Job Search Tip
Set aside a workspace for your job search. Designate a specific area to use when conducting your job search. This should be an area free of distractions.
What Makes an E-Note (Cover Letter) Readable?
We are in the era of the byte generation which means shorter is better.
Be Specific About the Contents
Don’t just give your name if responding to an ad. Give the job title.
Regional Sales Rep. Smith, John Résumé
Be Aware of “Preview” Text
People will look not only at your subject, but also at the “preview” text that shows up in their email client. Every email platform is a little different, but usually they pull that preview from the very first content in your email. That could be the first sentence of the email, the alt-‐text on your header image, or some other pre-‐header content. Test out your emails to see what shows up.
The Parts of an E-Note
The opening of the email is also important. It should tell the reader what benefits are if they interview you.
The opening paragraph, of no more than 3 lines, should tell the reader what differentiates you from the crowd for the position.
Additional Information
It should be informational and geared toward helping the potential employer solve a problem. Use 3-5 bulleted items that are each 1-2 lines long.
Call to Action
Your email should end with a call to action suggesting you will contact the company again to set up a phone call.
A Postscript
The postscript (the P.S. that comes at the end) is extremely important. The reason is that many recipients don’t read your message all the way through. They read the opening and then skim down to the bottom. The P.S. is set aside from the text, so it grabs the reader’s attention.
To Summarize:
An e-note should include:
A strong subject line.
A 3-5-line opening paragraph.
No more than 5 short bulleted items.
A brief closing-sentence.
A PS after your contact information stressing how much you would like to meet them at an interview or help them solve a problem.
Links for You
Job Search Success: What Employers Want from Job References (Monster)
Did you know that hiring managers surveyed said they remove 21% of candidates from consideration after speaking to their references? If you want to help your clients manage their references better, read this article!
Negotiation: How to Negotiate a Higher Job Offer in Just 1 Simple Sentence (Inc.)
An interesting approach – 12 magic words! This article will tell you what they are and why hiring managers love to hear them.
