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SENDING THE GIFT OF YOURSELF
By Stacy Marr
September 1997We all know what it is like…
to stare at a blank piece of paper waiting to write a cover letter. "How am I going to get this person's attention?" "What can I say that will come across as me?"
This plagued me when I first started writing cover letters. Then I remembered my father's words when undertaking any difficulties, "Go for it - you have nothing to lose." Simple, direct advice, so easy to forget.
What I realized when writing my cover letters is that I am offering the reader a gift of myself -expressing and sharing me and bringing them into my world. If you have something to say, say it - and say it loud. Be proud of your accomplishments and don't be afraid of what the reader may think. If it is coming from a truthful place and it's a part of you that is what counts.
How do you start? I look to paint a picture with my words, and to be as specific as possible to whom I am writing to and what I want. I remember one particular cover letter I wrote to a director who was producing "The Trojan Women". I had played Portia in "Julius Caesar " so I used that as an opener. I felt passionate about the role, had gotten great feedback and thought it showed my "transferable skills" in creating a classic, dramatic character. I was specific to this director's needs and offering a part of myself: a gift of me that would be beneficial to her as well.
At the beginning of the letter I set the scene: the castle we performed in, the raging storm outside and the crashing of the sea against the rocks; the candles that were lit when the power went out and how exuberant the audience was as they leapt from their seats to give us a standing ovation. I then went on to say that I was interested in her production, in particular the role of Cassandra and would like to set up an appointment. I was sure I could reiterate my success with portraying Portia in the role of Cassandra. Bringing to her production what I had brought to "Julius Caesar". The next day the director called me and said "after reading your cover letter, I knew this was a woman I had to meet!"
In sharing myself, I had communicated to the director someone with a great deal of ambition, courage, strength and a real risk-taker -the kind of person she wanted in her production.So the next time you find yourself in front of a menacing blank cover letter remember to just be yourself: share your passion, your experience and make your request- that is the only way you're going to be different.
That said, Have fun and GO FOR IT! You have nothing to lose and a relationship to gain.
Sow yourself like a seed.
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