If you want to open doors in your job search, focus on finding the right people to do an email introduction for you. The hiring manager who receives an email about you from her friend, is far more likely to invite you to take the next step, whether it’s a request to send your resume, call her on the phone, or meet with you. Why? Because she trusts her friend’s judgment, and if her friend is willing to put her reputation on the line to recommend you, you’re someone she wants to meet.
Which approach do you think is more likely to get Jeremy in the door with hiring manager Allison Garrison?
Scenario 1: Jeremy writes his own email to the hiring manager
Dear Ms. Garrison,
My name is Jeremy Brown and I’m interested in speaking to you about an opportunity at your company….
followed by a perfectly acceptable paragraph highlighting key reasons why he’s a good candidate.
Scenario 2: Jeremy’s former colleague writes an email recommending him to the hiring manager, who is a friend or colleague
Hey Allison,
Jeremy was in my group at my last company. He was the “go to” market research guy on key projects for all of the Managers and did some breakthrough work that made a meaningful difference to the group’s performance. I know you’re looking to fill a slot on your team and I wanted to make sure to introduce you to Jeremy and encourage the two of you to connect. Below is a brief paragraph he has shared with me about his most recent accomplishments.
Followed by Jeremy’s paragraph highlighting reasons why he’s a good candidate.
While there is nothing wrong with Jeremy writing his own email asking to meet the hiring manager, approach number 2, a personalized note to Allison from a colleague she knows and likes, is much more likely to get her attention. Jeremy can then follow-up this email,
copying the person who made the introduction, with something like this
Ms. Garrison, it’s very nice to meet you. I would love the opportunity to talk/meet and tell you a little more about my experience and what I think I could contribute. Please let me know a convenient time to talk/meet.
What Should You Write in the Paragraph You Share With Others?
There are many different people who could introduce you to your primary target (Read
The Email Introductions Most Likely to Open Doors) to see the ideal people to write the introduction). If it’s not someone with personal insight into your recent work accomplishments, you’ll need to provide them with a paragraph they can share or speak to in their introduction. The paragraph should communicate 3 things: relevant skills and experiences, and 1 illustration of the impact you’ve had. Here’s an example:
Bob, I appreciate your willingness to introduce me to Ms. Garrison. As I indicated to you, I am interested in <objective: broadening my skill set/moving to a larger platform>. Here’s a little bit about my background that you can feel free to share with Ms. Garrison.
I’ve spent the last three years at ABC company in market research, collecting and analyzing consumer data to identify shifts in market trends in the $6 Billion performance sportswear market. I’ve developed core skills in research design, construction of analytical models, and data analysis that are applicable across all consumer business. Eighteen months ago I recognized an opportunity to make better utilization of web platforms to cost-effectively test new concepts. The new online research method I designed capitalizing on Twitter and Facebook has now been adopted by all of the groups within my division and saves an estimated $1 mil annually.
In one paragraph, Jeremy has communicated specific, relevant skills he possesses, different types of research experience, and a proof statement about the impact he’s had on the organization. A paragraph like this one, along with a simple introduction from someone the hiring manager knows or respects, is the most effective way for you to open doors.
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