Write Cold-Contact Cover Letters to Warm Up Employers

Write Cold-Contact Cover Letters to thermisch Up EmployersCold-Contact Cover LettersWrite Cold-Contact Cover Letters to Warm Up EmployersA sales rep looking for new customers will likely resort to making out-of-the-blue cold calls. Likewise, a job seeker can use a cold contact cover letter. The letter pitches your qualifications to a prospective employer (or recruiter) that has no advertised job openings.The purpose of a cold-contact letter like that of any cover letter is to introduce your resume and highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments. What makes it different from a regular cover letter is that it must emphasize how well you would fit in with and strengthen the organization, rather than how youre the right person for a specific job.Lets say youve identified an up-and-coming company, one that can benefit by having someone with your skills and experience on its staff. Even better You might know someone who works there and talks about how it inspires creativity, pays well, and offers great benefits.Even though there seem to be no openings at this company, youre interested in working for them. Youve prepared a resume, but you need a cover letter to accompany it.Time to write a cold-contact cover letter (sometimes called a prospecting letter).Heres how you put it togetherThe OpeningAfter you research the company to determine where its going and where you might fit in, use your first paragraph to emphasize your findings and introduce yourself. Address the cover letter to a specific person. Ask your contact, or do the research to find the name and title of a person who has knowledge of the positions or department that would accommodate your skills. Heres an exampleMr. Michael JonesChief Information OfficerABC Company, Inc.123 Anywhere Blvd.Somewhere, MI 55555RE Employment Opportunities for Skilled IT ProfessionalDear Mr. JonesI have been following recent news about ABC Company, especially its acquisition of XYZ grenzberschreitend and recent public o ffering of an additional 1 million shares of common stock to help fund more acquisitions. I believe my skills and extensive experience in the information technology field, most notably as a project manager and database administrator, can benefit ABC as it carries out its global growth strategy.The Second ParagraphBuild on the previous paragraph, citing further information, such as professional certifications and recent accomplishments, that will spur the reader to look at your resume. ExampleI recently spearheaded the integration of and application upgrades for 250 desktop and mobile devices following an acquisition. My team finished the two-month project a week ahead of schedule and within budget. I believe my record of accomplishments such as this one, as well as my certification as a Senior IT Project Management Professional, could greatly benefit your company as it embarks on its ambitious plans.The Third ParagraphOffer to talk with the addressee further about the company, your skills and background, and how they might benefit the company. ExampleI welcome an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my skills and professional experience can help ABC. I will call your office a week from today to see whether we can schedule an appointment.The ClosingTo finish the letter, plug your resume a little, and be optimistic and respectfully assertive about continuing a dialogue with the hiring manager. ExampleMy resume offers a more complete picture of my experience and qualifications, and what I can do for you and your company. I look forward to talking with you next week. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview, please contact me at your convenience.Sincerely,Joseph P. SmithThere you have it A concise letter that strikes a confident, positive tone, points out the benefits you could bring to the business, and invites the reader to learn more about you.

