4234325453546

 

It is time to re-invent the wheel of cover letters. Recruiters are changing their views and we should to.

 

The pipeline of recruiting involves counting key words on resumes and cover letters. There are different names for this method but, “Algorithm-based, keyword-searching processes that seek to match job-seekers with job openings by clerical means are not only inhuman but bad business process, too.” Said Liz Ryan, CEO and founder of Human Workplace.

 

A different way to connect with hiring managers and employers has arrived. A “Pain Letter” replaces a cover letter as Liz Ryan mentions. The process of producing a good Pain Letter requires good research. Research will need to answer what the company has accomplished and what they still need. A Pain Letter based on research will resonate with hiring managers.

 

The elements of a good letter will begin with a compliment to the company on a recent accomplishment. The letter will then explain that you recognize a struggle in the company and give an example of your past in which you overcame that particular issue. You then close by inviting the hiring manager to contact you. Manager’s names can be found online by research. Address the Pain Letter and resume. They need to be placed on an envelope and mailed to that person.

 

A well written Pain Letter can set you apart from other applicants. It is an innovative tool that can be used to get you hired. Here is an example of what a Pain Letter might look like.

 

Dear Jack,

 

Congratulations on breaking ground on your new Call Center in Woodfield! It’s got to be a good feeling to add 200 jobs to the local economy during the worst downturn in recent memory. Hats off to you and your team on Acme Logistics’ year-over-year growth record.

 

I can only imagine that bringing your new Call Center online without missing a beat serving Acme’s FedEx and Acme’s other national accounts is an issue high on your radar screen. It’s no small feat to hire and train 200 agents on new processes and build your Call Center infrastructure simultaneously.

 

When I was the Executive Director of HappyHeart Animal Shelter in the DC area, I had a similar challenge. I had to build policies and systems on the fly while overseeing 150 animal adoptions a week, keeping up with constant regulatory and healthcare changes and managing a staff of 30 and a $10M annual budget, all in an atmosphere punctuated by snarls, barks and yelps — and then there were the animals!

 

If you’ve got a minute to talk about Call Center operations, building a team quickly and positioning your new facility for success, my contact information is on my attached resume.

 

Best,

Jane Smith

 

Author Bio:  Jordon Tuttle is a student at BYU with a vision to contribute to the growth of individuals and companies.