News Story

A Targeted Job Search Mail Campaign that Makes a Difference

By Janet L. Fagan

Given the vast amount of communication techniques that one could use to find a job…email, overnight mail, faxes, pagers, etc., job hunting has become more fast paced and focused. Many of us think of ‘mail campaigns’ as rather low-tech and broad based.

However, this method can be surprisingly successful if you do your ‘homework’ and target with precision. So, don’t be too hasty in eliminating this strategy!

When I ran career centers for large corporations, I received several half-hearted requests of a very general cover letter along with their resume... I could easily tell that it was one of probably 200 sent out to blanket a market. The individuals were not effectively targeting their market, but rather simply using the “needle in a haystack” method to get the word out.

First of all, if your objective is to find a job as soon as possible, why not use every available tool or technique in the job search process? An employer can’t extend a job offer unless they know you exist and are seeking a new opportunity. At its most basic, a well thought out direct mail campaign is targeted advertising with you as the product!

The two most important elements of an effective direct-mail campaign are:

1. A targeted database of prospective companies
2. A marketing or “broadcast” letter that showcases and quantifies your major accomplishments.

1. State objective, not by specific title, but by general preference.
2. Substantiate and reinforce your objective; identify last two positions you have held and briefly describe your responsibilities. Focus tightly on the job you want.
3. Mention five to six accomplishments, all quantified, in a list of bulleted items; writing one to two sentences for each, briefly describing what you did to achieve each accomplishment.
4. Write a short closing with a call to action, inviting reader to call you if interested.