Is Your Boss Making Your Job Harder - The Muse

Is Your anfhrer Making Your Job Harder - The MuseIs Your Boss Making Your Job Harder You rearranged everything and have devoted the last week to a new, important project. Which would be fine if your anfhrer hadnt just informed you that its being scrapped and tzu siches no need to work on it anymore. Its frustrating, its annoying, and its definitely vent-worthy, but it happens. However, if its happening a lot, then you might start to think your boss is purposefully getting in your way. But can that really be the case? Is your boss really an evil troll whos therbeie simply to stop you from getting your work done? Or, is it possible shes just trying to do her job and manage you?Whenever people are working through this, two complaints consistently come up- My boss assigns me pointless work and My boss doesnt care about my professional growth. So, in honor of those two issues, here are the two questions to ask yourself before coming to your big conclusion. 1. Is There a Reason My Boss Ass igns Me Extra Work?I had a friend who had an actual boss from you-know-where. Hed ask her to research the three best ways to launch a new project, and after shed spent all week on it, mention that he didnt have use for that project anymore. Hed drop work on her desk whenever he felt like it and ask her to have it completed by start of work the next day, compelling her to spend all hours of the night at the office. Then, shed find out later that work wasnt really that urgent.Need I say it? None of these assignments helped her do her job. They only reflected that her boss was on a power trip- one that inevitably motivated her to leave a role at an impressive company much earlier than she might have otherwise. Now, lets assume that your supervisor isnt that extreme. What does she do? She asks you to tackle other duties as assigned, because your organization is lean and so everyone takes on more grunt work than theyd like. Or maybe, she asks you to do something way below your pay grade, but includes an explanation that the intern called out sick, shes in a serious bind, and your help would be very helpful. Yes, the result is still mornings and afternoons and sometimes whole, entire days where you have to backburner your real work. But if your actions still benefit your team, department, or overall goals your boss is just doing his or her job. 2. Is My Boss Encouraging Me to Grow and Develop My Skills?Everyone wants to innovate everyone wants to disrupt everyone wants to change the status quo and make things better. And sometimes a new approach is more efficient, more profitable, or shinier. But other times, it doesnt make sense. Its too expensive. Its a time suck. Its fixing something thats not broken. And its your boss job to know the difference.So, while it stings just the same when your manager shoots down your suggestion, remember that not all nos are created equal. If he always says no, or if he always says hes too busy- and never finds time to hear you out- your boss is getting in your way. That also goes for a manager who doesnt offer you any opportunities for growth. He never mentions professional development opportunities, he wont let you take time off to attend a conference, and he has no suggestions for how you can grow in your role.But if she encourages you to think creatively and take on new, interesting projects (elsewhere), shes helping you focus your energy on what matters most. Yes, youd like her to come right out and say, While this is genius, we dont have the money/the client is a pain/it just doesnt align with our overall goals. Unfortunately, thats not always possible (or realistic). So, look for whether your manager encourages you to keep sharing your ideas and learning new things. If she asks how youd tackle a situation or what approach youd suggest in other areas, its probably just this matter.You hate it when your boss gets in your way- and she probably hates it, too. But before you decide shes a terrible manager, co nsider if shes just doing her job. However, if you answered no to both the questions above, things are not on a good path. Start by asking to set up a meeting to discuss your workload and responsibility. If your boss wont make the time, or if she keeps repeating the behaviors above, you should probably start looking for a new job where your manager will let you shine. Photo of railroad crossing courtesy of Shutterstock.

