You can read Part 1 of this article here.
—
Now that lockdown’s coming to a close, people seem a bit more into the idea of going outside, sitting in pubs, having a coffee, getting lunch, whatever. It’s these types of things that you should suggest to do with the people you’re reaching out to. It was a little more difficult during lockdown, and that’s kind of why I started The Strategy Journal, so people who wanted to find out more could do so from the safety and comfort of their own homes. If you're still feeling anxious about your health and those around you, a simple phone call is a good alternative, but now that things are a little different we can examine the best ways to reach out to those you’re most curious about.
There are two ways to start: scroll through a job board and research a company you like the look of. It's a good idea to try and find the hiring manager for that role, or find someone in the same department who’d be able to give you some valuable insight on professional creative work. Alternatively, if you’re idly doing some intense LinkedIn stalking, you can settle on anyone who’s working in a role that you’d like to know more about and drop them a message. I would say an email is better, because the character limit on LinkedIn messaging can get super stressful, but if you can keep it concise, do whatever feels best. It is a little less common for people to ignore their emails, though. Especially when you’ve done the legwork of finding their email address.
This TikTok gives such poignant advice on how to find someone's professional contact details. Check it out here.
So now you need to message them...what’s the best way to go about doing that? As with most things you need to keep it as short and succinct as you can. These people are busy as hell, especially if they’re in senior roles. Have you ever seen a social media post or caption that's so long you immediately scroll past it? You don’t want that reaction. You want to keep them engaged, preferably in the first few lines of the email. I know it sounds daunting, and I didn’t always get it perfect, but making the first step is often more impressive than perfection itself.
1) Start by introducing yourself.
You’re not a graduate, you’re a creative. You’re a writer, a journalist, a storyteller, a designer, an illustrator, a photographer. You are what your passion is, you are a reflection of your hobbies. Don’t let a wishy-washy, boring label like ‘graduate’ define you. It’s finished. You are moving into adulthood and you should own your craft.
2) Explain a little about why you’re writing to them.
It’s good to include stuff like:
- where you’re at career-wise now.
- what it is about their workplace that you admire.
- maybe something about your favourite piece of work by the company (extra bonus points if they were involved in it, because everyone loves an ego boost).
I get that advice like this can be pretty abstract even after that explanation, so here’s part of of an email I sent in January to a certain agency. I got a positive response but never ended up finalising the meeting because COVID-19 got in the way (obviously).
“Your _____ campaign was one that really resonated with me. As a second-gen immigrant with Indian parents, it can be exhausting when you're constantly having to explain the value your culture brings. It so easily translates the thoughts and ideas I have behind explaining my own worth, but it's executed in such an accessible way that the campaign ends up being something universal - something that can be understood and appreciated by everyone.”
Obviously my reasoning here is quite personal to me and came a lot easier than other companies I’ve emailed in the past, but the point is, if something truly resonates with you, you can find a way to package your admiration in a genuine way. It also shows that you’re curious and passionate, which as I’ve mentioned in previous posts is probably just as important as your experience.
3) Pop the question.
Sweet, so you’ve mentioned why you like their work, their company, their ethos and you’ve related it back to yourself. Remember to make it personal, they want an insight into your personality as much as they want to hear about your professional side. Now’s the time to pop the question, the one that might seem awkward or misplaced, but it’s the most important to ask:
‘Are you free to meet for a coffee or a drink at some point? On me, of course. I’d love to know how you got to your role, and what I can do to achieve the same. I'd love to help at ______ in any way I can, learning how the strategic and creative process works at an agency as exciting as yours.’
Sort of sounds like you’re asking them on a date, right? You kind of are! That's how one of my mentors described it. So when you meet them, treat it as such and avoid saying anything too risqué, cocky, or arrogant. Same goes for interviews. Treat ‘em like dates, and you’ll be on the right track.
4) Plug your work!
After you’ve asked them to meet, here’s usually a good point to plug your work. Always plug your work. Like Stefanie Sword-Williams says, self-promotion shouldn’t be a dirty word! F*ck being humble, right?
You can sneak your portfolio into your email by saying something like:
“Should you wish to look over it, here I am in XYZ doing XYZ. I’ve also linked my portfolio here for you to read.”
One specific person who I had reached out to (for these exact reasons) gave me some help on preparing for an interview a couple months after we'd met. One big thing they told me was, "don't apologise for your ideas/writing - they're looking for people who stand out and someone who backs their ideas. Conviction is always magnetic."
QUICK DIGRESSION
Looking back at that email he also showed me a great bunch of resources like We Are Next, a platform which he now mentors on (go find a mentor now, go go go). Dong Draper is a funny, tongue-in-cheek commentary on advertising, and Female Copywriter highlights all the bullshit women have to put up with in the industry. Check these out.
—
Aaaaaand, that’s basically it. Not too difficult, but definitely scary making that first step.
Just before you hit send, please, please, please remember to attach your CV and save yourself the embarrassment of having to send a follow up email. These little things make a difference.
Part 3 to this article series will be released very soon where I detail what you should do once you've sent that email: how to deal with the rejection, what to do if you get no response, how to get the most from your meeting and much more. No matter what happens, trust the process. Each time you trip up, you learn another thing to improve on. You will make it.
—
Read Part 3 of this article.
Follow The Strategy Journal on Instagram here.
Comentarios