Denial is Not Just a River in Egypt

As with any large selling push, I've started to be denied. I've sent out 10-15 personalized cover letters / resumes via email so far, with quite a few to go. So far, only two companies have responded, both with denials... quite expected in the economy's current state. My mindset is that, for every 10 that say "no," hopefully 1 will say "yes."

Dear Ryan,

Thank you for your interest in -------------. We are very impressed with your resume and are sure that you would bring much value to our company. Unfortunately, we have no openings at the present time for someone with your background. However, we will keep your resume on file should our needs change in the future.

Best regards,

---------------

Human Resources Administrator

While this could be perceived as disappointing, the door is definitely not closed. A response and a follow-up are very important, as to keep communication open. The response comes immediately and the follow-up will come in about a month, depending on the economy.

Here is the response I sent following this email:

--------,

I really appreciate your taking the time to review my resume and your prompt response. Please contact me if a position opens within the next 6 months that could be fulfilled by my skills. I would love the opportunity to work with --------- and will be ready and waiting to hear from you again.

Thanks!

Ryan Cohn

Mass Emailing

After identifying what companies I'm most interested in working for, especially ones with positions available (however few those may be), I've begun to email them. When I started, I was slightly conflicted by the text box. I put so much effort into my cover page and resume, but then I realized that the first major message they receive is the email text box. After some thinking, I decided to alter my cover page slightly and add it in again in the text box.

Here is a sample email:

______________________________

To Whom It May Concern,


For the last eight years, I have dedicated my life to one of my biggest passions: competitive public speaking. Long days spent commanding a room's attention with nothing more than my voice has endeared me with a passion for communication. It is the selling of an idea, the feeling of knowledge, that fuels my desires to connect with my fellow man. Combined together with my constant yearning to learn more about branding, advertising, and business, I feel like my education has prepared me well for success in the branding world.

---------' emphasis on branding is about more than just the product, it is about the thrill, the wonder, and the passion that the product merely unlocks… and fits perfectly together with my passion for brand strategy management. I would love the opportunity to become part of the --------- family and to work long hours to strengthen both the organization and myself.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application and I look forward to speaking with you soon.


Sincerely,


Ryan Cohn

______________________________

Most of my emails/cover letters are the same, with a few small changes made to personalize them (like the name of the company and more of an emphasis on what they do).