To get around the resume screening game, write an approach letter

Want to get into a choice company but you aren't sure they have any openings or any roles that fit you?

I urge clients to be bold and write an approach letter, which is not accompanied by a resume. This kind of letter makes the same powerful “matching” points as a letter or email does with a published position, but the letter is sent alone. It says, "I have selected YOUR company as my #1 target company to work for, and here's why..."

A strong letter to the exact person who’s hiring can even eliminate the need for a resume, at least at first. You could send this as an email but a hard copy in the US mail could succeed, too – because today, so few people use US mail in job search, so you will stand out for doing so. It's flattering, even for big companies, to learn that THEY have been selected as YOUR next place to build your career. And it’s possible you can be the right person at the right time – whether or not there’s a public posting.

In addition to sending an approach letter, do your networking: Getting a warm introduction from a current employee or other connection with the company would greatly increase your chances of being called for an interview. Related to this is that in the letter, you are writing the job description for your possible future job with the company – a job description that YOU match!

This sample is a real letter written by a real client, with identifying details and dates changed:

July 3, 2023

Fiona Harrison, Executive Director

Kentucky Horse Riding Foundation

Lexington, KY

Dear Ms. Harrison,

As Lexington is gearing up for the 2024 World Equestrian Games, I am certain there is a enormous amount of work in development, sponsorship and fundraising surrounding the largest equestrian sporting event ever hosted in the United States.

I had the opportunity to spend a week at the Kentucky Horse Park in the summer of 2022 during the United States Pony Club National Competition and saw the expansion and excitement already underway in the city of Lexington as the focus was underway for the 2024 Games.

I would love to bring my background in identifying business opportunities and relationship building to the Kentucky Horse Riding Foundation. As an avid dressage competitor and sport-horse owner, I have a wealth of expertise to bring. My background in lead generation, consultative selling, relationship building and marketing, all represent skills I can bring to the Kentucky Horse Park Riding Foundation. In specific:

- Your possible requirement for such a position: Identifying and generating leads on prospective business opportunities for the 2024 Games

How I meet that requirement: Strong lead generation track record across products and service businesses

- Your possible requirement for such a position: Building relationships with middle managers and senior level executives

How I match: Created new and enhanced existing relationships with Fortune 500 Directors and Executives

- Your possible requirement for such a position: Creating sponsorship and fundraising opportunities in the Equine Arena

How I match: Seasoned competitor familiar with offerings in tack, apparel, nutrition and alternative therapies

- Your possible requirement for such a position: Creating/reviewing proposals, and pricing to potential clients

How I match: Comfortable and competent with proposal creation and fine-tuning

I would enjoy speaking directly with you about opportunities and my potential contributions. I can be reached at the phone number or e-mail address above. If I don’t hear from you by July 15th, I will call to follow up.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Chris Kendall

Phone number

Email address

LinkedIn profile address

See how Chris actually sketched out the job requirements, then showed how she matches them? This is powerful.

Not sure who to send it to, and you can't find the right person through your network or on LinkedIn? Then send it to the CEO. They will give it to the correct person on the leadership team to handle. You will hear back from them or their designee, thus will have a name to reply to, for starters. "Who should I be talking with about your company?" will be your key question.

Not enough people use unusual yet effective approaches like this, so you will stand out in a professional way. And you'll avoid the "resume roulette" that so many get mired in these days.

Try it and let me know how it goes!