Make Us (or any recruiter) Want to Read Your Resume

We read every resume – it’s our job.  However, sometimes an email [cover letter] gets us so jazzed that we can’t wait to read your resume.

Amazing cover letters are rare.  What makes certain cover letters stand out?

• Make a connection.  We want to connect with people; and want people to connect with us.   I love when someone writes an email that says: “I see that you are a member of OIWC, I am too!” You mention that common denominator – and tell me why you are reaching out to me, and I’m hooked.  Now, I’m excited to read your resume.  Mention our alma maters – Penn State/Bemidji State, and we’re stoked!
• Be creative. Our business name is plum.  Tag line: Fresh talent. Juicy careers.  If you play on our tag line, or company name, we LOVE it.  We had someone write: “Hey! I’m looking to be ‘picked’ for a plum job!”  And another that closed her email with: “If plum needs another fruit--one with experience in the Outdoor and Ski Industries, and with social media, writing, advertising, and PR savvy--I'd love to be part of the bunch.”  Needless to say, we are friends with both of those people. 
• Tell us YOUR story.  There is nothing less inspiring than something like: “Hi plum, I am writing to apply for the Marketing Manager position.  Thank you, Cher”   This tells us NOTHING about her, other than she might be a Marketing Manager.  Tell us why you are interested.  Tell us why your experience works for this position.  Connect the dots for us.  Help us to understand YOU. 

For more information on how to write a cover letter to a recruiter/hiring manager, that elicits a response, check out this article from Career Rocketeer -“Keys to a Great Email in Your Job Search!”

Happy Thursday!