You may not remember me, but I remember YOU-- jobsearch edition
June 20, 2012 7:30 PM Subscribe
Er... do I mention that I know the person I'm addressing the cover letter to?
So I just wrote out a cover letter to apply to a job at an organization that I worked for (at a branch in a different city) for a year when I was 18, almost 6 years ago. I just looked a little closer at the job posting, and noticed the name of the the person who is handling the search- he worked in administration at the same location I was at, and apparently has since transferred. I have no idea if he would remember me or not, I very much doubt he would by name (and honestly, I'm not sure if I want him to remember 18 year old me), but the location and years that I worked for this organization are in the first paragraph of my cover letter so he will certainly notice that I was there while he was working there.
It feels weird not to acknowledge him, I don't want him to think I'm paying so little attention that I didn't notice, but on the other hand, it's weird to be like, "I worked with xxxx organization in such and such a city in 2007 and I remember YOU, Mr Smith, and your perfectly coordinated ties, too."
I'm overthinking, I know. But there's something about job searches that brings out my inner awkward, I need outside help reigning it in.
So I just wrote out a cover letter to apply to a job at an organization that I worked for (at a branch in a different city) for a year when I was 18, almost 6 years ago. I just looked a little closer at the job posting, and noticed the name of the the person who is handling the search- he worked in administration at the same location I was at, and apparently has since transferred. I have no idea if he would remember me or not, I very much doubt he would by name (and honestly, I'm not sure if I want him to remember 18 year old me), but the location and years that I worked for this organization are in the first paragraph of my cover letter so he will certainly notice that I was there while he was working there.
It feels weird not to acknowledge him, I don't want him to think I'm paying so little attention that I didn't notice, but on the other hand, it's weird to be like, "I worked with xxxx organization in such and such a city in 2007 and I remember YOU, Mr Smith, and your perfectly coordinated ties, too."
I'm overthinking, I know. But there's something about job searches that brings out my inner awkward, I need outside help reigning it in.
Best answer: "You may recall working with me six years ago. I enjoyed my time at X branch in Y city, and am now applying for this new opportunity."
posted by KokuRyu at 7:36 PM on June 20, 2012 [14 favorites]
posted by KokuRyu at 7:36 PM on June 20, 2012 [14 favorites]
If you're sending a hard copy, you might want to include a small note on a piece of nice stationery in your handwriting. "I don't know if you remember me, but seeing your name on the job posting brought back memories of the time we worked together." or something.
Whenever I've applied for jobs, I've heard that my handwritten thank you notes are something that other applicants just don't do, and they make a good impression. Taking some extra time to hand-write something like that might just help you out.
posted by xingcat at 7:38 PM on June 20, 2012
Whenever I've applied for jobs, I've heard that my handwritten thank you notes are something that other applicants just don't do, and they make a good impression. Taking some extra time to hand-write something like that might just help you out.
posted by xingcat at 7:38 PM on June 20, 2012
Response by poster: It will be an electronic application. So unfortunately the first answer is out :) as well as xingcat's.
I doubt that he will remember me-- oddly enough if I remember correctly I interviewed with him for the job but didn't work on any projects with him.
posted by geegollygosh at 7:42 PM on June 20, 2012
I doubt that he will remember me-- oddly enough if I remember correctly I interviewed with him for the job but didn't work on any projects with him.
posted by geegollygosh at 7:42 PM on June 20, 2012
Kokuryu's answer is spot on. Even if he doesn't remember you, it will trigger him to check around with other coworkers to see if any of them do, and that is a good "in."
posted by radioamy at 7:57 PM on June 20, 2012
posted by radioamy at 7:57 PM on June 20, 2012
The only alternative to KokyRyu's most excellent answer is to add a similar line as a PS below your signature.
"You may recall working with me six years ago. I enjoyed my time at X branch in Y city, and I look forward to updating you on my career and qualifications. I trust your family is doing well."
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:02 PM on June 20, 2012
"You may recall working with me six years ago. I enjoyed my time at X branch in Y city, and I look forward to updating you on my career and qualifications. I trust your family is doing well."
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:02 PM on June 20, 2012
KokuRyu's answer is perfect. There is no presumption of familiarity but there is an acknowledgment you worked together (which I imagine would be made obvious by your resume). Even if he doesn't remember you, it is one more thing to make you stand out, which in this job market, is always helpful no matter how qualified or well-suited for the open position you are. Also, as others have mentioned, it may incite him to ask around about you, which is yet another feather in your cap. Lastly, it's a talking point for interviews if you make it to the next round (people or projects in common). Good luck!
posted by katemcd at 8:02 PM on June 20, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by katemcd at 8:02 PM on June 20, 2012 [2 favorites]
KokuRyu's answer is perfect. I don't think you would mention anything about his family... that seems weird. Especially if he doesn't remember you!
Good luck!
posted by sucre at 8:22 PM on June 20, 2012
Good luck!
posted by sucre at 8:22 PM on June 20, 2012
> KokuRyu's answer is perfect. There is no presumption of familiarity but there is an acknowledgment you worked together (which I imagine would be made obvious by your resume). Even if he doesn't remember you, it is one more thing to make you stand out, which in this job market, is always helpful no matter how qualified or well-suited for the open position you are. Also, as others have mentioned, it may incite him to ask around about you, which is yet another feather in your cap. Lastly, it's a talking point for interviews if you make it to the next round (people or projects in common). Good luck!
I wholeheartedly agree with all of this. This is totally the the appropriate, professional, smart thing to do. No downsides.
posted by desuetude at 8:57 PM on June 20, 2012
I wholeheartedly agree with all of this. This is totally the the appropriate, professional, smart thing to do. No downsides.
posted by desuetude at 8:57 PM on June 20, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
Tom) and write the person's first name in pen.posted by KokuRyu at 7:34 PM on June 20, 2012