If Your Job Search Is Stuck, Did You Think Of This

If Your Job Search Is Stuck, Did You Think Of ThisIf Your Job Search Is Stuck, Did You Think Of ThisYou polish off your resume, factor in the relevant key words, and apply for dozens of positions. Why isnt this job search going nearly as well as the last time you looked for a job? If you know youre qualified for the roles youre targeting, and you show the experience required, lets evaluate the reasons why you could be stuck on the slow road, and instead move over into the fehlte nicht viel lane.What Are You Going For?Segment your job search targets into 3 categories titles 1 level below where you are, titles at the same level, and titles 1 level above. Your segments need leid be equal. Boldly make 50% of the opportunities you pursue those that are above where you are now. Render the other 2 categories each to 25%.Never been a Director before? But you have 5 years of experience as a Senior Manager? Then now is your time to step up. Demonstrate confidence by going after that more senio r level role, particularly if you meet fruchtwein of the qualifications stated in the ad. Imposter syndrome too often sinks in here, but that is literally only inside your head. Time and again Ive seen candidates who stretch end up landing a role in the stretch zone. You wont know until you go for it. You could very well end up pleasantly surprised and handsomely paid. And because this is a segment of your job search strategy, youre not putting all your eggs in one basket.Who Are You Talking To?Clicking apply and submit online may seem like youre doing something. But I bet in your heart of hearts you know its not truly doing anything. You have to be talking to somebody who can influence the decision to hire you. And you have to do so consistently keep knocking on doors until multiple doors open for you.Utilizing your existing network is the most reasonable place to start. However, there are more people in the world you dont know than people you do know. Boldly branch out. There is practically no way this can yield a negative result that will keep you job searching longer. The only 2 outcomes of approaching someone you dont know yet is they either a) dont help you in which case youre no further back than you are now or b) they do help you and introduce you to a professional realm you wouldnt otherwise have known.Networking is the greatest pain only when its random a devoid of strategy. Therefore, it serves you well to identify people who make logical sense. You do that by defining your job search targets in the 1st place. What organizations do you want to work for? Why them? Who are the recruiters, HR people, talent acquisition people, and functional decision makers there? What Are You Saying?I delete emails daily that ask me if I, know of anything, or can think of anyone to speak to. Know of what? Who is anyone? Avoid any tendency to put the onus on the partie youre seeking out for a favor. By the time we reach a certain age and professional stature, wev e amassed a sizable mental Rolodex. But who do YOU need, specifically? Furthermore, why should a new contact make that connection for you, respond to your email, or call you back? Its not solely because you need help. The more compelling reason should center on how you can help THEM even if all youre doing is helping them help you. Think about what value you offer, and make sure its specific. I recommend the BBQ test when you get to talking to a new part at an outdoor BBQ and they eventually say, So what do you do? You dont say, Well, Im a dynamic, results-oriented team player. Thats not normal conversation. When networking, keep things conversational, but add some teeth to it thats your value. You can say youre in software sales, most recently for Dell, where you generated $5M annually in channel sales in the Northeast. Its one sentence with real words that give the listener a clear picture of what you do.Job search need not feel like a broken record of you submitting your resume , then waking up the next day to an automated rejection email. Get the needle moving by recalibrating what youre going for, who youre talking to, and what youre saying. Theres a new 1-Page Job Search Cheat Sheet and Webinar that shows you the exact steps to take and in what order, to triple the responses you get in your job search. If you want to capture more opportunities that you know perfectly well youre qualified for, download your cheat sheet today.If Your Job Search Is Stuck, Did You Think Of ThisYou polish off your resume, factor in the relevant key words, and apply for dozens of positions. Why isnt this job search going nearly as well as the last time you looked for a job? If you know youre qualified for the roles youre targeting, and you show the experience required, lets evaluate the reasons why you could be stuck on the slow road, and instead move over into the fast lane.What Are You Going For?Segment your job search targets into 3 categories titles 1 level below where yo u are, titles at the same level, and titles 1 level above. Your segments need not be equal. Boldly make 50% of the opportunities you pursue those that are above where you are now. Render the other 2 categories each to 25%.Never been a Director before? But you have 5 years of experience as a Senior Manager? Then now is your time to step up. Demonstrate confidence by going after that more senior level role, particularly if you meet most of the qualifications stated in the ad. Imposter syndrome too often sinks in here, but that is literally only inside your head. Time and again Ive seen candidates who stretch end up landing a role in the stretch zone. You wont know until you go for it. You could very well end up pleasantly surprised and handsomely paid. And because this is a segment of your job search strategy, youre not putting all your eggs in one basket.Who Are You Talking To?Clicking apply and submit online may seem like youre doing something. But I bet in your heart of hearts you know its not truly doing anything. You have to be talking to somebody who can influence the decision to hire you. And you have to do so consistently keep knocking on doors until multiple doors open for you.Utilizing your existing network is the most reasonable place to start. However, there are more people in the world you dont know than people you do know. Boldly branch out. There is practically no way this can yield a negative result that will keep you job searching longer. The only 2 outcomes of approaching someone you dont know yet is they either a) dont help you in which case youre no further back than you are now or b) they do help you and introduce you to a professional realm you wouldnt otherwise have known.Networking is the greatest pain only when its random a devoid of strategy. Therefore, it serves you well to identify people who make logical sense. You do that by defining your job search targets in the 1st place. What organizations do you want to work for? Why them ? Who are the recruiters, HR people, talent acquisition people, and functional decision makers there? What Are You Saying?I delete emails daily that ask me if I, know of anything, or can think of anyone to speak to. Know of what? Who is anyone? Avoid any tendency to put the onus on the person youre seeking out for a favor. By the time we reach a certain age and professional stature, weve amassed a sizable mental Rolodex. But who do YOU need, specifically? Furthermore, why should a new contact make that connection for you, respond to your email, or call you back? Its not solely because you need help. The more compelling reason should center on how you can help THEM even if all youre doing is helping them help you. Think about what value you offer, and make sure its specific. I recommend the BBQ test when you get to talking to a new person at an outdoor BBQ and they eventually say, So what do you do? You dont say, Well, Im a dynamic, results-oriented team player. Thats not normal con versation. When networking, keep things conversational, but add some teeth to it thats your value. You can say youre in software sales, most recently for Dell, where you generated $5M annually in channel sales in the Northeast. Its one sentence with real words that give the listener a clear picture of what you do.Job search need not feel like a broken record of you submitting your resume, then waking up the next day to an automated rejection email. Get the needle moving by recalibrating what youre going for, who youre talking to, and what youre saying. Theres a new 1-Page Job Search Cheat Sheet and Webinar that shows you the exact steps to take and in what order, to triple the responses you get in your job search. If you want to capture more opportunities that you know perfectly well youre qualified for, download your cheat sheet today.