| Topic Name: |
Is an 35 yr old MBA age barred for consulting |
| Message Name: |
Another way to market |
| Date Posted: |
08/27/2002 |
| Message: |
I like the idea of a marketing letter, though even that could be too directed in some cases. I work in the high tech sector so I'll focus on some techniques which might work in landing a job designing and programming.
The number 1 requirement is a good website. A website won't get anything for you by itself, but it can help to clinch the sale.
You have to realize that the questions you are trying to answer are twofold: First, can this person really do what she says she can do? Second, is this person really the best choice among the pile of resumes on my desk? The website can help you answer both questions.
What might I put on my website? I might document projects I had done in generic detail (avoiding copyright issues with past employers).
I would write Word or Adobe documents about skills I know well and post them on the site. Charts (UML or otherwise) to show design skills. Book reviews to show I am widely-read. Perhaps source code (again watch out for copyright issues).
Be careful what you show. It should not be employer secrets. It should also be your very best work. Better a little of the best quality than a lot of poor-quality junk.
Then use it in your marketing. Put a link to it in your marketing letters. If you speak with a better than average headhunter, mention the website and ask her to visit it and give you critique.
If the headhunter is pushing individuals rather than bodies (as the better ones do) they need to be able to steer customers to the website 'This person has a website which will really answer your questions about them'.
If you use the informational interview you can ask for critique as well.
You can also use such a website when using bulletin boards like this one. A person who agrees to critique is a person who may be impressed enough to decide to hire you. It's still a numbers game, but one in which the odds are far more favorable to you.
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