Write a prospecting letter.
Harness the power of direct mail. The first thing you need to do for a
prospecting letter is compile your list. Find 5-10 companies you want to work for based on your research. Compose a letter to your network of contacts
asking them if they know of anyone who works at any of the companies on your
enclosed list. When a contact does
know someone at one of the companies ask him or her to forward your resume to them and let
you know how to follow up on the referral. Enclose an eXtreme
makeover resume or a functional one with 3-5 bulleted accomplishments that
would be of interest to hiring managers at the companies you target.
♦ Send the letter to all your direct contacts
first: lawyer, accountant, friends, colleagues, former employers.
♦ Send the list to your closest neighbors next and
then people that you don’t necessarily know but you’ve always meant to stop by
and introduce yourself to.
♦ Attach a hand written note to your list and sign
your name
♦ If you hit a dead-end find out who supplies the
company with computer products, stationery or any other service and approach them
the same way.
♦ Don’t be surprised if someone calls one or two
of your target companies and tells them you are doing research on them… that’s
not a bad thing to have happen.
