I’m Going to Sit Write Down and Write Myself a Letter
Recently, I was thinking back to my childhood days. My Mom was a stay at home Mom in the 1960’s as my sisters, brother and I were growing up. One of her enjoyments was either to listen to records that had been popular when she was growing up, or sometimes actually singing the words to songs she loved while doing work around the house.
What got me reminiscing was some guidance I shared in my job search support group that day. One of the attendees is in a particularly narrow niche job field. I asked her if she had any target companies in mind. She indeed did, but was not aware of any openings they had. I suggested to her that she may want to contact the company directly through a “Direct Contact” letter. When working with job searchers, I explain there are 4 ways to find a job. Applying through online ads is one, a second is using recruiters or search firms, the third is networking and the fourth is the direct contact method. Many are aware of the first three, but the 4th is often underutilized. However if used well, it can at times open doors where previously they had been closed.
So, how does a Direct Contact letter work? First of all while it can be done in this day and age through email, it is many times more effective when done as an actual, honest to goodness, mailed letter that someone receives in an envelope. Secondly, it should be simple in nature. I favor a 4 paragraph approach. The first paragraph asks the person a question. Could their firm use someone with the type of abilities you have? Are there particular challenges their company has had? Are they looking to grow their business? That first paragraph is to grab the attention of the reader.
The second paragraph give an overview of you and your background. What type of work have you done? What skill sets do you bring to the table? Again, overview and background, not a life history. No one has time to read every little detail about your career. If they have a need, or an interest, the reader will read on.
The third paragraph works best with bulleted accomplishments. What are the things your skillsets have helped you to accomplish in your career? What are you most proud to share with others? Again, short, to the point, interest generating, but leaving the reader wanting to ask you more.
The fourth and final paragraph suggests a meeting or discussion with your reader. You can indicate that you are looking forward for them to contact you. If you do actually have a phone number for your reader, you may want to take the responsibility for connecting yourself. Indicate you will follow with a phone call in a few days. Again, the point being, you want to meet with them, get a chance for them to know you further, and in addition learn of how you can be of assistance to them.
Some will say will someone actually read a letter they receive through the mail? Some will not, but many will. There are those who are going to be impressed you took the time to write to them, and actually send the letter by mail. Others may say I have difficulty talking or writing about myself. While that may be difficult for many, the key is that yes while the letter is about you, it is about, how you CAN BE OF HELP TO THEM IN ATTAINING THEIR BUSINESS GOALS. One is absolutely right if the tone of the letter is all about yourself, with nothing in it for the reader, the letter will be a turn off. However, a letter that indicates how it can be of benefit to the reader, will get attention.
So how did speaking of the Direct Contact letter lead to reminiscing about my childhood days? One of my favorite songs for my Mother to sing was entitled “I’m Going to Sit Write Down and Write Myself a Letter.” The song is about a person writing a letter to themselves, but addressing it as coming from the one who loves them. And, while the song is hokey, and light hearted in nature, it has a great message. We all enjoy receiving letters from people who write to us with our best interest in mind. So, consider Direct Contact letters as a way to help connect with those you are meant to serve as part of your job search.
