by EnglishCV
Today I want to give you one special tip to boosting your job hunt success. Using this tip you can dramatically increase the number of employers that book you for interview. Simply keep reading to take advantage!
The secret lies not in obsessing about your CV but in paying greater attention to the cover letter. This is because the cover letter is the first thing employer see in your application. Hence it's absolutely crucial. If the cover letter doesn't convince employers you're a worthwhile candidate then you've wasted your time sending the application.
How then can you create a really persuasive cover letter? Let them tell you first of all that doing this isn't easy. It takes hours to get the approach right and weeks to find out whether you're succeeding. But once you've got the formula down the hard work will be worth it. You'll enjoy replies from almost every employer you contact.
Start by adopting the employer's perspective. Think to yourself: What information would convince me to invite a complete stranger to interview? How would this stranger present themselves?
Remember that you're attempting to both convince the employer you're a perfect candidate but also a good human being. Employers want candidates who can both do the work and contribute to a nice atmosphere.
Once you've noted down this information start to consider the context in which employers read applications. They probably don't have time to read every cover letter in detail. In addition they've probably got dozens of applications to read through.
How then might this alter the application you send? Do you risk boring the employer by writing a detailed cover or choose something more brief?
Finally you can begin sending out the cover letter to employers. Treat each application as though it's part of an experiment. Instead of hoping and praying for a response learn from what happens. If you don't get a reply it's because you've not persuaded the employer.
Think to yourself: How might I be more persuasive? What can I change to create a better response next time? Tinker with each batch of applications and you'll soon figure out what works.
Like I say though this approach takes a long time and a lot of effort. Without paying for a professional service though it's the best chance you've got.
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