Has someone ever shared a quote with you? Have you ever heard a speaker quote a famous author? Have you ever taken one of these quotes and then shared it with someone else? How about one of these great quotes?
– “Success depends on your backbone, not your wishbone.” Unknown Author
– “Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan.” Norman Vincent Peale
– “Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.” David McCullough
The above quotes have a couple things in common. Not only do they provide you with some great advice, they also serve as an inspiration. Next time you sit down to craft a cover letter you should strongly consider including an appropriate quote in it.
If you present it correctly, it can pack a big punch and give the reader something fresh and different from the standard letters they receive daily. You can use a small but significant quote to motivate the reader to evaluate you in his or her mind. If your cover letter offers more than simply a list of your job skills, it will surely rise to the top of the stack. HR Professionals will notice you and want to call you in for an interview.
So, How can you “sneak” a great quote into your cover letter?
Now, suppose that you are applying for an open position for a sales manager for a sporting goods company. Make sure that you thank the reader for the opportunity to introduce yourself and let him or her know where you found out about the job and the good things that you have read and/or heard about the company.
Include, why you believe that you are a great fit for the opening and always include something about your previous employment. Next, add a simple sentence that asks the employer to look at your enclosed resume for all of the details. After you have covered the basics, start the next paragraph with a fresh and insightful quote.
Example: “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.” (Albert Einstein)
Then follow the quote with a sentence that shows how you will do just that! Set a great example for the people that you manage.
Example: You can count on me to not only say but live these inspirational words. I know how important it is to influence people in a good way and that is what I want to be known for. I would welcome the chance to meet with you in person so you can judge for yourself.
When ever it comes to your cover letter, it is very important to make a strong, first impression and you can do that with a great quote from someone well known and respected in the field you are aspiring to work in.
Just imagine your results in your job search when your cover letter includes not only details about your abilities but also an insight into who you are as a person? A prospective employer will actually be excited to meet you and discuss the job. When a potential employee shows a little creativity and color in their cover letter, they show that they can be a great gift to any company.
So be sure to include a strong and inspirational quote to your next cover letter and get ready for the offers to start pouring in!