by Betsy Thayer

The broadcast letter is a hybrid of a resume and a cover letter.   It can be used in various situations depending on your circumstances.   If you do not have a resume that is applicable to the job you can submit a broadcast letter explaining how your current skills could be transformed into your desired position.  You can submit a broadcast letter when a company is not advertising for an open position, but you would like to make contact.  A broadcast letter is an excellent tool to get the communication ball rolling.  Once you are in contact with the desired company you can then submit a resume.

Typically when you are networking, you send a broadcast letter before a resume.  This is a perfect time to demonstrate your writing ability.  You should be succinct and concise.  A broadcast letter should never be more than one page long.   (Hint: Always address the letter to a specific person.  Call the company directly if necessary).

Companies often have openings that they are not advertising for, creating an opportunity for you to make yourself available before they let the public know.  If you know someone that works for the company, this is the time to name drop.  Today’s job market is really who you know.  Make sure to address who you are, what you do and why you are exactly what this particular company is looking for.  Let your skills and achievements shine for you.

by Betsy Thayer

Listing references at the bottom of your resume may seem like a good idea.  It could show that you are helpful with information, anticipating the needs of the employer.  This however is a fallacy.  An employer would never contact a reference before meeting you.  Besides being a waste of time, law prohibits a potential employer from contacting references without written consent (Hint: This is the majority of the reason for filling out an application in addition to submitting a resume.  It is in your best interest to fill out the form in its ENTIRETY; it is a good reflection on you).

It is best to list people that you have worked with or know professionally, avoid listing family or friends if possible.  Make sure to ask and inform possible references, and making a copy of your resume available to them if necessary.  It is perfectly acceptable to write References available upon request at the bottom of your resume.

It is imperative, however to bring a listing of references with you to the interview.  You can provide the interviewer with a clean and professional, typed list.  It looks even better if it is the same style as your resume.  Provide all necessary contact information including e-mail, which is becoming the preferred method of contact.