Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter: The Four P's

From: Karen Silins

You can do it. You can write the perfect cover letter. If you're thinking, "I'm not a writer," you're thinking the wrong thoughts. Just follow my lead. In Chapter 4 you'll learn more about what to avoid when writing the perfect cover letter. Now, though, I want to put your feet squarely on the winner's path. To write an impressive cover letter, you just have to do the following:

»         Create a Powerful introduction.

»         Personalize your skills.

»         Position yourself as a great match.

»         Propose a meeting or interview.

The Four P's have transformed many a weak letter into a meeting-on-paper that's as strong as a handshake. You're probably wondering what a powerful introduction looks like. It looks like this: a relevant quotation, an intriguing fact, or an assertion that makes the reader want to read more.

To illustrate: "When asked how the Chrysler Corporation increased revenues by 246% in a single year, former Chair Robert Eaton pointed to empowerment. I, too, advocate empowerment. As manager for the department of management and budget, I have empowered my employees to make decisions on their own."

You also might be wondering how to go about personalizing your skills. That's easy. Just make your words sound as if the employer is meeting you "in person." That's what we mean by "personalizing." Instead of coming across as stiff and formal, you need to come across as a real person. I'll show you exactly how to do this.

Not quite sure what it means to position yourself? Think about being in the right place at the right time – whether you're taking advantage of an opportunity or playing tennis. The cover letter is your opportunity to position yourself for a winning serve. When you do so, you're placing yourself in the proper context. You're showing the employer you have what it takes to do the job he needs done.

The final "P" speaks for itself – propose a meeting or an interview. That's how you end your letter – by asking for what you want.

My entire method is based on the Four P's listed above. With a cover letter like this, you'll never again wonder if you're putting your best foot forward. You'll know that what you are sending is convincing, articulate, professional, and flawless.

The most effective cover letters aren't casually written, without any knowledge of what the recipient is seeking. The best cover letters are crafted to fit a certain purpose, and the purpose is always the same: capture the employer's attention!

My powerful system reveals how to match your accomplishments and skills to the needs of the company to which you're applying. Without a doubt, that's the quickest, most successful way to get the interview you desire (even if you're not the most qualified person for the job).

Now, it's not enough to know what you should write in your cover letter, you also have to know how to write it. That's why I’ll take you through the process of actually writing it. I'll explain how to begin your letter, how to structure the paragraphs and sentences, what words to use, what words to avoid, and how to talk to an employer with confidence, clarity, and style.

Cover letters are not minor accompaniments to a résumé. They're a vital part of a job application. Consider it mandatory to put your best effort into your cover letter if you want to land that job!

Karen Silins has been a professional resume and cover letter writer for 16 years and is the acting president and executive board member of the Association of Online Resume & Career Professionals

For more information about writing a cover letter that will grab the employer’s attention, please visit: http://www.breakthrough-cover-letters.com/