70% Success in Getting an Interview-Use This Letter

In my last article I talked about using a marketing plan for your job search.  The next step is to start networking and making contacts at your target companies.  At the recent Crossroads networking meeting speaker Bob Bachman shared his secret for getting interviews using the marketing plan and letter.  He claims a 70% success rate at getting informational interviews using this two part system.  With his permission I have enclosed an example of his letter and will present his tips for applying this technique successfully.

SAMPLE NETWORKING LETTER

YOUR NAME

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone

E-mail

March 18, 2009

John Smith

ABC Company

Local City and State

Dear Mr. Smith

Fred Jones of Joy Mining suggested I contact you.  I met Fred Jones at a recent Muskego Chamber of Commerce meeting.  He indicated you are well connected in the business community in Southeastern Wisconsin.  I am in a career search and would value your insight and experience in the field of engineering, manufacturing and business development.  I am looking to expand my network of contacts in Southeastern Wisconsin manufacturing companies.

I do not expect you to offer or know of any opportunities at this time.  I am conducting my career search in a way I believe will result in better than conventional results.

I am a proactive project manager. I turn the ideas of others into successful, cost effective, completed projects and then examine those finished projects to help others improve their project processes.  I am looking to remain in project management role since my passion and expertise are in solving problems.  I am looking to pursue this role in a small to mid-size company in Southeastern Wisconsin.

My goal is a short 30-minute meeting with you to discuss the manufacturing market, current trends and future possibilities. I would like to discuss the growth opportunities you see in this area and who you know that might be good contacts as I grow my network.  I will come prepared, be brief and very much look forward to meeting you.

If it is convenient, I will call on you on Tuesday January 7^th, mid morning, to  hopefully set up a mutually agreeable time to meet.  Please feel free to contact me sooner at phone # 111 123-4567 or via email.

Sincerely

YOUR NAME

Tips for applying the Plan

-Research the company before the meeting. Be knowledgeable on industry trends.

-Be sure to have a personal business card to exchange and get one from the person you are meeting.

-Look for advice, not a job. You are trying to expand your network. Aim for 2-3 contacts.

-Be prepared with a list of questions on industry trends, and places to contact.

-Keep the meeting to 30 minutes. This is the most important tip. Respect the time of the other person.

-Send a hand written thank you note within 24 hours of the meeting.

-Contact any names you are given during the meeting within 4-5 days.

The majority of jobs (80%) are filled through networking. This two part method will help you to expand your network and know about jobs before they are ever advertised.

Give this a try. What do you have to lose?

Thanks To Bob Bachman for his material

Bob can be contacted at robachman@wi.rr.com

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