From Pain to Power: Reformat Your Cover Letters

From Pain to Power: Reformat Your Cover Letters

There is no man living who isn't capable of doing more than he thinks he can do. -- Henry Ford

One of our most formidable forces of personal power is the communication we have with prospective employers. We express who we are, what value we have, and why we are the best choice for their open position. Unfortunately, if we are using an outdated format, then we are communicating just that – we have not yet joined the ranks of the current. 

At the beginning of this month, Forbes published an article by Liz Ryan entitled, How to Write a Pain Letter. What on Earth is a “pain letter?” I had to find out! What I learned was revolutionary to my thinking and my job search approach. It is a new way to introduce myself – a new kind of cover letter. 

According to Ms. Ryan, rather than focusing on ourselves as applicants and all of the keyword terms and adjectives of the job posting, focus instead on the pains the employer may be experiencing that you could heal. Tell them about your abilities to improve their situation. 

• Begin by researching the employer thoroughly. (Of course, I already do this!)

•  Brainstorm what pains you relieve. How did you improve your last workplace? What special knowledge or expertise beyond subject matter information do you have? What problems does that knowledge solve?

•  Determine which employers have that pain and could benefit from the relief you provide.

• Use information about the company to begin your letter. Get their attention by demonstrating your knowledge of their work. 

•  Construct a “pain hypothesis.” This piece of the letter mentions a pain you suspect they have.

•  Follow the possible pain point with one or two sentences about how you have solved that pain through your work in the past. Ms. Ryan calls this a “Dragon-Slaying Story.”

•  Then close with a concise statement inviting conversation concerning the position. 

This “Pain Letter” concept has opened my eyes to the changing tides of human resource evaluations and the importance of using my own personal power to introduce myself to potential employers. Now to start brainstorming what pains I solve…

What about you? Have you ever written a “pain letter?” Check out the article for yourself to discover many other tips and hints!

Until tomorrow, 

Melynda

@Melynda_Conner

#TCBHigherEd