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Tips on Writing a Persuasive Cover Letter
Part [1][2 [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
Part Eight: Sample letter #1 -- Robert McCarthy
Robert is applying for a position as manager of a mid-size airport.
The position was advertised nationally and will likely attract
applicants who have managed smaller airports throughout Canada.
Robert's never managed an airport. He did look after an air-strip for
a few years, but that amounted to little more than keeping a big field
mowed. He'll just look silly if he tries to play up that experience.
He may not have much of a chance anyway, but with this letter he
tries to take the employer's focus away from the areas where he's
sure to come up second (or 100th) best, and put it on the strengths
he would bring to the position. Now it's up to the employer to
decide whether this is enough to make up for his lack of experience
as an airport manager.
Also notice how Robert doesn't go into detail about his aviation
experience. It's all on his resume, but any serious applicant will also
have a strong aviation background. So he moves the focus of his
letter to where he expects he'll have a competitive advantage.
Robert McCarthy
13 Park Street, Hillside, Ontario N0J 4X7
519/555-1212
March 21, 1997
Donald Feldman
Chief Operating Officer
Township of Hillside
55 Charles Street
Hillside, Ontario N0J 2N6
Dear Mr. Feldman:
There are many others who have spent more time than I maintaining airport facilities. Although I've
been a pilot for nearly 20 years, have been an aviation safety officer, and have operated a specialty
air carrier in this area for the past eight years, I expect that every serious candidate for this position
will also have a strong background in aviation.
But I think I have a lot more to offer.
I know this region, and understand the important role the airport will play in our economic
development. I know the airport, and many of its clients. I also have a vision for the future of the
airport. One specific idea I'd like pursue is convincing the cargo & courier carrier industry to move
their operations to Hillside. An aggressive marketing of the benefits Hillside offers to business would
increase profitability without costly expansion. I have the experience and skills to take on this
responsibility.
As my résumé details, I have 10 years' experience in senior management, with hands-on
responsibility for everything from customer service and sales & marketing to financial planning and
personnel management.
The creativity and innovation I have used to develop and grow my own business, my entrepreneurial
approach and my proven sales & marketing skills are some of the unique attributes I can bring to
the management of the airport, along with the necessary aviation experience. I look forward to the
opportunity of presenting some of my ideas to the selection committee. You can reach me at
519/555-1212 any time. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Robert McCarthy
Read More About Writing a Persuasive Cover Letter:
11. Final word
The problem with all guides to resumes and cover letters is that they may make you believe there are absolute rules which must be followed.... Read it here
How to Prepare For An Employment Interview by Gary Will
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