How to Apply for a Job with a Cold Call Letter

Ruth Mayhew reports:

"Cold call letters are semi-tailored letters a job seeker sends to companies, hoping they land on the desk of a [decision maker] who will contact them for an interview, regardless of whether the company has available jobs. The benefit of sending a cold call letter...is that the hiring manager may have future openings for which the job seeker has a head start from having already submitted her qualifications...Although you write a cold call letter to a company that doesn't have current job vacancies, you should still personalize the letter so it doesn't appear to be a form letter sent out en masse. Organizing your cold call letter-writing simplifies the process and can improve the chance of your letter receiving attention from an HR staff member or a hiring manager. Identify the companies you intend to approach inquiring about employment opportunities. Categorize the companies according to industry, or if you're looking to relocate, consider grouping companies by region...Use due diligence when you send a cold call letter. Research the company's website to learn hiring managers' names, call the HR department to get names and titles, or research professional networking sites using the name of the company and titles to find people associated with the company. Always use a personal salutation when writing a cold call letter; it will look like you took the time to find out who is in charge of hiring. Never use an impersonal 'To Whom It May Concern' greeting...[Y]our introduction needs to begin with a statement that engages the reader's interest and curiosity. If you're a recent graduate, lead with your academic credentials and achievements, and follow up with a sentence or two that indicates you're ready to start your career. For a seasoned professional, create a strong introduction based on your level of expertise...[A]ppeal to the organization. Demonstrate your interest in the company by mentioning one of its recent developments. For example, assume you're the registered nurse applying to a hospital that's building a wing for oncology patients. Craft the body of your cold call letter so it reflects your initiative and resourcefulness...The closing paragraph for your cold call letter is just as important as the introduction. End with a statement that you'll contact the company to confirm receipt of your resume or an invitation for the HR department or hiring manager to contact you with any questions about your qualifications or requests for additional information. Include your contact information, including an email address and phone number."