If you are an executive, your cover letter could be your ticket to that next six-figure opportunity. In my work with clients for more than 20 years, it’s been my observation that the cover letter is where 90% of applicants make lethal blunders. Here is a format that will prevent that and impress the decision-makers.
Executive Cover Letters: Make it personal and about solutions
Why do I say that your cover letter could be your ticket to the next great opportunity? It is your first “Hello,” your “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” which translates to connection. Why do so many executive cover letters fall short? The executive candidates talk about themselves and a problem. Wrong! It’s about the reader (employer) and a solution (help ease their pain).
My executive client, Jim, learned to write cover letters that focused on solutions he could offer to solve his readers’ problems. Here’s an example of one of Jim’s letters (altered for confidentiality):
Typed letterhead name, address, with city, state, zip, phone, email, blog or LinkedIn addresses (varies)
Date
Dear Greg, (handwritten)
If you can use a qualified and respected Trainer, Talent Officer, Marketer or Strategic Planner, I may be able to help.
I’ve served as:
- Chief consultant, award-winning trainer, over 17 years (Small and medium companies).
- Management and marketing strategist (Large and small companies).
- Blogger @jimsullivanmarketplacematters site on Marketing and Business issues.
- Key exec for three Fortune 500 companies (Vice President at two).
How could I serve you? Working either as an employee or private contractor, I could contribute value to your current division startup and any of Zentac Corporation’s marketing, staffing, coaching, training, motivation, or talent development initiatives.
My reputation has been built on working hard and smart. My career path has left a trail (that I’m glad to share) of top-rated performance reviews and impacts that drove profitability while keeping all key players—boards to clients—happy. I am flexible on hours, weekends, locations, travel and income. Recent compensation package was around $239,500. I have many ready to testify on my behalf if asked.
I look forward to the next step. Perhaps we could have a cup of coffee nearby?
Respectfully, (handwritten)
Jim Jones (handwritten)
[Handwritten note] P.S. I would be flattered to contribute to Zentac’s continued success. I’ve been impressed by your press for some time. And Perry Brown sings your praises!
Another client, Sophia, a senior finance executive, sought a position as a Vice President with a major Minneapolis bank. Armed with a great one-page executive brief and a stand-alone case studies document, she sent the package to the bank president. It got her an interview but she was not chosen for the job. Then three weeks later, she got a call saying that the chairman of the board had seen her package and wanted to talk to her. They met over lunch and she was offered the job on the spot for a branch president opening. She said “yes” and is happily there now.
Decision-makers do read cover letters, especially if they are tuned in to the job—and personalized. The icing on the cake is the handwritten postscript. It’s personal; and it’s always about what you can do for them!
Photo: Paul Simpson
