Now that your head is on straight because you will never be a victim to work-at-home scammers and you have a focus on what you can offer an employer . . . it’s time to put your best foot forward and dazzle them.
You have only 15 seconds and an e-mail to impress a potential employer enough to hire you (or at least consider interviewing you), so be exceptional. The key to this (and I’m going to put it in a sentence floating alone so you get the idea how important this principle is):
Your professionalism (your professional manner in your e-mail) is what will convince them to choose you. Professionalism is your most important tool.
Do not hesitate to use this tool! It is your best friend, your life-line to success. So, how do your convey a professional attitude? In 6 little ways:
- Keep your personal business to yourself. Talk business and never mention your personal business in your e-mail.
- Have your work space set up and ready to work.
- Know that the world revolves around “the employer” and point out how your skills, knowledge and experience can fulfill their needs.
- Make sure your e-mail looks and is professional (cover letter and resume in the body of the e-mail; no multiple addresses in the TO: section; no cutesy e-mail addresses; and no attachments.)
- Make it easy on the employer; hiring you should be simple and convenient.
- Be willing to have some face time with the employer to convenience him/her to trust you.
The first applicants who communicate professionally and keep the lines of communication open are often the ones who win the jobs.
Don’t forget the importance of a follow-up email. Show that you are really interested!