My Best Mistake: Writing the Un-cover Letter

Years ago, I was working in a job I didn't really like. (Hmm, anyone else ever have that?) My boss called me in one day and said, "There is this free presentation going on at 8 am tomorrow morning downtown about this new software tool I think could help us with our marketing. I can't go so you're going." Yes, he said it just like that.

Walked in Angry, Left in Love

It was pouring rain that morning. I had to take the train and then walk a half mile to get to the hotel where the presentation was being held. I was angry. I remember thinking, "If this thing stinks, I'm walking after 10 minutes." Well, that didn't happen. The presenter had me at "hello." I was drawn in by what he was saying. I fell in love with the company, the software, and everything about the presentation experience.The company was cutting-edge, creative, and just plain awesome. As a potential customer, I had never experienced such enthusiasm as a result of a sales pitch. I was hooked. So hooked that I couldn't get the company off my mind. I went to the office and begged my boss to buy their software. He did. Then I went home and did something crazy....

I Was a Gushing Fool

I stayed up until midnight writing a letter to the company. I explained the entire user experience. Every last detail. It was two pages long! Then, my very final line said, "If there is any chance you'd want to hire someone like me, would you give me a call? I'd kill to work for a company like yours. I've attached my resume." The next morning, I faxed the letter to the company. (Yep, faxed it. It was 20 years ago folks. I didn't know who to email it to but figured it might get to someone if I faxed it.) Within minutes of sending it, I was kicking myself. I had studied the right way to write a cover letter after college. But, instead of doing something professional, I let my passion get in the way and impulsively sent what I suddenly realized was a blathering story filled with personal observations, unsolicited opinions, and enthusiastic compliments that was probably making the person who grabbed the fax from the machine roar with laughter. I was 26 years old. What a foolish, unprofessional move. I started to worry they might call my boss. I panicked the rest of the day. Until...

Just 3 Days Later....

I got a call late that afternoon from a manager at the company. I had an interview the next day after work. I met with three people for two hours. The last one was the CEO. The first thing he said to me was, "So, you're the one that wrote the letter." I was offered a job the very next day - and I accepted on-the-spot. Best hiring experience of my life.

Sometimes, you need to let a potential employer know just how much you dig what they are doing. You need to embarrass yourself slightly. Put yourself out there in a way that makes you feel vulnerable. Most importantly, you need to share with them how you are part of their tribe. You've got nothing to lose - and a whole lot to gain.

I'm so glad I broke the typical cover letter rules and wrote the "un-cover letter."

What job search rules have you broken successfully? I'd love to hear your stories below.

If you want to read more of what I've written, check out my articles on Inc.com.

P.S. - My experience in the last recession is what made me start a company to help others profit from the next one.

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