7 Ways Junk Mails Can Help You Write Killer Resumes (and Cover Letters)

You don’t have to take the bait on that 12-month, 0% APR credit card offer cluttering your mailbox to appreciate the value of junk mail. That’s because a lot of those letters from insurance companies and coupon brochures to water park resorts have something every job hunter really does want: writing that sells.

So if you want to keep your resume and cover letter out of the circular file, you may want to incorporate some of these golden junk mail tactics to prepare killer resumes and cover letters.

An Enticing Offer

It shouldn’t take long for a job recruiter to get the message of who you are and why you would be valuable. If you apply by email, condense your single biggest selling point into the subject line (example: award-winning graphic designer w/ 5-years experience seeks Sr. Design position). And in the first paragraph of either format, sell your key qualities as you express your intent to apply. Don’t just inform them you want the job, make them want to hire you.

Crisp, Concise Language

Good direct mail wastes no words; neither should your cover letter or resume. Make your sentences short and your points clear. You need to convey confidence and excitement with substance, not flowery verbiage. A recruiter sifting through a stack of applications can see a time-waster a mile away. Get your point across fast and get thanked with an interview.

Be Professional

Good direct mail would never be mistaken for a personal letter—except that junk mail actually designed to trick you into thinking it’s real mail. Annoying, isn’t it? Don’t get too cute and familiar, especially if you’re sending an email. Save the emoticons and LOL’s for your friends. This is especially important on your resume, which should look polished, appealing, and easy to read.

Be Personal

You are still a person. Emotion, connectedness, and shared experience will always have a place in business, and, with the right balance, they can work wonders for your job search. Your cover letter is the ideal place to relate to the reader on a personal (but still professional) level. It’s also an excellent opportunity to reference any colleagues or connections you have to the company.

Highlight the Benefits

Most job applicants list all their qualifications, just rambling on about themselves. The most compelling junk mail pieces, however, don’t just list the features of a product or service—they show how those features will benefit the user. Don’t just say you’re experienced. Tell them your familiarity with their procedures will eliminate the need for training and boost efficiency from day one. Don’t talk about you—talk about what you will do for them.

Reference your Sales Sheet

Don’t use your cover letter to repeat everything on your resume, but do draw attention to the key points (especially if you can show how your ‘features’ will turn to benefits). By asking them to refer to specific points on your resume, you are driving them to further action and engagement with your profile rather than turning to the next candidate.

Invite a Response

Don’t print a coupon on your cover letter (unless you really are that desperate for ideas). But do make it easy to respond. Instead of just saying you look forward to their response, direct them to the best way to reach you. It’s a small touch to repeat your contact information, but you want to close the deal. At the very least, make sure your contact information appears on both your cover letter (or email) and your resume.

What do you think? Do you agree that there is a ‘junk mail tactic’ that we can apply to write killer resumes and cover letters?

This is just one of the 100′s of tips, techniques and how-to’s in a new eBook called “The Ultimate Online Job Search eBook”. For more about the job search and career development process, including mistakes to avoid on resumes, the most important interview questions, appropriate interview attire and creating your online presence head over to the store and get The Ultimate Online Job Search eBook today!

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This entry was posted on Friday, February 19th, 2010 at 10:11 am and is filed under Career, Job Search, Online Career Space. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.