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Aloha! Tuesday, January 06, 2009
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The Elevator Pitch is Your Cover

The Challenge. As a jobseeker, you have only a few seconds to get the attention of the company you want to work for. The Solution. Model Your Cover Letter After the Traditional Elevator Pitch...

"The Elevator Pitch" is a short succinct synopsis of an idea, business, product or service that is communicated within the few seconds that it takes an elevator to move from one floor to another. Used frequently in startup business ventures to secure funding.

You need to think of yourself as an entrepreneur selling your skills to someone who values them. This is why "Yes, Cover Letters Are Important!"

Some HR experts say that the cover letter is the last thing that they look at -- IF, during the resume scan they think you are a candidate for the job position. Others say they look at the cover letter first to see what job you are applying for so they can sort the resumes. With new software available to conduct key word searches for electronic resumes, it is also important to include some of the key words within your cover letter.

Regardless of when or how employers look at it, the fact is - the Cover Letter provides specific information that is not contained in your resume and is a critical component in marketing yourself!

OBJECTIVE OF THE COVER LETTER
Plain and simple, Your Cover Letter should accomplish ONE GOAL: Get the Interview!

FORMAT OF THE COVER LETTER
Written in the format of a conventional business letter, you should have in an easy to find location: your name, address and contact information including your email address. The date, name of contact (if known) and address of the company to whom you are directing your resume. Many times you don't have a contact name, in such cases simply direct it to Human Resources. No more than four short paragraphs addressing specific information in each paragraph. Paragraphs should be no more than 3-4 sentences containing:

PARAGRAPH ONE
Inform the employer on what job you are applying for and where it was advertised. Impress the prospective employer by showcasing your knowledge about the company and/or the industry. If you are out of state, include right up front why you want to work in Hawaii and the fact that you understand what it means to work in Hawaii. Do research on the economics between Hawaii and the rest of the US workforce.

PARAGRAPH TWO
Include any specific information that the employer requested in the job advertisement. This could include information such as salary requirements, ability to relocate, work rotating shifts, etc. Let the employer know you are willing to relocate or are relocating on a certain date. Always assume that you will have to pay to relocate as most employers cannot pay moving costs.

PARAGRAPH THREE
Summarize why you are the person for the job! Include any skills, abilities, strengths, certification(s), degree(s), education and/or relevant project(s) in a context that ties your skills to their needs, enticing them to learn more on how you can help them add value to their operation by hiring you.

PARAGRAPH FOUR
Open a small window into your personality that makes the employer feel he or she simply must get to know you better. Include the benefits you contribute as a person.

CLOSING
This could be included in paragraph four and is where you ask for what you really want! The Interview. Make sure you give them a reason to want to talk to you such as: "I am looking forward to scheduling an interview with you to further discuss how I can assist in accomplishing the goals of your company."

So what do we know about Cover Letters? YOU GOTTA HAVE ONE! Good luck in your job quest.


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