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Finding a Job Communication Persuasion Resumes Job Applicants

	I am currently looking for a job, and one of my friends told me that he heard that putting a “P.S.” at the end of a cover letter is a good way to get some extra attention. Is this a good idea, or is it something that might put an employer off?
	Your friend is actually telling you something that many direct marketing professionals have known for years, namely that a “P.S.” is an excellent way to highlight a particularly important point that could get lost in the middle of an advertisement or promotional piece. When employers read a cover letter, they do not dwell on every word, but more typically read it all quickly. If a few good points jump out, the next stop is the resume. However, no matter what a letter looks like, most people will read a “P.S.” It easily attracts a reader’s eyeballs, since these after-the-fact messages often contain a piece of information that is particularly interesting, important, or intriguing. If you are going to put a “P.S.” on your cover letter, there are a few points to keep in mind. The first is to keep your postscript message so brief that the reader can take in the whole thought in one glance. Secondly, make sure your “P.S.” has information that is particularly important to this employer. For example, if the position calls for a specific skill, certification, or ability, you should include it in the body of your cover letter, and then highlight it in your “P.S.” In a word, a “P.S.” can be a very effective Persuasive Strategy.

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