Frankly, it’s been a long time since I’ve looked for a “real” job, as a friend once referred to corporate employment. So I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about cover letters. Actually, now that I think about it, they bear more than a passing resemblance to marketing direct mail and are worthy of any copywriter’s attention. But I digress.
The real story here is that cover letters are still relevant, and some companies insist that you submit one with your resume. The question is how to make your cover letter memorable.
Jimmy Sweeney, president of CareerJimmy and “author of the brand new Amazing Cover Letter Creator,” has one answer. The way to get your cover letter read, he says, is by putting a powerful, attention-grabbing headline at the very beginning. A strong header persuades the poor soul reviewing stacks of missives to read on. If you don’t screw up in the body of the letter, you may actually move ahead in the hiring process.
When you think about it, a headline in a cover letter focuses the reader. Like eyebrows on a face, a headline creates interest and engagement. Done right, it’s a perfect sales tool. Now the question is: Will you do it or will you nod agreeably and consider that it’s just a touch too undignified?
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