The fact is, we all love a good story.  Admissions committees love good stories.  Hiring managers love good stories.  Customers and clients love good stories.  Always remember:  the person you’re writing for is a human being!  How do you get another human being to read your document?  Spin a good yarn!

If you’re applying to college, tell a story with a beginning, middle and end.  I had a client who wrote about teaching his sister to ride a bike.  His first draft was all rosy about how great the experience was, and it did not have a compelling beginning, middle and end.  He felt lost in the writing, and the essay was boring. 

What ultimately made the story great was that he started at the beginning, when he was annoyed at his sister for being small and clumsy, then moved through the process of a breakthrough in becoming a teacher, and a better teacher — and finally to where he released the seat and the sister took off on her own on the bike.  Victory!  A great story.

In college applications, many times what makes a great story is to admit to a struggle or fault, and show how you broke through it.  In a cover letter, believe it or not, you can do the same thing. 

All kinds of people are saying “No one reads cover letters anymore.”  Well, of course no one is reading them – because they are stilted and boring and no one can get through them!  Have you ever considered that if you write a good enough story in your cover letter that it really *will* get read!

Do you have an example of a time when a project was failing, and you stepped in to fix it?  That makes a great story!  Is there an example of something you achieved that relates to the job you’re applying for?  Don’t be afraid to tell these stories in your cover letters!

On your resume, too, tell as much of a story as you can in a bulleted line. 

What not to write:  “Assisted scientists with their research.” 

What to write: “Conducted genetic, epidemiology, and behavior research on sport fish in Illinois, Canada, and the Bahamas.”

Ah, now that sounds kind of interesting!

For an example of a bio that tells a great story or two, see Senior Investment Analyst Bio on The Essay Expert’s website.   This client reported to me that she loved her bio story so much that she kept reading it to herself after it was done!

Whatever the reason, we all love a good story.  Tell one in your college and job applications.  Tell one in your bio.  If you do it well, your intended audience will keep reading…  and reading…  and reading.

In a recent article posted on Work Coach Cafe, “15 Job Search Tips from a Guy Who Just Got a Job,” a successful job seeker named John relates how the CEO of a company personally reached out to him to thank him for sending a cover letter!  In fact, John was the ONLY candidate to send a cover letter, most likely because everyone else believed the rumor that cover letters never get read.  John made an impression.

This topic is also covered on Great Resumes Fast in “Cover Letters: Does Anybody Read Those Anymore?”  The author points out that the cover letter is your opportunity to show genuine interest and to make a case that you are specifically qualified for this job.

Why would you tailor your resume to a job and then write a generic cover letter?  If you are truly interested in a position, it is worth your time to write a unique letter to the company about who you are and why you would make a difference for that company.  Do not write a generic cover letter and send it along with a generic or somewhat tailored resume to zillions of job listings, hoping that you‘ll somehow win the numbers game. That is NOT the way to get a job!

Instead, begin building a relationship right from the start with the company that might be your future employer.  Imagine yourself in this job and write down what you will bring to the position.  Sell yourself. 

Anyone can spot a cover letter that is really just a mail merge.  Remember…  you are a human being and, if you get past the computer scanners, so is the person who reads your cover letter.  By writing a custom letter, you reveal your humanity and respect the humanity of the HR person or hiring manager.  If you begin early to develop a relationship with that person, you are in great shape to be asked for an interview.

Your cover letter can show recruiters and hiring managers a little bit about how you would show up in an interview.  Here are 3 tips that will get you in the door!

1) Impress your reader quickly. In the first paragraph, after you say what job you’re applying to, list *briefly* the major reasons you are the right candidate for the job. This task can be done in just a few words. Yes really it can!  For example:

My experience as senior project manager at Blue Shoes, combined with my extensive coursework in business management at Green Vest University, give me the requisite skills for the Project Manager position at Purple Fashion Inc.

Note:  The reader doesn’t have to wonder whether you’ve got the training and experience for the position.  He or she has a reason to read further.

2) Say not what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company (they couldn’t care less how great a match they are for your interests!)

Do NOT say:  “I have always been interested in fashion and the position at Purple Fashion Inc. will give me the experience I seek.”

Aaargh!!  Companies are not in the business of giving you the experience you seek.  They hire people who will make a contribution, not suck the life out of them!

Instead, say something like:  “I have been studying business and working in the fashion industry for the entirety of my academic and professional career, and I look forward to contributing my skills and passion to Purple Fashion Inc.”

3) Tell a good, brief story [this tip applies more to smaller organizations who take time to read your cover letter]. The person reading your cover letter is a human being, and human beings like stories. If you do a good job with your cover letter, the reader will be enthralled and left wanting more — that’s the effect you want!

Here’s a sample story:  “In 2008, I worked with our product design and marketing teams to implement a new product campaign.  After 3 months, our marketing plan was on track but it became clear that certain production costs would have to be reduced.  Through my leadership, our team reduced those costs by 30% without any labor reduction and the campaign became profitable in the sixth month of operation.  I will bring this capability for incisive and effective decision making to Purple Fashion Inc.”

My clients have great success getting interviews, and I know at least part of that success is due to their effective, engaging cover letters.

Don’t forget the resume of course, which must be tailored to the job and packed with your accomplishments!

For assistance with writing cover letters and resumes that will get you interviews, contact The Essay Expert

The fact that you like a quotation does not mean you will live up to it. In your cover letter, give inspiring examples of what you have done and then say you will live up to your own examples. Hard facts always speak louder than flowery language.

When I was a hiring manager I never received a cover letter containing a quotation, but if I had I would have mistrusted it immediately. Anyone can do a google search for inspiring quotations. Not very many people truly meet the high standards set by those words.

Here’s the advice NOT to follow:  “Season” Your Cover Letter with a Great Quote!