• What skills and experience is the employer looking for in the ideal candidate for the job you want?
  
• Which of your achievements demonstrates that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for?
  
• What personality trait is the employer looking for in the perfect applicant for the position you seek?
  
• What aspects of your personality would make you a productive member of the employer's team, department, or company?
  

Incorporate the answers to these questions into the body of your cover letter to create a winning sales pitch.

Peeking Into Others’ Letters
Following are excerpts from five different cover letters. They demonstrate how to make a sales pitch in the middle paragraphs of a cover letter.

From a a sales representative:
"My extensive network of contacts in the perfume and cosmetics industry includes more than 1000 buyers, both domestic and international. These are professionals who know my name — and who listen to my recommendations."

From a marketing manager:
"Here's my secret: I use bold, unusual marketing strategies to achieve phenomenal results in half the expected time — and at half the cost!"

From an office manager:
"You know you have the right person in the position when you can:

• Count on your office operations running smoothly.
  
• Access accurate information regarding your finances at any time.
  
• Make efficient use of your computer hardware, software and other equipment.
  
• Know that your office technology is configured to meet your needs.
  
• Feel the team spirit in your office!"
  

From a hotel manager:
"My former employer commented that I demonstrate a professionalism lacking in so many (hospitality) management professionals.’ I look forward to contributing this quality to your management team in the near future."

From a public relations professional:
"Here are two ideas I'd like to discuss further with you:
1. A Japanese Mail Order Program
The Japanese mail order program I designed and launched at Floressence cost less than $1000 to start up. Our most recent mailing, the Floral Holiday Gift Book, generated a 15% response, with an average order of $404. (Our domestic response rate was 2.11%, with an average order of $149.)
2. A Public Relations Program
I increased Friday Night Club's media coverage 500% over a two-year period. (PR contributed $650,000 to their yearly sales.)"

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