Exploratory LettersI' m having trouble with writing exploratory letters. The models I got from the university where I graduated suggests grabbing the readers attention by telling them who suggested I should write them and provide some knowledge about the firm. My dilemma is what if no one suggested I write? I am just sending these letters out to all firms in my area. Should I just skip telling them who suggested I write since I am send exploratory letters out to all firms? With all due respect to Academia, this probably isn't the best use of your time. The exploratory or informational interview is somewhat dated. A better approach is to begin developing a personal network. People hire people they know first. Join the alumni association, volunteer with school fundraisers, target associations and user groups that do what you do, so that people eventually will associate your name with a face. Then, you can send a targeted letter with some chance of success. Just blindly sending out letters willy-nilly is not something that I would spend a lot of time on. Cold calling companies to find out if they are accepting resumes or cold e-mailing your resume without the phone call first are both a waste of time. But, if you have the time to waste, go for it. The chances of your resume actually being looked at without a job being available is slim to none. Your information will probably be entered or scanned into the computer, tucked into af ile cabinet or thrown into the trash bin. If you have a friend or relative who works in a particular company or knows of a particular company you are interested who is hiring, then by all means, send your resume with a cover letter explaining that Barbara Crackenbush who holds the title of Client Coordinating Representative recommended you send your information for the position of Box Cutter Generalist which will be available in a few weeks time. | |
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