Marketing letters are one page summaries of you, a mini resume of sorts and another marketing tool for you to use. Sometimes referred to as broadcast letters or one page resumes, they contain only some highlights of your skills, abilities, knowledge and background. There will be times when you don’t want to send your resume, (due to the “hidden meaning” someone may attach to receiving it) in these circumstances the marketing letter is a great substitute.
Consider these circumstances for using a marketing letter:
Situation 1.
To accompany a networking letter instead of a resume.
When you’re networking with a new or relatively unknown contact, they may interpret receiving a resume as a sign that you want them to give you a job, or you want them to find you a job. Both will leave the contact uncomfortable and they may be reluctant to network with you. Using the Marketing letter instead will still provide them with enough information about you without the undertones of using a resume.
Situation 2.
A “leave behind” when you attend a formal/informal networking event
At formal or informal networking event, a small/short one page or postcard size document to hand out to contacts is easier than a two or three page resume. It’s also easier for you to carry and weighs less if you have to carry several copies
Situation 3.
Give to contacts when you meet with them.
It’s quite likely during your job search campaign you will not initiate the first contact. When someone reaches out to you and initiates the contact, you can give them a copy of your networking letter.