Letters of interest

[TJ55]

I feel like I have progressed as far possible with my current employer so I have started the search for something new.

I am in the process of constructing some letters of interest that I plan to send out to places that aren't currently advertising any openings, but I would be interested in, if/when they do have something available.

Does anyone havea an opinion on whether or not I should send a formal hard copy (U.S. mail) or email? Do people still read hard copy cover letters and resumes?

Thanks for the input.

[L-A]

Depending on your field, some employers will enjoy a well-worded email over paper, but it's still not the norm today.

The same goes for a hard copy, if it's interesting enough (content AND presentation), it will be read.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by L-A

Depending on your field, some employers will enjoy a well-worded email over paper, but it's still not the norm today.

The same goes for a hard copy, if it's interesting enough (content AND presentation), it will be read.

+1, depends on the field really.

Personally, I find hard copies are the way to go.

[jmattbassplaya]

Why not do both?

I figure your chances of it being read (at least in some form) will go up quite a bit if it comes into an office via two different channels.

I have to say this though - I think a letter of interest would be kinda weak in this economy. You might want to consider networking a bit more heavily, and you should try to get some connections on the inside of the companies you're interested in. Knowing someone in a company who can bring you up and talk about you will be much more memorable and impressive than a raw letter or email. IMHO, YMMV.

[TJ55]

@ Matt: I agree. I'm not limiting myself to just the letter and/or email route. I've got some contacts on the inside at a few places. I plan to go at it fairly aggresively so doing both sounds like a good idea. Maybe send the hard copy and then follow up with an email after I'm sure that it has had time to arrive. Thanks for the reply

@ Mohawk and L-A: The field I work in now is Corporate Fitness, but I am contacting colleges for possible teaching positions or fitness center director positions and recreational type organizations (my first job pre grad school), in addition to positions similar to what I'm doing now. Thank you guys too.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Another thing to do is show up in person, or try and arrange a look around or something.

Just getting to meet people in a non-interview situation, then when a position comes up, if they can put a face and pleasant attitude to the name and credentials that are on your CV/Resume, it could help tip the balance (not to mention it also makes you look keen).

[Pilgrim]

You will get further by thinking about who you know at those target companies, contacting them, and finding out what they can tell you about the company - and especially who they can introduce you to. Networking is powerful.