Secret Tip For Emergency Situations

If name is unavailable, use one of 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 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 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 interview, and ultimately 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!"

Maybe you're thinking it's easy for me. I've been a writer for 20 years and you're just beginning. But I'm here to tell you it's easier than you may think.

Here's what to do.

Just above typical greeting in your cover letter (Dear Mrs. Smith), place your 'killer' headline. And to make it stand out even more, type sentence in bold-face print and center it on page. (Two lines maximum).

Here are THREE examples of excellent cover letter headlines:

THREE reasons why I believe I may be candidate you're looking for to fill [insert job opening title here].

I have researched [company name] and believe I am an ideal match for [insert job opening title here].

Let me show you how why I am a perfect fit for position of [insert job opening title here].

With a headline like one of above, what do you think Mrs. Smith will do? Trash and scan? No way. She will be drawn in and want to read more about you. Using 'muscle' of a strong headline at beginning of your next job-search cover letter can fill your calendar with interviews for job that is just right for you.

So 'pack a wallop' to your next cover letter with a smashing title or headline and then get ready for phone to ring!