Knowing What You're up Against and How to Prepare

From: Karen Silins

So much of writing a truly impressive cover letter is preparing yourself mentally for the task at hand. Throughout this guide, I've shown you exactly what to do and how to do it. But following the guidelines only works if you're really and truly invested in the strategy behind those rules. You've got to have your heart in it!

In order for that to happen, you have to face facts and make sure you know what you're up against. Let's be honest: the job market is challenging. Hundreds of people competing for one dream job, hiring directors combing through thousands of applications – the numbers can be staggering.

What you must realize is that most other applicants are writing the kinds of letters I've warned you about throughout this guide. They're sending in generic, unprofessional applications that either get thrown out right away or filed under "Don't call for an interview!"

If you follow all the steps I've outlined, you'll make sure you stand head and shoulders above the crowd. That means you're in a special class – the class of people who get a second look. There are fewer of those people than you might think! That said, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes that you don't know about and that you don't have any control over.

Sometimes the hiring director's nephew wants the job you're after – who do you think is going to get special treatment in that scenario? Sometimes there are employers who want a blonde woman rather than a brunette woman – we won't even dignify these types with further words, except to say that you probably wouldn't want to work for such a company in the first place.

The guidelines I've given you are going to ensure you're in the best possible position for landing an interview. Still, it's important to recognize that you can write the most perfect cover letter in the world and still not get the answer you want.

That's just cold, hard reality.

And reality is something you have to accept and move beyond. The good news is that most people who work in hiring departments like meeting new faces and they truly want to help you succeed.

Stay positive and know that if you follow the steps in this guide, you're doing everything right. Sooner or later, you ARE going to get a job that's perfect for you. In the meantime, be patient! Sometimes good things make you wait for their arrival.

            Don't get down on yourself. I've heard literally hundreds of stories from people who thought they would never land the job of their dreams. Look at them now – they're executives, producers, and editors. Don't give up. Job-hunting can be arduous, but no one ever said success was easy!

            The job market can be tough at times; stay positive. The best thing you can do for yourself is to remain confident and optimistic!

            Having worked with so many clients, I've heard many stories from people who never thought they'd get the interview or job they wanted. In the end, though, with my help and this breakthrough cover letter system, they landed their dream jobs!

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/