Quintessential Careers Press:
The Quintessential Guide to Words to Get Hired By
Chapter 9: Proactive Language for Cover Letters
Page 175
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Fourth/Final Paragraph
The final paragraph of your cover letter must be proactive - and include a specific request for action and specific description
of your planned follow-up action. Don't be vague about your desire to be interviewed. Come right out and ask for an interview.
Then, take your specific action a step further and tell the recipient that you will contact him or her in a specified period of time to arrange an interview appointment. Obviously, if you say you will follow up, you must do so. If you take this proactive approach and follow up, you will be much more likely to get interviews than if you did not follow up.
Weak closing paragraph:
I hope you will review my resume, and if you agree with what I have stated here, consider me for the position. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Here are two sample closing paragraphs requesting specific action and describing the writer's planned follow-up.
I would like to be considered for a sales position in which someone of my background could make a contribution. I will contact you soon to arrange for an interview. Should you require any additional information, I can be contacted at the phone numbers listed above.
I am eager to help advance the success of your company, and I am convinced that we should arrange a time to meet. I will call your office in the next week to schedule an appointment.
Express your confidence that you are a perfect fit for the job. Put the employer on notice that you plan to follow up within a specified time. Don't depend on the employer to take action. Request action. Request an interview, and tell the employer when you will follow up to arrange it. Then, do so. It is imperative that you follow up. You will greatly increase your chances of getting interviews if you call the employer after writing instead of sitting back and waiting for a call. Those who wait for the employer to call them will generally have a long wait indeed.
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