by Kevin Donlin - Guaranteed Resumes - Click for Info

When you write a cover letter, does it grab readers by the lapels and leavethem no choice but to call you for a job interview?

No?

Well, you're not alone. But you have work to do.

Because, in this job market, every sentence in your cover letter mustprove -- in compelling detail -- that you are the perfect person for thejob.

How do you do this?

Take the "So, what?" test. It can actually force you to writebetter cover letters than ever before. And it's easier than you think.

Read through your next cover letter and after every sentence ask yourself:

"So, what?" Is that last sentence compelling, or fluff? Necessary?TRUE? If not, rewrite or remove it. Then ask yourself "So, what?"again. Revise until every sentence shines. Here are "before" and"after" examples from cover letters that crossed my desk.

BEFORE

"I am currently employed with Markhoff Systems in the ProductionLogistic Equipment Assembly Division as a Technical Support Manager. (SO, WHAT?)I am willing to take up any engineering post." (SO, WHAT?)

AFTER

"I am applying for a position where my eight years of engineering and end-user training experience will add value to logistical operations foryour clients."

In the AFTER example, the writer clearly states the type of job he seeks,while promising to make life easier for the employer's clients. This gives thatemployer an incentive to read on and learn more.

BEFORE

"The message you are now reading is not a typical cover letter with anattached resume. Please, do not be afraid to continue reading because thisevolving communique describes what I can do for Ace Novelty, if I am chosen asits new Marketing Manager." (SO WHAT?)

Stop, stop, STOP!

Don't take forever to warm up. You must quickly appeal to an employer's selfinterest. Often, you can find a good opening paragraph halfway down the page, asI did in this AFTER example:

AFTER

"I am energized by the opportunity to achieve significant things foryour firm. Here's what I can give to Ace Novelty:

* Five years of product development and marketing experience for Fortune

500 clients, resulting in repeat business, 210% revenue growth and threeindustry awards."

This AFTER example came from the fifth and sixth paragraphs of the coverletter, but works much better as an opening. If every sentence passes the"So, what?" test, your cover letters will be concise, hard-hitting andirresistible to employers. Now, more than ever, that's a must!

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes.

Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.

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