Writing effective emails that show you as the candidate who can solve a hiring manager's problem. Talk for Tech Inclusion SF 2017.

1. Great Cover Letters
(Emails)
Cindy Alvarez (@cindyalvarez)
Tech Inclusion SF 2017

2. No one needs a person with X years experience
andY programming language
Hiring managers have problems
they need to solve

3. Deconstruct it
You’ve worked a minimum of 3 years in product management. If you have additional
experience in consulting or operations that’s a plus.
You have excellent written and verbal communication skills.You make complex ideas
understandable and craft requirements that are easy for multiple audiences to consume
You have excellent problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to create structure and
manage ambiguity
You have a solid understanding of how software is made and how it works. Bonus points if
you have a CS degree or software engineering background
You have expertise with data analysis, and you’re able to draw insights from complex data.
You’re excellent at execution.You’ve worn Product Manager, Project Manager, and Quality
Assurance hats whenever needed, even if those functions weren’t in your title.

4. Show howYOU can
solve the hiring
manager’s problem

5. The average recruiter spends
7 seconds reviewing a resume

6. • Ask a friend to check internal
job board
• Search LinkedIn
• Check company blog or twitter
Who’s hiring?

7. • Company blog posts
• Individuals posting on Medium
• Twitter feed
• Ideas that make them look
smarter
What do they care about?

8. I'm really excited about your ____ role!
I'd love to help the _____ team
How can I help the ____ team at ____?
Subject

9. Offer help
Show past experience
Share relevant skills
Make it easy to take the next step
Structure

10. I'd like to be your next _____ and help you with ____
Here's what I've done in the past that shows I can do it
I'm really excited to bring my skills at ______ to your team to
help you build a better _____
Can we get on a quick call to talk more about what you
need?
I can make time whenever is convenient for you, but it may
be easier to grab some time here: [link]

11. • Make it 25-50% shorter
• Share with a friend: spammer/sales
check
• Read it on your phone: length check
• Send it to me! I’ll offer feedback
(cindy@cindyalvarez.com)
Checklist

12. Good luck!
@cindyalvarez | microsoft