Write Cold-Contact Cover Letters to Warm Up Employers

Write Cold-Contact Cover Letters to Warm Up EmployersCold-Contact Cover LettersWrite Cold-Contact Cover Letters to Warm Up EmployersA sales rep looking for new customers will likely resort to making out-of-the-blue cold calls. Likewise, a job seeker can use a cold contact cover letter. The letter pitches your qualifications to a prospective employer (or recruiter) that has no advertised job openings.The purpose of a cold-contact letter like that of any cover letter is to introduce your resume and highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments. What makes it different from a regular cover letter is that it must emphasize how well you would fit in with and strengthen the organization, rather than how youre the right person for a specific job.Lets say youve identified an up-and-coming company, one that can benefit by having someone with your skills and experience on its staff. Even better You might know someone who works there and talks about how it inspires creativity, pays well, and offers great benefits.Even though there seem to be no openings at this company, youre interested in working for them. Youve prepared a resume, but you need a cover letter to accompany it.Time to write a cold-contact cover letter (sometimes called a prospecting letter).Heres how you put it togetherThe OpeningAfter you research the company to determine where its going and where you might fit in, use your first paragraph to emphasize your findings and introduce yourself. Address the cover letter to a specific person. Ask your contact, or do the research to find the name and title of a person who has knowledge of the positions or department that would accommodate your skills. Heres an exampleMr. Michael JonesChief Information OfficerABC Company, Inc.123 Anywhere Blvd.Somewhere, MI 55555RE Employment Opportunities for Skilled IT ProfessionalDear Mr. JonesI have been following recent news about ABC Company, especially its acquisition of XYZ International and recent public offering of an additional 1 million shares of common stock to help fund more acquisitions. I believe my skills and extensive experience in the information technology field, most notably as a project manager and database administrator, can benefit ABC as it carries out its international growth strategy.The Second ParagraphBuild on the previous paragraph, citing further information, such as professional certifications and recent accomplishments, that will spur the reader to look at your resume. ExampleI recently spearheaded the integration of and application upgrades for 250 desktop and mobile devices following an acquisition. My team finished the two-month project a week ahead of schedule and within budget. I believe my record of accomplishments such as this one, as well as my certification as a Senior IT Project Management Professional, could greatly benefit your company as it embarks on its ambitious plans.The Third ParagraphOffer to talk with the addressee further about the company, your ski lls and background, and how they might benefit the company. ExampleI welcome an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my skills and professional experience can help ABC. I will call your office a week from today to see whether we can schedule an appointment.The ClosingTo finish the letter, plug your resume a little, and be optimistic and respectfully assertive about continuing a dialogue with the hiring manager. ExampleMy resume offers a more complete picture of my experience and qualifications, and what I can do for you and your company. I look forward to talking with you next week. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview, please contact me at your convenience.Sincerely,Joseph P. SmithThere you have it A concise letter that strikes a confident, positive tone, points out the benefits you could bring to the business, and invites the reader to learn more about you.