How To Write Crisp, Clean, Clutter-free Cover Letters!

There’s nothing quite like a crisp, clean, clutter-free dress shirt or blouse. It makes a statement about the person wearing it. And the same is true for a job search cover letter. Include your experience and skills in as few words as possible and then ask for an interview for the job you want. The hiring manager will remember you because your cover letter will have made a statement about you as a person.

Amanda’s Story

Amanda made an interesting discovery while helping her friend Sue shop for a special outfit for a company banquet and dance. She encouraged Sue to go for the clean, streamlined look rather than one with flounces and frills. “You want people to notice you,” she said, “rather than be distracted by the dress.”

Sue agreed and in a short time, she chose the perfect outfit for her body type and personality.

Amanda then thought about her own advice while at home the next day focusing on her task of writing a job-search cover letter. Her first draft was a little more than two pages. She knew that was too long and too wordy but she didn’t know how to streamline it because there was so much about herself and her qualifications she wanted to share with the hiring manager.

Less is MORE!

At first glance it seemed like the way to go—to include as much information as possible, but then she thought of what she’d said to Sue about choosing a dress for the dinner-dance that was clutter free so she would command attention instead of the dress. So Amanda went to work cutting and trimming sentences.

Here is what she did to create a crisp, clean, and clutter-free cover letter. You can do the same. You might make a list so you don’t leave anything out. Jot down things about yourself that apply to the job you’re targeting so the hiring manager can see at a glance if you’re a good candidate for the job. Be sure to include:

     1. Your name and contact information.
Make it easy for the employer to get a hold of you by phone or email.

     2. Your interest in the job you’re competing for.
Show your passion for the work, your excitement about sales or management or whatever applies.

     3. Your qualifications and experience.
Mention your talents and skills and provide an example of a way you resolved a conflict or averted a disaster or increased the bottom line.

     4. Your knowledge of the company.
Mention some facts you know about the organization, and how you will support those objectives.

     5. Your availability for starting the job.
Can you begin immediately or within a certain number of weeks? Be clear and specific. Avoid vague statements.

     6. Your request for an in-person interview.
Be sure to ask for a meeting with the hiring manager so you can speak in more detail about his or her expectations and your willingness to match them.

Here are the items to leave out of your cover letter:

1. Your hobbies.
2. Your family details.
3. Your history.
4. Your vacation plans.
5. . . . and any other personal information that does not apply to the job.

Do not bring up benefits or salary. Save those items for the time when you’re offered the job.

If you land an interview you may then have an opportunity to talk informally, but keep in mind that at this stage of the relationship, consider crisp, clean, and clutter-free communication!

© Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,
Amazing Cover Letter Creator

Jimmy Sweeney is president of CareerJimmy and originator of the brand new, “Amazing Cover Letter Creator.” Jimmy is the author of “Tough Times Job Tips” and writes a monthly article titled, “Job Search Secrets.”

Watch Jimmy’s free, unusual cover letter video for job seekers. Discover the one “Secret Sentence” you can use to land more job interviews and job offers immediately.