When writing a letter to a top level executive, it is helpful to imagine how they might read it. We all agree they are busy people and have limited attention spans. They want information summarized for the most part and they want it delivered in a way easy to read.
I imagine most C-level executives I am writing are barely ever sitting down. They are constantly on the move and probably read most of their emails on a hand-held device (blackberry, iphone, palm pre, etc). Keeping this in mind, you should draft your letters to be easily readable on a PDA.
Keep your paragraphs short. No more than 1 or 2 sentences per paragraph. Make sure you have clear line breaks between paragraphs. And keep your email short in general.
Example:
CEO-
I hope you are doing well. I am a (insert short description (i.e. young professional, experienced accountant) and am passionately interested in finding the right opportunity to work in (insert industry or job role (i.e. professional sports, leveraged finance)).
My background in (insert skilled areas (i.e. marketing, accounting, pharmaceutical sales)) makes me a strong candidate for your team. I would value learning more about your line of business and ways I can work to develop a similar career.
(Insert anything additional that might help your cause while keeping it short.)
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet and learn more about your background as well as tell you a little bit more about myself.
I imagine you are very busy so I thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
Job Seeker
1 comments:
Dear MSCE,
I've been at my job for a few years now and although I enjoy it for the most part, the excessive amount of extra hours I've put in (with no overtime pay) and salary in general, are starting to frustrate me.
Realizing that this probably isn't the greatest time to start job hunting, I still can't help but look through job postings in the search of a better opportunity.
I've seen a few ads listed with fairly established companies that ask for applicant's resumes along with salary expectations. I wouldn't want to sell myself short nor would I want to blow my shot with an unreasonable number. What do you suggest?
What things should I consider if I take further steps entertaining these ideas? If I'm offered a salary higher than my current, can I use this as leverage for negotiating a higher pay with at my current job? How do I schedule interviews if I have to work?
Thanks,
Anon Y. Mouse
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