There are times that you will not be able to find an open position, a hiring authority’s name, or any one of a number of essential components of your job search. Maybe your target decision maker doesn’t answer LinkedIn messages. Maybe you have their contact information, but you don’t know anyone who can introduce you.
A way around those circumstances is to send an inquiry letter. Yes, a letter. On paper. In an envelope. Here’s how. We’ll get to why in a minute.
- Write a short letter of introduction that tells who you are and what you can do for a company.
- Ask what you need to find out – whether they have or anticipate any openings, whether they are open to an informational interview, who is in charge of purchasing, whatever it is you’re trying to learn.
- Print your letter on white, cotton content resume or executive paper with a matching envelope.
- Snail mail the letter. (Here’s the why.) Chances are you have already tried to email the person, contact them through LinkedIn, or asked to be introduced and received no response. Sometimes, a snail mail letter will get through when other types of communication will not.
- Do NOT enclose your resume with the letter. Assistants often open executive’s mail, and they are usually instructed to route resumes to HR. If you include a resume, your letter will go to HR, too, and HR doesn’t have the answer to your question.
- Then, follow up with a phone call. If you reach an assistant who asks the reason for your call, say you are following up on some correspondence.
If you have questions about this technique or are simply tired of struggling with your job search, contact me right away to set up a phone conversation to see if what I do and what you need are the same thing.
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