Case Studies in Success Often, the greatest inspiration comes from those who have succeeded. Consider the following success stories from job hunters who were once just like you! As a recent college graduate with no work history in my field of information technology, I sent out dozens of cover letters and résumés and didn’t get a single interview. I knew I had to prove to an employer that even though my professional experience was limited, I would be a hard-working, smart, capable employee. For years I had been selling gently used children’s toys obtained at garage sales on eBay to help pay for my college expenses. Even though this job wasn’t IT related, I had become proficient in obtaining inventory, promoting goods, interacting with customers, and managing my auctions as a small, independent business. I changed my cover letter to include a description of that work, including specifics that showed growth and profitability. I then drew a parallel to the work ethic and skills I would bring to the employer’s company. I even included as evidence of my operation a photograph of me in my workroom, which was filled with toys and shipping materials. That letter, particularly with the inclusion of the photo, helped me get noticed and eventually get hired. ScottIT Specialist for Food Research Company When I first started job hunting, I sent out dozens of cover letters via e-mail to employers each day. I literally got no replies. It was very discouraging. Then, a friend pointed out to me some of the things I was doing wrong: I was sending the cover letters to employers in a mass mailing in which each recipient could see all the other people who had received copies of the same letter; I was using a very generic letter that was not addressed to a particular person and didn’t reference a specific company or position; and my cover letter didn’t include any specific reasons that I would be an excellent candidate worthy of consideration for a job. My friend helped me focus the letter and add compelling reasons for the recipient to open my attached résumé. He also taught me that it was far better to send out a few highly personalized, targeted letters to potential employers where my skills would be a good fit than to blast a “broadcast e-mail” to dozens of companies whose names I’d found on the Internet. My new cover letters generated replies—some of which resulted in interviews and eventually job offers. KarenProject Manager for Textiles Manufacturer I had little success answering classified ads with a traditional cover letter and résumé. I decided to try a unique approach. I created what essentially was a one-page flyer about me—complete with compelling headline and eye-catching graphics. I used that flyer with my résumé to apply for a position as a research technician. It helped me stand out from the other applicants, and I did end up getting interviews and eventually a job offer. PaulinaResearch Technician ExerciseCase Study Analysis What strategies presented in this chapter helped these job hunters find success? What can you learn from the experiences of these individuals?
Case Studies in Success
Often, the greatest inspiration comes from those who have succeeded. Consider the following success stories from job hunters who were once just like you!
As a recent college graduate with no work history in my field of information technology, I sent out dozens of cover letters and résumés and didn’t get a single interview. I knew I had to prove to an employer that even though my professional experience was limited, I would be a hard-working, smart, capable employee.
For years I had been selling gently used children’s toys obtained at garage sales on eBay to help pay for my college expenses. Even though this job wasn’t IT related, I had become proficient in obtaining inventory, promoting goods, interacting with customers, and managing my auctions as a small, independent business.
I changed my cover letter to include a description of that work, including specifics that showed growth and profitability. I then drew a parallel to the work ethic and skills I would bring to the employer’s company. I even included as evidence of my operation a photograph of me in my workroom, which was filled with toys and shipping materials. That letter, particularly with the inclusion of the photo, helped me get noticed and eventually get hired.
ScottIT Specialist for Food Research CompanyWhen I first started job hunting, I sent out dozens of cover letters via e-mail to employers each day. I literally got no replies. It was very discouraging. Then, a friend pointed out to me some of the things I was doing wrong: I was sending the cover letters to employers in a mass mailing in which each recipient could see all the other people who had received copies of the same letter; I was using a very generic letter that was not addressed to a particular person and didn’t reference a specific company or position; and my cover letter didn’t include any specific reasons that I would be an excellent candidate worthy of consideration for a job.
My friend helped me focus the letter and add compelling reasons for the recipient to open my attached résumé. He also taught me that it was far better to send out a few highly personalized, targeted letters to potential employers where my skills would be a good fit than to blast a “broadcast e-mail” to dozens of companies whose names I’d found on the Internet. My new cover letters generated replies—some of which resulted in interviews and eventually job offers.
KarenProject Manager for Textiles ManufacturerI had little success answering classified ads with a traditional cover letter and résumé. I decided to try a unique approach. I created what essentially was a one-page flyer about me—complete with compelling headline and eye-catching graphics. I used that flyer with my résumé to apply for a position as a research technician. It helped me stand out from the other applicants, and I did end up getting interviews and eventually a job offer.
PaulinaResearch TechnicianExerciseCase Study Analysis
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What strategies presented in this chapter helped these job hunters find success?
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What can you learn from the experiences of these individuals?
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