| Topic Name: |
Listing Jobs on Resume |
| Message Name: |
A Proposal Letter is Not A Cover Letter |
| Date Posted: |
07/11/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
Thanks for the advise. I tried using a more functional format the last time I was downsized and it wasn't accepted well. Many of the companies I apply to are smaller, non-profits and are not comfortable with out-of-the-box resumes. But, I will definitely try this method and see where it leads.
Regarding the proposal letter idea, I do that with my cover letter. I address their requirements and compare them with my experience.
Should I decide to leave my resume in chron order, is it kosher to leave off a short-term gig? |
| Message: |
It's ok to add a short-term and ok to leave it off. I usually recommend adding it - bridge jobs are common practice and very easily explained.
Here's the difference: a functional resume (I did this, I did this, I did this) is not an accomplishments-based resume (increased sales 20% above goal while reducing advertising costs over 15%, reduced employee turnover 10% by instituting bonus based incentive programs, reduced spoilage resulting in a $10,000 quarterly cost savings), etc.
Now, a proposal letter is not a cover with a resume attached, it is sent in place of a resume. It's just what it's called, a proposal to the employer - you solving their needs.
Resumes don't always end up on the desk of the intended recipient, in most cases they are routed to "screeners", right? Personal letters almost always get to their intended recipient.
Believe me, this is not the easy way to gain a decision makers attention because it can take hours of research on your end to make your proposal effective. But if you're looking for great results and real, results oriented conversations with decision makers...it would be worth your time.
Before you send a proposal letter you need to completely understand your target - so research, research, research the company and their objectives, challenges, goals, business plans, etc., anything you can get your hands on for that employer.
It's not the easiest thing to do if you're unsure how to do it but here are a few pointers:
?? Briefly link a commonality between their challenges, industry, etc. and your expertise
?? Demonstrate your knowledge of the most common obstacles to change
?? Show a solid example of your effectiveness in providing similar solutions
?? Use a few well-researched statistics (not personal opinion) to build a case
?? Present benefit and value to them in terms of what they??ll gain in cost effectiveness, elimination of task redundancy, and / or boost to employee performance
Sorry to be so long-winded. I hope this information helps.
Andrea
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