Extreme makeover job-hunting strategies for 6 figure executives

According to Mark Hovind, business consultant and owner of JobBait.com, finding a 6-figure job takes more than a world-class cover letter and resume. Job-seekers canít just throw their hat in the ring and expect a miracle to occur. And they canít just post their resume on websites and expect Corporate America to beat a path to their door. They must get fierce, intense, motivated and passionate.

Mr. Hovind offers, ìGo straight to the decision-maker (President, CEO, Owner or Chairman) and ask for the job. Grab their attention with a cover letter that answers three basic questions right up frontóso what, who cares and whatís in it for me? Be unique, compelling and even unexpected.î For example:

- Dear Decision-Maker: Less than one year after posting a $1 million loss, John Doe, the CEO of Acme Corporation, sold his $35 million business for 5 times its net worth. Can you imagine the smile on his face? As CFO, hereís how I helped him do it.

- Dear Decision-Maker: Morale was so low that turnover exceeded 75%. Senior management vowed they would keep firing people until morale went up and turnover went back down. As General Manager, I cut turnover in half twice. Hereís how.

- Dear Decision-Maker: Donít you wish business decisions had an undo button? Well, until someone invents it, you might benefit from my specialty: Turnarounds, damage control and recovery in the face of overwhelming odds. Here are a few examples.

- Dear Decision-Maker: Youíve got the worst business plan Iíve ever seen! Thatís what your investors will say if you donít get it right.

Decision-makers hate generalities, so get to the point, be specific and offer measurable benefits.
Highlight only three or four accomplishments the decision-maker might need. They either need you or they donít, and listing more accomplishments wonít help. All youíre trying to do is get the decision-maker to call youÖto find out more.

Finally, critique your cover letter with these four tests:

1) Stupid stuff: Donít bore the decision-maker with information they already know. Donít tell them your references are available, or how to reach you when your phone number is on already on the top of your letter. This only takes up space.

2) Purely fluff: Donít tell them you improved profit with a new marketing programóthatís way too vague. Tell them you increased EBITDA by $2 million last year on $30 million in sales through highly-targeted marketing programs. Be specific. What was your impact, how long did it take, and how did you do it?

3) Ego letters: Count the number of times ìIî is used in your cover letter and at the start of paragraphs. Eliminate these patterns and rephrase sentences to focus on benefits the decision-maker might find helpful.

4) The 30,000 foot view: Stand back and look at your cover letter from a distance. Is it attractive or are there crowded margins and smaller type? You must get to the point quickly.

ìSix-figure jobs will not come to you, you have to go out there and get them,î explains Mr. Hovind. ìDonít copy the format and style that others are using. Be unique and compelling, and to straight to decision-makers to ask for the job.î