www.Cover-Letters.com

We're Not Hiring

Once your consulting practice is successful, others may approach you for employment. This series of five e-mails tells one such story. Lisa was a member of a management team I formed to create a new Internet product at the time of the dotcom rage. So we knew each other well.

In the first e-mail I quickly clarified why Lisa wanted to meet. Unless you have big growth objective, interviewing everyone who's curious about employment can be a time waster. Since I know Lisa personally, I wanted to say no without diminishing our friendship. Lisa has gone on to become hugely successful in the organization development consulting field, and we're still friends.

E-mail #1

To: Bill Frank
From: Lisa Drake
Subject: Can we meet?

Bill,

Do have some time to meet with me this week?

Thanks,
Lisa

E-mail #2

To: Lisa Drake
From: Bill Frank
Subject: RE: Can we meet?

Yes, I'm sure we can. What would you like to meet about?

E-mail #3

To: Bill Frank
From: Lisa Drake
Subject: RE: Can we meet?

Thanks for your speedy response. Actually, I wanted to talk with you about the potential of doing short term project work with Careerlab ... at least plant the seeds with you, and toss some ideas around. I'm not looking for a full time job necessarily, just some income as my job situation works itself out. I wanted to make the offer to you first, before talking to others in Denver. It could be a real win-win, as I believe I have a lot to offer Careerlab.

I can offer support and expertise on OD projects as they come in ... either doing it alone, or working with some of your new folks to teach/mentor them on organization assessment, teambuilding interventions etc. as needed (if needed). I think I could be a valued subcontractor as you build your OD practice. I offer brains, creativity, and subject matter expertise that I think can help move things forward in the early stages.

I'm also a decent writer ... I've written major portions of the Internet business plan ... (yes, way more than just the marketing section!) ... and of course have other talents that may be of use to the project.

All that said, is this a conversation you would like to have?

E-mail #4

To: Lisa Drake
From: Bill Frank
Subject: RE: Can we meet?

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for your e-mail. I believe you have a lot to offer too, and have seen your results in action. Unfortunately, right now, I'm drinking from a fire hydrant trying trying to incorporate 2½ new consultants onto the team and manage several large projects simultaneously. In addition, I'm seeing my own individual clients.

This is as much as I can handle. I'll definitely keep you in mind for the options you mentioned, plus others. Perhaps in a couple weeks we can raise the issue again. I'll be glad to meet with you any time you want.

You're the best,

E-mail #5

To: Bill Frank
From: Lisa Drake
Subject: RE: Can we meet?

Bill,

Thanks for your kind words. I understand your position completely. I'll let you approach me when you think the timing is better.

Meanwhile, see you Thursday,

Lisa