Examples Of Cover Letter Tactics That Can Give YOUR Cover Letter An Unfair Advantage

The problem most job hunters are having right now is not only has the job market changed, but so have the job searching tools like cover letters and resumes. It seems everyone today just works off the same templates and examples, and there’s too much competition out there for that. You need to be optimizing every piece of paper in that application packet, because if you don’t, someone else will and they’ll beat you out in the interview.

Look over these examples of cover letter tactics that will add a kick to your own letter and make sure you’re the candidate they have to beat.

1. Remember not to talk in generalities. Precision is 7.2 times as compelling as generalities are. (can you see that?) When you’re asked to explain what you would be able to do for a manager, back up what you say with numbers if possible, and be as specific as you can. For example, “hundreds of thousands” sounds better than “lots.” And then “more than 630,000″ is even better yet. And finally, 649,261 would be the best. (if the data backs it up, of course)

Precision will suggest you’ve done your math. And that you know what you’re talking about. It seems precise numbers seem more believable to people than SWAG’s. If you can get hard copy records, do so. If you can’t, take the time to figure out things from memory and do the math to quote numbers about what you have accomplished.

If you have to guess, do the best you can and just remember how you went about putting the numbers together in case you are asked later. Finally, if you have to guess, you might as well put a 7 at the end of your numbers. That happens to be the most persuasive number for people for reasons that transcend understanding. You’ll also be executing several additional ideas from the example of cover letter tactics that your competition doesn’t know of.

2. If you plan to have your application packet different inside, then make sure the outside is going to be different as well. There are a lot of different ways to do this. If you are planning to use a regular first class envelope, be sure it’s marked on the outside. You have options – use red ink stamp or write a note on the envelope. You might consider “first class mail” or you can be even more creative. You might try “The Information You Requested Is Enclosed.”

You also have the option of a different type of envelope, such as 9 x 13 manila, so the cover letter is mailed flat, and possibly send it special delivery if the job is that important to you. Just keep in anything that raises attention, and it will be like you’re tapping the recruiter’s shoulder in the middle of some conversation. Just be sure that what you are delivering on the inside actually merits this interruption.

That’s a great example of cover letter tactics being used outside the envelope. You need to be sure that the job application you are sending inside will measure up to the impression the special mailer makes for you.

There is fierce competition going on in the job market, so having 89 applications out there with your name on them means nothing if they all are mediocre to start with.

If you want to be the obvious choice for the job you need to maximize every part of your job packet to gain the attention of the recruiter.