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thingstodo · 06-10-2006, 01:26 PM

Try writing a letter with four paragraphs. This is called the power format.

The first paragraph should be about two sentences long...why you are writing and what's in it for them.

Next paragraph... list a few pertinent facts. Three-four sentences with a clear topic sentence that covers the purpose of the paragraph.

Third one... your opinion of the facts or the potential impact of those facts. Again, make sure to use a clear topic sentence.

The last paragraph should be a call to action. Thank them for reading this and list a next step, like when you might follow up if that is appropriate.

If the reader reads each topic sentence it should provide a message without reading all the content.

Believe me, with all the resumes you get something that is well written, businesslike and on point gets much more attention than a resume re-written in letter form. Those get lost in the shuffle. Write a letter that teases someone into reading your resume.

By the way, if you can craft your letter to reflect the fact that you have done some research on their company, you can relate your stuff in that context.

And remember your primary purpose - you want an interview. That's when the other stuff can come out. You first need to get in the door and that's what this package is all about. Oh, and mailed unfolded is nice with a typed label, never hand written.

06-10-2006, 01:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Try writing a letter with four paragraphs. This is called the power format. The first paragraph should be about two sentences long...why you are writing and what's in it for them. Next paragraph... list a few pertinent facts. Three-four sentences with a clear topic sentence that covers the purpose of the paragraph. Third one... your opinion of the facts or the potential impact of those facts. Again, make sure to use a clear topic sentence. The last paragraph should be a call to action. Thank them for reading this and list a next step, like when you might follow up if that is appropriate. If the reader reads each topic sentence it should provide a message without reading all the content. Believe me, with all the resumes you get something that is well written, businesslike and on point gets much more attention than a resume re-written in letter form. Those get lost in the shuffle. Write a letter that teases someone into reading your resume. By the way, if you can craft your letter to reflect the fact that you have done some research on their company, you can relate your stuff in that context. And remember your primary purpose - you want an interview. That's when the other stuff can come out. You first need to get in the door and that's what this package is all about. Oh, and mailed unfolded is nice with a typed label, never hand written. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.