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.
![]() Google News Updated : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:49:19 GMT Emptying the Pac-10 notebook - ESPN
ESPN - USC is a perfect 8-0 vs ASU this decade, last losing to the Sun Devils in 1999. Over the 8 wins, USC has averaged 39.8 PPG. The Trojans are going for their 400th victory at the Coliseum. Trojans sense an opportunity with Arizona State USC, ASU to avoid second Pac-10 loss Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:31:02 GMT Wall Street, markets continue roller coaster - Bizjournals.com
Bizjournals.com - A roller coaster week on Wall Street ended with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 128 points Friday after bouncing back from almost 700 points down in the day. Video: Wild Swings Drive Morning Trading Worst Week on Wall Street Ends Down Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:29:25 GMT Two Banks in Midwest Fail - Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal - By JEFF BATER WASHINGTON -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Friday announced the closings of two banks, bringing to 15 the number of federally insured banks that have failed this year. Two banks fold, bringing total to 15 failures this year Regulators shut small banks in Mich., Ill. Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:14:00 GMT Notes on a Milk Scandal - Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal - By JOSEPH STERNBERG | FROM THE WALL STREET JOURNAL ASIA It's a question I'd never expected to spend much time thinking about. France pulls tainted Chinese food Tainted milk prompts new Chinese standards Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:28:15 GMT Conflict Resolution Marked Career of Nobel Laureate Martti Ahtisaari - Voice of America
Voice of America - By Andre de Nesnera Conflict resolution marked the career of former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari who has received this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to secure peace in various regions of the world. Video: Ex-Finland President Wins Nobel Peace Prize Martti Ahtisaari gets a deserved Nobel Peace Prize for a (failed) plan Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:23:27 GMT John McCain, Barack Obama on healthcare - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - How workable are the presidential candidates' health reform plans? Here's a summary of their proposals and a list of online resources for more information. In this economy, don't count on comprehensive health reform Fact Check: Would Obama fine businesses that don't offer health care? Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:27:40 GMT GOP Alleges Nonprofit Voter Fraud - CBS News
CBS News - (CBS) This week Sen. John McCain and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, went after one of the nation's leading voter registration groups which focuses its efforts minorities and low-income families and now being investigated for voter fraud. McCain Campaign Calls for Investigation of ACORN-Obama Ties Voter fraud accusations mar presidential campaign Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:21:41 GMT RSS to HTML |
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