The 4 Sentence Cover Letter That Gets You The Job Interview

Introduction

Hello everyone, I'm Andy Lasv, founder of MyOK Academy and award-winning author of The Hiring Prophecies. In today's episode of "Tips for Work and Life," we're going to talk about cover letters. When I mention cover letters, I'm also referring to any means you will use to introduce yourself to a potential employer. This could be a cover letter, an email with your resume attached, or notes provided in an applicant tracking system. Ultimately, it’s about effectively introducing yourself.

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

It's essential to remember the purpose of a cover letter. Traditionally, before the digital age, applicants mailed their resumes to employers along with a cover letter to clarify their intent. However, with today's technology, the way we apply for jobs has drastically changed. You still need to make an effective introduction, regardless of the format.

Key Considerations

Before we dive into the structure of the introduction, here are a few important points to consider:

1. Respect the Recruiter's Time: On average, recruiters can receive about 150 emails daily, with hiring managers often getting even more. A concise introduction will stand out and show that you value their time.

2. Be Brief and Direct: Most recruiters want to quickly assess your fit for the position, so lengthier intros may not be read thoroughly.

3. Reference Essential Information: You can add details in your resume, but keep your introduction focused and intriguing, encouraging the recruiter to read your resume.

Structure of the Cover Letter

Now, let’s break down the essential components of your introduction, ideally fitting it into four sentences:

1. Addressing the Letter:

   • Start with a friendly yet professional greeting. Use "Dear [Employer's Name]" if you can find it, or opt for "Dear Hiring Manager" if not.

2. State Your Intent:

   • In the first sentence, clarify why you're writing: "I am writing to inquire about the opening for [Job Title]."

3. Introduce Yourself:

   • The next couple of lines should summarize your qualifications: "I offer X years of experience in [Your Specialty], making me a strong candidate for this opening. The top portion of my attached resume highlights my career profile and three significant accomplishments that align with this position."

4. Open for Further Discussion:

   • Conclude with a line expressing your enthusiasm: "I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you if you believe I'd be a strong candidate for this or any other position within your organization."

Final Thoughts

Using this structure keeps your introduction brief, engaging, and respectful of your recruiter's time. It creates a sense of intrigue that encourages them to read your attached resume.

If you found this information helpful, let me know in the comments, and feel free to ask any questions! Additionally, I have a comprehensive training course launching soon that dives deep into all aspects of careers, from discovering your purpose to job searching and interviewing strategies. Stay tuned for that!

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Keywords

• Cover letters
• Job application
• Recruiters
• Job interviews
• Professional introduction
• Career advice
• Resume highlights
• Candidates
• Effective communication

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of a cover letter?
A: The cover letter serves as an introduction to your application, providing context and early insight into your qualifications.

Q: How should I address my cover letter?
A: Address it directly to the hiring manager by name if possible. If that information isn't available, "Dear Hiring Manager" is a suitable alternative.

Q: What should I include in a cover letter?
A: Your cover letter should include your intent, a brief overview of your qualifications, a reference to your resume, and an expression of interest for further dialogue.

Q: How long should my cover letter be?
A: Aim for brevity. A four-sentence structure is effective in keeping it concise while addressing essential points.

Q: Should I include detailed accomplishments in the cover letter?
A: Focus on intriguing summaries rather than detailed accomplishments. Save the specifics for your resume where they can be highlighted more effectively.