cover letter can fill your calendar with interviews for the job that is just right for you.

So 'pack a wallop' to your next cover letter with a smashing title or headline and then get ready for the phone to ring!

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy has written several career-related books and his unique articles are always a job-seeker favorite. Who else wants their phone ringing off the hook with more quality job interviews? Visit Jimmy on the web right now at http://www.Amazing-Cover-Letters.com for your 'instant' cover letter today.

CAREER TOPICS

CDL Practice Test - Offers Practice Tests To Prepare For The CDL Exam
As you take CDL practice test, you do become more familiar with the CDL test, and being familiar with the test will make the actual test much less stressful.In fact, if used correctly, CDL practice test can be an extremely targeted study tool that will precisely pinpoint the areas in which you are weakest and then help you to learn how to combat and overcome those weaknesses.

Resume Writing - Tips and Advice
Job-hunting is not the most exciting thing in the world but you can make it easier. The key is organization.

10 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Job Fairs
Many job seekers tend to overlook job fairs. They can be crowded, busy, competitive and confusing events.

5 Ways to Combat Job Burnout
Job burnout happens when the stress or prolonged frustration of a job or career contributes to emotional and physical exhaustion. The ability to cope with general life stressors outside of work is strained.

From Bumbling Bosses to Cranky Co-Workers - How to Overcome What Makes You Hate Your Job
I'll be the first to admit that I hated my job. It took many years for me to come to this realization since I kept accepting promotions in the hopes that the awful ache inside of my chest would go away.

Little Mistakes That Keep You Unemployed
If your job search is dragging on and on, you might want to look in the mirror. Because the person looking back may be sabotaging your efforts.

Interview Preparation
The dreaded job interview is the Number 1 source of email enquiries to Confidence Club. The following email is typical:"I have an interview coming up and I'm terrified! I have to do a presentation in front of a panel of judges, and I just know I'm going to make a fool of myself"Interviews generate immense levels of anxiety.

How to Get Hired by Being Obvious
If you want a drink of water, do you hire a focus group or pick up the Yellow Pages? No. You go to the kitchen, fill a glass and drink.

Free Resume Examples: More Is Better
If you ever studied any probability theory in high school or college, you probably remember the marbles.Most introductory probability books talk about drawing different colored marbles out of a bag.

The Hidden Job Market: Real or Imagined?
The hidden job market has been touted as the place to go if you want to find the best jobs. It's been said that this sector of the job market accounts for seventy-five percent of all the job openings out there.

8 Steps to Getting On-Track When You Start a New Job
Starting a new job can feel like moving to a new country. Your language skills may be modest.

Five Qualities Employers Want
More than ever, employers want employees who can produce results! Here are five qualities employers seek in such employees.1.

Yes, Ive Had Gaps In My Employment History--What To Do About It?
Yes, I've Had Gaps In My Employment History--What Can I Do About It?1. Honestly, there is not a single person who has not had SOME gaps in their work history.

Death By Workers Compensation
Excerpt of Death By Workers' Compensation"The Bleeding Rose"In this Excerpt the time that has lapsed is over an hour after the accident. What you are about to read will sicken you and make you wonder why no charges were ever pressed and why this man was not arrested for his part in destroying another person's life, let alone possibly destroying a unborn child's.

Getting A Leg Up
Legging Up Your CompetitionLet's face it. When you graduate from college you need an edge over the competition, right? Every year thousands of college students just like you enter the job market looking for the same thing you are, a job / career.

Closing the Gap on Your Career Goals
If you still picture a steady progression up the ladder when you think of your career goals, it is time to shift your thinking. For most people, climbing the career ladder is no longer an option.

How to Answer The Most Difficult Interview Questions
The following 'difficult' questions are common to most tricky or adversarial interviews. In order to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job, you must prepare and rehearse your answers meticulously.

Job Search - 6 Tips to Boost Your Campaign
Does your job search feel like a big weight on your shoulders?Are you confused about what you should do next?Do you have starts and stops in your search activities?Are you beating yourself up because you haven't done enough?Okay, first things first.Conducting a job search can be overwhelming under the best of circumstances.

Layoff Survival Guide - Do You Have The Career Management Horsepower It Will Take To Survive?
In a recent survey of over 662 career seekers, some disturbing trends identified that MOST career seekers don't have a clue what career management skills they have or what those skills are! As a result, it will be difficult for these career seekers to succeed.In fact, only 71% of the respondents recognized they had any career management skills at all! That's why they are particularly vulnerable to future layoffsBefore skipping to the answers, try your hand at identifying YOUR career management skills.

The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter
Here's a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This is why I'm intrigued by the fact that a) jobseekers rarely submit them and b) hiring managers seldom read them.