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Besides, I wasn't qualified for any advertised jobs
Date: 30-Mar-2010
To get my first job in my field of study (Computer Science), I followed
the creative advice of my uncle, Wayne, who worked in the
insurance industry.
I had just completed my first year of college, so my résumé was very
thin. In fact, it included only my academic record—not exactly the type
of CV to get past Human Resources. Besides, I wasn't qualified for any
advertised jobs, because I lacked the required experience. And I had no
connections whatsoever.
What was Wayne's advice? Find the companies at which I'd like to work,
and send a cover letter and résumé directly to the head of each
company's software department. Also, he instructed me to write
"Personal & Confidential" on the envelope to give it the best shot
of getting past the secretary.
I looked through the newspaper (pre-Web era), selected five or six
local companies, and called each to get the name and title of the head
honchos. With Wayne's help, I wrote customized cover letters explaining
how I could benefit their respective companies. I attached my wimpy
résumé and mailed them off.
I don't remember for certain how many responded, but I ended up getting
job offers from two of the companies. The department head at each of
those companies told me that he was impressed with my approach.
Unfortunately, the company that I preferred offered me less money. I
told them of the other offer, and they agreed to match it. Excellent!
I ended up working there for nearly three years. If I hadn't left to
attend graduate school, I probably would've kept working there. It was
a great experience, and I couldn't have done it without Wayne's advice.
Jeff Conroy
CEO at Truth Rally
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