Affinity

Affinity: Telegram, Preparing a Chocolate Cake, the amount of the Frosting and Transition.

While speaking to a client this morning the following three analogies were discussed to explain the impact of the TFB.

First, is that while as a recruiter I could read a resume in 2-3 seconds, looking for Accomplishments, $, % and TIME savings, a TFB is specifically intended and organized to hold the viewer’s attention for at least 5-10 seconds. Since most managers (below C level) look at unsolicited materials for 5-7 seconds your TFB is designed to hold their attention for 10 seconds. A “C level person” will possibly give you 15-30 seconds, that is more time than anyone else in the firm; and since most C level people are looking for OPPORTUNITY, and are less concerned with risk that means you can really “get NOTICED.”

Secondly, much time and careful research went into the placement of the columns and construction of all the TFBs. As a preparer of the TFB, you must view it as a telegram to get you noticed in a positive light, not as a candidate but as an opportunity for the recipient. It is your chance to accomplish five tasks at the same time. Humanize your candidacy, illustrate immediate reward/ROI and demonstrate creativity. The final 2 aspects are to get an immediate response and demonstrate what you would be like after hire. In many of my writings, I call this moving from the “Herd to be Heard.”

Since the TFB is in 3 columns and two are contact columns that only leaves the writer 4 columns to present a narrative of their story and accomplishments, not just a bio that only lists your titles, dates and positions held. The contents and organization of those four remaining columns in the TFB are the key to getting you NOTICED, and securing (getting) an interview.

Because most of us are right handed and the fact that when a prospective recipient of the TFB takes the TFB out of the envelope and generally only opens the first two columns, they see one column of the Narrative on the left with appropriate accomplishments and your attributes. Since the recipient usually holds that column in their right hand their thumb will draw their attention to your attributes. These two columns “humanize” you, but they also give a hint of Accomplishments. Then when the TFB is opened all the way the reader will see a column of your History and Impact of your Accomplishments. You have now transited from just a curiosity to a real “opportunity” for the recipient reader. *(The business card technique is also in play here.)

Finally, think of the TFB as a cake. It is supposed to be like any other cake; 98% cake content and 1-2% frosting and not the other way around.

As you know your personal TFB has three basic goals and constants:
1. to get you NOTICED,
2. to convey your ROI,
3. to get action from the recipient either to pass it along to get someone to call you or to be open to a call from you to set up an appt.

The TFB alone will not get you a job, but your preparation of the material about who you are, who the company is and the persistence with which you pursue the recipient will get you at least INTERVIEWED. Indeed, that is your goal. Because of your struggle to prepare the TFB; you are also prepared to have a great interview and close for a great job.

Hopefully, we have now explained why the use of the TFB can and will enhance your chances to “get THAT NEXT job!”

Yes we agree the TFB is “hokey” but if that is what it takes to get you your next interview and your next job, so be it.

Search Site

Transition Process

Shop

Affinity