This ad may not mention the employer's name because:
The current CFO doesn't know he is about to be replaced. The human resources department doesn't want to be deluged with calls.
An executive search firm is soliciting potential candidates and will screen responses before selecting some to present to its client company.
A search firm or corporation is testing the waters to survey the available candidates for positions similar to the one described, making this a bogus ad.
When you come across an ad like this one, think carefully before you answer it. Since it lacks so much important information, you won't be able to answer the way you want to.
CFO / VICE PRESIDENT
Exciting and challenging opportunity for an open-minded, creative, and people-oriented financial executive. Your ability to use financial information as a strong management tool company-wide will make you a candidate of choice. Opportunity to work in a totally integrated new generation computer environment. While you will be managing all financial aspects of a Texas-based corporation, you will also be responsible for financial control of Latin American subsidiaries.
Typically, you will have had A+ years training at a major public accounting firm and years as a senior financial officer of a major consumer goods manufacturing corporation. Experience in a high speed assembly-type operation and accounting/reporting for a publicly-owned company a plus. Must have command of Spanish and have significant experience in financial control of sales and marketing subsidiaries in Latin America. You will have had 5+ years experience working in a totally integrated/computerized financial environment.
Our company is part of a rapidly growing international group, dedicated to manufacturing and marketing of high valued, fast moving consumer goods. A modern manufacturing operation of 250 employees.
Our candidate of choice will earn $75-100K annually plus perks, depending on his/her ability to contribute. Box YD773, The Wall Street Journal 1233 Regal Row, Dallas, TX 75247 Equal Opportunity Employer develop an ideal cover letter. And not being able to produce your best effort will reduce your chances for landing an interview. However, if your experience closely matches the requirements stated, and the job sounds really enticing, go for it. You may not generate a reply, but a truly exciting opportunity merits taking some risks.
To show how you might respond to this blind ad, look at the underlined key phrases.
Reading between the Lines
This organization wants a charismatic, big picture leader who's good at building and motivating a successful team to "go where no one has gone before" using state-of-the-art systems. Only Starship officers need apply!
Not only is this person in charge of the company's overall financial aspects, but he'll also be responsible for making sure the Latin America subsidiaries stay in tune and in touch. If you speak Spanish fluently and have been a financial executive in a multinational corporation, present this information prominently in your cover letter. This firm wants a heavy hitter with global savvy. Those with a
January 1, 199X
John Dillinger
2212 Braton Court
Tanglewood, NC 27361
September 12, 199X
The Wall Street Journal
Box YD773
1223 Regal Row
Dallas, TX 75247
Good Morning:
As an entrepreneurial financial manager who believes in using the most advanced systems available, I am intrigued by your ad for a CFO, particularly because your company is rapidly expanding in the global marketplace.
After graduating with a degree in accounting, I started my career with Ernst & Young in its Houston, Texas office. Because many of our clients were already making business inroads in Mexico, I acquired my MBA in International Business and eventually accepted an offer I couldn't refuse to be a controller for one of my client corporations, a manufacturer of heavy equipment parts with many customers in Latin America. During my tenure with Congdon International (not a real company), I have spearheaded the upgrade of our financial systems twice, developed more sophisticated reporting methods for our sales offices in Mexico, and encouraged the Executive Committee to reengineer our manufacturing and distribution processes.
At this point, I feel that I've accomplished my goals at Congdon and I'm ready for a new challenge. If your organization is looking for a financial pro with extensive Latin American experience and a penchant for high-tech systems, I think we should talk. I look forward to getting together with you to discuss how I can be of benefit to your organization.
Sincerely yours,
John Dillinger
Enclosure
rusty recollection of Spanish from high school or college who've never ventured beyond U.S. borders needn't apply.
While it's not specifically stated, this corporation probably plans to hire a CPA, because it's seeking candidates who have cut their financial teeth in a public accounting environment (4+ years). It's also looking for someone with considerable experience in a publicly owned manufacturing firm that uses state- of-the-art equipment. Because it only has about 250 employees and the CFO's compensation is a meager $75-100K, it may be a young company staffed by young, dedicated executives who love working long hours.
This company prides itself on its high-tech, high-touch culture. To be successful, you'll have to be more than comfortable with computers-you must bond with them. And to become a valued member of the executive team, you'll probably have to spend "golden hours" bonding with your colleagues as well. So if your fingers have never touched a keyboard or you feel you've already put in too many 60-hour weeks, forget this job.
But if you're a hard-charging, team-building, computer-loving financial genius, here's a cover letter that should grab the screener's attention.
Comments on This Letter
When you're replying to an ad that includes only a newspaper box number, there's no way to learn the name of the company to whom you're sending your resume. Consequently, if you want to stand out from the competition without benefit of saying something nice about the company or unearthing the reader's name, you'll have to be creative. For instance, instead of saying "Dear Sir or Madam," "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Recruiter," try "Good Morning." It sounds chipper, friendly and professional, and gives the reader the impression you deserve his attention.
Since you can't use research information in your first paragraph, find something else from the ad that intrigues you. In this case, John makes a point of showing how his experience, personality and career interests mesh with the firm's culture and long-term marketing strategy.
His second paragraph includes background information that hits all the key characteristics the firm wants in its new CFO. Actually, John doesn't have as many years' experience as the ad requests so he purposely omitted time frames from his cover letter. He isn't too concerned about this discrepancy, though, because it's unlikely that the company's stated compensation will attract candidates with the specified amount of experience.
Since he doesn't have a name, there is no one he can call to follow up on his letter. Consequently, in his third paragraph, John has to suggest that the potential employer contact him. However, he strengthens his position by summarizing how his experience parallels the company's needs.
