"How to Transform a Boring Message Into A Killer Cover Letter - Part I"

The AIDA formula is as old as dirt. It was taught when I was in school over a decade ago. And its still being taught for grand reason - it works! When you apply it to your cover letter, it has the power to transform a regular cover letter into an attention-grabbing "Killer Cover Letter" thatll make your phone ring off the hook.

AIDA is an acronym. It stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. It describes the process marketers want to take their prospect through in order to contruct a sale.

In this case, the prospect is the hiring manager and youre selling yourself in the sense that you want the hiring manager to contact you for an interview. So Im going to show you how to grab the hiring managers attention, create interest, arouse wants, and ultimately get him or her to take action (pick up the phone and call you for an interview).

By the way, Ive tested this killer "System" so I know it works. Ready to get started?
Then lets go.

Attention

The first thing you need to do is grab the readers attention. You must get the readers attention before he or she may become interested and desirous of your offer to come in for an interview. We are all busy and we all have several things going on in our lives. So how do you cut through the clutter and grab the readers attention?

There are several ways actually. One way is to create an attention-grabbing opening sentence or headline as copywriters call it. Think of it like the headlines in newspapers and magazines. You choose which articles to read by quickly glancing at the headlines, do not you?

So why not put an attention-grabbing headline on your cover letter? Most cover letters do not have an attention-grabbing opening sentence so the mere fact that your cover letter even has a headline separates you from the pack and draws attention to your communication , wouldnt you agree?

Lets say youre walking along a crowded street and you spot a friend of yours on the other side of the street. Let say his title is Joe. How do you get Joes attention? You could initial jumping up and down and yelling, "Hey! Over Here!" That might work.

A better way would be to yell "Hey Joe! Over Here!" Thatd be more likely to catch Joes attention, wouldnt it? Because he hears his name. Personalization increases response dramatically.

Now lets take that thought and apply it to your headline. Adding personalization to your headline is a dazzling idea. Use the recipients name right there in the headline. It makes the communication more personal and adds the chance the message is read.

Lets take that one step further. Say youre looking for a job as a nurse and you know the hiring mangers title is Susan. Susan is understaffed and looking for nurses. So give Susan an attention-grabbing headline to open your cover letter.

How about this, "Susan, Finally! A Nurse Who Can Do More Than Take A Temperature! But dont stop there. Make it big and bold. Remember, its a headline. Make sure Susan notices the headline. Grab Susans attention.

How could Susan possibly not notice that headline strategically placed at the top of your cover letter? And you may take that simple concept and apply it to a cover letter to any hiring manager for any job.

So work on an attention-grabbing opening sentence and in Part II well talk about interest, wants, and action.

To Your Extreme Success,

Robert A Phillips