One Cover Letter Secret You Cant Afford To Miss

Suppose you were the hiring manager, your desk piled high with cover letters and resumes to sort through. Which of the following cover letter greetings would grab your attention?

Example #1:

Dear Sirs: Dear Sir/Madam: Dear Gentlemen: To whom it may concern:

Example #2:

Dear Manager: Dear HR Director: Dear Human Resources:

Example #3:

Dear Mrs. Thomas: Dear Mr. Friedman: Dear Sally Williams:

Clearly Example #3 is the best of the bunch because the job-seeker has taken time to find out your name and to spell it correctly.

Consider how you'd feel if you received a cover letter that said Dear Sir or Madam, or worse yet, 'To whom it may concern.' No one will be concerned if you address your cover letter to no one in particular!

Remember, there is nothing as sweet to the ear as the sound of ones name.

Exercise this simple secret and your cover letter will rise to the top of the pile!

"But I don't know who to address my cover letter to!"

If you don't have this information, take time to get it. Call the company. For jobs posted online this may be a challenge. But still, go the extra mile. Then at the very least address your letter to the appropriate entity. Example: Hiring manager; HR Director; etc.

Secret Tip For Emergency Situations

If the name is unavailable, use one of the greetings in Example #2 and add this personal note.

Please Note: I'm sorry for this impersonal greeting on my cover letter. I was unable to get your name online. However, I look forward to the opportunity to meet you in person so I can address you by name and discuss this job opening. I am highly interested in working for {company name}.

This one-two punch would surely grab someone's attention. You are showing your respect and more important, that you care.

This secret tip alone quickly turns a potential negative into a positive that could make the difference between acceptance and rejection.

The bottom line: When you target your cover letter to a specific person by name, you greatly increase your chances of landing the interview, and ultimately the job you desire.

So before you write your next cover letter, ask yourself this essential question: Who, specifically, will be concerned about what I have to say in this cover letter? That person has a name and it sure isn't, "To whom it may concern!"

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.

---

Taking Charge During An Interview!

Perhaps you've found yourself in the position of seeking a new position due to a layoff, cutback or downsizing and are now facing the interviewing process. As... Read More

Choose Your References Wisely!

So, you need to submit employment references. A simple task, right? Sure, you could contact three of your closest friends and ask them to be your references.... Read More

Successful Job Seeking ? The Importance of Your Cover Letter

As an employer I receive many job applications each week. Some cover letters are so well written that I am compelled to review the attached resume even... Read More

Dress For Success

You have heard the phrase, "Dress for Success." This is very important in your job search. First impressions can make or break an interview, so presenting a... Read More

How To Tap Into the Invisible Job Market

Is there a company in your area that you'd love to work for? Do you assume that, because you don't see them advertising in the classifieds or... Read More

Use Job Search Hacks to Get Hired Faster

Job searching alone is like hitchhiking a scary ride with an unknown stranger on a 180-mile long deserted, no-exit road with hopes you'll make your destination. When... Read More

The Top 10 Ways to Manage Your Career

Many people in the last decade have experienced either a layoff or termination in their lives or the lives of somebody they know. While many of these... Read More

Preventing The Runaway Candidate

Municipal and law enforcement officials in Georgia are still calculating the final costs associated with the "runaway bride". Much like the runaway bride, the "runaway candidate" can... Read More

Interviewing Over Lunch: Are You at Risk?

Sometimes a hiring process will include having lunch with the hiring manager. Despite anything said to the contrary (like "It'll just be an informal lunch so we... Read More

Create a Network and Catapult Your Job Search

Networking is still known as a great job-search strategy, yet it eludes some individuals simply because they don't know how to go about it. Individuals also tend... Read More

Job Search: Age-Proofing Your Resume

Older job hunters fear interviews where their age cannot be concealed and where an initial response of dismay on an interviewer's face, quickly hidden, confirms their anticipation... Read More

Are Online Degrees Valid to Prospective Employers?

Online distance learning has gained rapid popularity with the advent of the internet, which has proven to offer great supporting facilities and convenience for online education. However,... Read More

How Much Can You Earn Working As A Proofreader?

Thinking of a career as a proofreader? Then you will most likely want to know about salaries. Are you hoping to hear that you will make thousands... Read More

5 Steps to Standing Out Above the Crowd at Work

Do you feel like one in a million at work ? and not in a good way? When you run into your boss in the hallway, do... Read More

Relocation Myths and Stereotypes

You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on race, religion or sex. But when you make a career or other life choice, do you still... Read More

How To Deal With A Nightmare Boss

It can happen to anyone. there's a change in the organization and -- suddenly -- you find yourself working for the boss from Hell. Arrogant, demanding, ignorant,... Read More

Rev-Up Your Network!

Whether you are looking for a job, new clients or feel the need to expand your list of professional contacts, networking is the answer.So what are you... Read More

Troubleshooting Your Job Search

OK. You've posted your resume online. You've sent out a dozen copies answering classified ads. You've told everyone in your network that you're looking for a job.And... Read More

6 Steps to Re-inventing Your Career

Meaningful work honors the deepest part of your being. It is the embodiment of your gifts and talents and all that you value. Finding it in a... Read More

Working On A Farm In Kent

Being a student, a person needs to look for summer jobs, to keep up with the expenses for school and fun activities. This task is not always... Read More

How to Pick the Best Career For You , Part 2: From Exposure-to-Opportunity

Gain an audience by recognizing opportunity There's a sexier method to salsa into a great career with less tripping and more flair. Look for problems to solve... Read More

How To Find Your Dream Job

Here's the bottom line: many people work in jobs that aren't what they want or are less than they deserve.It's partly the pull of inertia (better the... Read More

Switching Careers - 7 Key Steps

Are you thinking about switching careers? If you are, you're not alone. Most Americans switch careers three times in their lifetime. Nevertheless, switching careers is scary. And... Read More

What To Do When HR Calls...

Generally, when you present yourself as a prospective candidate for a new employment opportunity, your information will filter through the Human Resources department. Since every company has... Read More

Think About a Nursing Degree

If you decide to get a degree in nursing, there are many things you need to know and consider first. Choosing your nursing school may not be... Read More

Employment Law: Attendance Rewards - Legal Ramifications

If you were thinking of offering your employees special rewards as incentives for having good attendance records, then you must read on. In fact, employers that offer... Read More