Last week we talked about how to streamline the streamline the process of creating cover letters that shout (or scream) that YOU are the perfect candidate for that ideal job.

Here are some more ideas to make your cover letter, your resume and you pop visually. This is critical in such a crowded marketplace.

1. A picture is worth a thousand words. In a world of words, words and more words, which can drain the energy of the person reading your submission, shake things up a bit and include a photograph, drawing, schematic or anything visual that conveys something about yourself. I had a client who included a technical drawing of a giant slingshot that he and some friends built between jobs. After three years of being unemployed, this client got a great job at IBM.

2. Large fonts! Staying with the visual theme – DO THINGS TO STAND OUT… Go over the top, and then come back a little if you feel you have to.

3. Color. You will stand out in a world of black and white with multiple bars of color and two or three different hues.

4. Fit – Your fit for the job described is what will ultimately get you the job. That is what matters most from a strong opening line to the bottom of your resume, Don’t over reach for jobs that are not a fit and don’t “dumb down” your resume either. This is a waste of time. Focus on finding the right job. Respond to the key bullets of the job description using the experience from your resume as the bullets in your cover letter.

Good luck and keep me posted. I love to help and I love good news.

P.S. Career content creator “Career Jimmy” suggests that a P.S. is one of the most powerful tools to getting the interview. End with a powerful postscript as a call to action like P.S “If you contact me today to schedule an interview, you’ll be very happy with what I’m committed to contributing to your company."

So, P.S. If you contact me, I’ll help you create a killer cover letter for your next job application.