How do I sell myself in a short email (that I hope will lead to a job interview)?
I found a listing for a job that I have a lot of experience with (IT-related stuff). The listing asks applicants to email them with a brief description of themselves and relevant work experience. What should a “brief description of myself” include? Do I attach a copy of my resume or is that being too presumptuous? What can I say in short space that will make them want to ask me for my resume/come in for an interview?
I’m over-thinking this a bit because I’ve been out of work for years (it’s a long story) so I need a job pretty desperately. I fit the job description almost perfectly, plus I love the company and would love the chance to work there. But I’ve had a lot of bad luck with my past email inquiries. Maybe I was too plain or boring in the past? I usually aim for plainness and clarity.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
6 Answers
I like this suggestion from: The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received:
Dear David:
I am writing in response to the opening for xxxx, which I believe may report to you.
I can offer you seven years of experience managing communications for top-tier xxxx firms, excellent project-management skills, and a great eye for detail, all of which should make me an ideal candidate for this opening.
I have attached my résumé for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you sometime.
Best regards,
Xxxx Xxxx
“Here’s what I like about this cover letter: It’s short. It sums up the résumé as it relates to the job. It asks for the job.
The writer of this letter took the time to think through what would be relevant to me. Instead of scattering lots of facts in hopes that one was relevant, the candidate offered up an opinion as to which experiences I should focus on.
And that means the writer isn’t just showing me skills related to the job, he’s showing me he’ll be the kind of employee who offers up solutions — instead of just laying problems on my desk.”
You are basically emailing a cover letter. Besides the work experience, the description they seek is probably your skills and education and how they match up to the requirements of the open position. Explain why you feel you fit the job description almost perfectly. And when closing, thank them for the consideration and tell them that you would welcome the opportunity to work for a company you have long admired. I’m torn about attaching a resume, but it looks like you have to get by this first hurdle before they will entertain a resume. Just make a point at the conclusion of the email that resume and references are available and will be forwarded upon request. Remember, you are selling yourself and you have to distinguish yourself from the other applicants (without BS….they’ll see through it)..
Good luck to you. See ya….Gary/wtf
I agree with @TheIncomparableBenziniBrothers. I might suggest adding a short paragraph between offer experience and attach resume that in some way gives an indication of depth of experience or complexity.
First sentence, as written, is grammatically incorrect.
“I am writing in response to the opening for xxxx, who I believe reports to you…. I believe the person in this position reports to you. “Which” is wrong.
@gailcalled Good call. With all the xxx’s you still didn’t miss the mistake.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
