I love courageous people. Today my hat goes off to a young university grad I know. He's had multiple offers over the last few months and each time we reviewed them he's always had reservations on accepting. I like that.
Bob knew what he wanted BUT he wasn't finding it - until I suggested he write down the 5 companies he really wanted to work and why they should hire him.
This is perhaps the most difficult part of looking for a job – especially a first job out of school. But he did it. Then I suggested he write the president of each of the firms in his order of preference and explain why they should hire him. Essentially the letter was used to detail why he wanted to work for them - not the company but the actual owner or President explaining specifically what he could offer.
The first letter went out a while back and we really hadn't bumped in to each other until yesterday. Turns out his number one pick was so impressed with his forwardness that she flew someone out to meet him. They offered him a job on the spot. But wait, it gets better. They're paying to move him to head office --- in Paris France. Does it get any better? Nope.
He did his homework. Approached his targeted employers systematically with a customized message and landed his dream job.