Now, you may be thinking to yourself that you're not going to read anything 150 times, because you'll be reading the SAME thing over and over again! And that's exactly my point. Plus or minus 10%, most applications for a job are identical. Just the names and dates are a little different.
Essentially they all say the same things: "I'm good with people", "I am committed to performing to my utmost capacity" "I consistently strive for higher standards". Additionally, most applicants will have roughly the same skills because most people only apply for jobs they think have the skills to do.
How can I say this? At our office in Australia, we see hundreds of applications every week, and unfortunately, they all look the same - except for a few. And it's these few that we call in for an interview.
Think about that. If you were an employer, do you want an employee that is simply one of the crowd or do you want someone that STANDS OUT from the crowd?
I could tell you right now how your cover letter probably starts (if you use one):
I'm writing an application for the position advertised in....
Or maybe you're more creative...
Your ad on Monster.com really interested me....
As we've mentioned in previous newsletters, the reason why your application probably looks like every other application is you learned how to write applications at school or college along with every other student. Now it's time to consider a different approach - following are some examples of highly successful application openings which resulted in interviews.
"5 key areas where I can help you increase your sales" (salesperson for music store)
"I want you to imagine your customers loading their cars with plants by the bootfull... and what's more they vow to come back for more." (assistant at a plant nursery)
"Genius for hire." (short-term programmer position)
"With x years of sleeves-rolled-up HR management and employment legal experience under my belt, I have a wealth of experience to help you get the results you're looking for from your people..." (HR/Management)
And here's one that landed its writer an interview here:
With 7 years of managerial and IT experience I have a blend of skills and talents you're looking for to make your networks, hardware and software run more efficiently with a minimum of downtime.
More than that, I have a business mentality that finds areas to reduce costs, improve performance and deliver better customer solutions resulting in better business. Here are some key areas where I can help you get the results you're looking for:
The point here is you want to start your letters with a powerful opening that makes the employer sit up and take notice. Remember that an employer is only interested in what you can do for them.
You could be excused for thinking that these openings are over the top, but I can assure you that if you begin to use the language of your employer, your application will immediately become 150 times more exciting to an employer.
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