As you finish your cover letter, which is your opening sales piece about you, you want to wrap everything up in a bow for the reader. Show them you'll fit with the job and give them a reason to continue onto your resume.
Into the last paragraph goes a short recap of your skills, any personal experience you feel is pertinent to the job, salary requirements (see previous post for my advice on that), and a call to action. A call to action is what a sales person always tries to end a pitch with. You want the recipient to feel a need to do something after reading your pitch and here's your chance to suggest what you want them to do.
The final line of the Coverletter is usually "I look forward to hearing from you." Unfortunately, that is what everyone says, and you're putting the onus on the person to contact you. Instead say, "I look forward to discussing this further with you at your conveinence." or "While this cover letter and resume serve as an introduction, I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I would be an asset to XYZ Company." If you're really bold, "I look forward to discussing this further with you and will call your office to arrange an appointment." But you have to judge for yourself if bold is appropriate for this position.
Then call the company and follow up. Ask if your resume has been received and restate your desire for an interview. You'd be suprised how many people fail to follow through, which is a basic requirement for any position. Your future boss will want to know that you can follow through on a task.
No comments:
Post a Comment