Writing Letters for Cold Canvassing (IT) Jobs?

jtan163 asks: "I'm trying to help a friend write job applications for cold canvassing jobs in the IT industry but we're quite stuck. His CV/Resume shows his skills and employment history and even to some extent, what he is looking for. So, what do you put in the letter for cold canvassing IT (and probably any other field) job applications? With cold canvassing, is the letter really important or is it just 'fluff' so the CV/Resume doesn't get lonely in the envelope (electronic or otherwise)? We'd love to hear about what has worked or not for you. Or, if you happen to be a job application consumer, what you look for in, or at least what would make you consider (or at least not throw out), a cold canvassed application?"

Comments

Networking

[geekyMD]

I'm sure you've heard it before, and you will hear it again, but in my humble experience networking is the best (the only?) way of breaking into the tech industry. Ask a friend at the company you're applying to, a former boss, contacts from conferences, etc. if they would be willing to submit your resume and give you a recommendation at their company. Many companies will look more favorably upon recommendation from within. Even consider asking former coworkers if they'd be willing to put in a good word at their old job: anything to lift you out of that cold-calling pile. Networking.

Beyond that, I don't have much. But I would definately at least Include a cover letter. If you don't its going to look like you don't care, and thats the last thing you want.

*now I'll sit back and wait to be corrected* :-P

You could have it professionally done

[Gary Destruction]

That's what I did and I got good results. As it turns out, I wasn't marketing myself well enough. I had a resume and cover letter done for $195. Then I sent my resume and cover letter to over 1400 recruiters across the country for $60. A month later, I'm still getting responses.

Re:You could have it professionally done

[mcmonkey]

Argh!

First, someone above mentioned "What color is your parachute". Absolutely 100% required reading.

Second, someone also suggested calling rather than mailing an unsolicited resume. Absolutely 100% correct.

We're technical folks, you're looking for a technical job, why aren't you taking a technical approach?

If I told you to write a program, what the first question you would ask? Ok, after, how much am I paying? You'd ask what the program is supposed to do. You need to know the desired features, the target audience, etc. before you can get started.

You friend should do the same with a job search. Okay, What is the purpose of the cover letter/resume? The purpose of the resume is to get the interview. Period. That's it. So sure, send "fluff" if you like wasting your time, paper, postage, time of the person you're sending it to, etc. Otherwise, the cover letter and resume should peak the target's interest. The goal is to get that person to invite you in to their office.

A call is better than an unsolicited resume fore several reasons.

First, a personal call has more weight. There are jag-offs out there spamming 1400 recruiters at a shot. For all I know, the resume you sent me is one of 1400. You call me, I know you're not on the phone with 1399 other people at the same time.

Second, a personal call demands attention. I may give you brush off, but at least I have to do it when you call. A resume comes in the mail, I put it in a 'to do' pile, I shuffle it around, maybe I read it, maybe I don't.

Third, a personal call gets you to do a little more of your homework. An unsolicited resume to the 'HR Department' or 'IT Hiring Manager' gets filed away. Odds are, it is never even read. You find the person you want to work for and call that person by name, A)you've done a little research into the company and judged it as a potential target. No sense in wasting my time by sending me a resume, having me call you in, only for you to decide my company isn't right for you. B)You've got my attention. Mail to 'Generic Title' ends up in the stack of papers I really should go over but don't have time for. Mail to 'Mr. Smith' at least gets opened. A phone call to 'Mr. Smith' at least gets my voice mail, if not me in person. And if I don't return vm, you don't want to work for me anyway. C)If I'm paying attention when you call, I realize you've done your research to find my name and phone number for your targeted search. You've shown you're willing to work towards your goal. You're up on 75% of the competition already. (And you're blowing the unsolicited resume crowd out of the water.)

Forth, you may get out of writing a cover letter all together (or at least have an easier time of it). The call may end with a request for your resume. You'll need to include a cover letter, but you'll mostly just need to refresh my memory of our phone conversation. (Dear Mr. Smith...resume as we discussed...my experience as I mentioned...also bring these skills to the table...hugs and kisses, and so on. It practically writes itself.) If all goes well, and this is the goal of the conversation, we end by arranging the face-to-face interview. No cover letter needed!

And there ya go! You've done a little work targeting me as a potential boss, and in doing so, set yourself ahead of the unsolicited resume crowd and created the impression of a focused, not-looking-for-the-easy-way-out, go-getter that would make an excellent addition to my team. Congratulations, when can you start?

Now, about the parent post. Get some help with cover letters and resumes. Can be professional, can be an experienced friend or family who's been through the job hunt/hiring process a few times. BUT! remember, you have to back up every single word of that resume. You can dress it up, you can spin it, but it better be true. And you had best be able to discuss it. If you put it to paper and send it in, it is fair game. If I ask you about something on you