April 18, 2012 - Selling Yourself (In a Good Way)

As we reach the conclusion of the class (and consequently, this blog), it is now time to tie everything together. This topic will set out to combine many aspects of previous blog posts while providing some excellent real world advice.

Today, it's all about crafting a cover letter or a sales letter, because what it really does is sell the most important asset you'll ever get in life-- YOU!

1. Find the Person and Research

Get their address, their phone number, their e-mail, and all that important information. Then, research them. Who have they worked for?What do they like? What can you connect with them about?

Then, start it off with Dear __________, 

Make sure you get their title correct. If they're a president of the company, don't call them the manager. If they are the King of Norway, don't call them the Maharaja.

In a way, this is like figuring out your target audience.

2. Hook them in.

This is where your research pays off. Give 2-3 sentences that will grab their attention, and make you interested in the rest of the cover letter. Try to make it a little more personal so it shows you've done your research.

Just don't go overboard on the research.

3. You Want?

These next steps are identical to the ones used when selling products. The "You Want?" portion is where you detail just exactly what you think they are looking for and exactly the job or internship that you are going for.

4. I got!

This is when you started selling the benefits of hiring you! What aspects of the job do you fulfill? In what ways are you better and unique than everybody else? This is not the time to be non-confrontational or wimpy. This is a time to really throw yourself out there and put out a confident atmosphere. So, don't say things like "I may not have experience, but I'm willing to learn," because everyone says that. Show 'em what you're made of.

Not literally, obviously.

5. Buy it Now

At this stage, your prospective employer should be hungry and wanting you. So, don't give them a reason not to call immediately. Include your name, address, e-mail, personal website, or however you can be reached (carrier pidgeon?). Make it important that hiring you post-haste will result in the best circumstances for everyone.

Also as a side note: facebook is not a website. No employer wants to go online and see your inane chatter, or your drunken escapades.At least make that stuff private!

Sometimes, it's tough to put ourselves out there, but in this job market, a well-crafted cover  sales letter might just make the difference. And if you can't get this job or the next, there are always plenty of opportunities waiting just around the corner.