How does this sound? (Mentor Search)

[Mike Jones]

I'm currently searching for a mentor to train me when I get my trainee license shortly. I am planning on sending the letter below to a number of local appraisers, then following up with a phone call. Do you think this is an effective approach? How does the letter sound? Thanks for the advice!

Letter below...

I am an aspiring Real Estate Appraiser seeking a mentor. I will be receiving my trainee license shortly and would like to ask you to consider taking me under your wing.

My skills and experience will ensure that this will be successful endeavor for you. Since receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Cal State Fullerton, I have worked as a Market Analyst and recently as a Software Engineer. I have a unique mix of strong technical/analytical skills and good communication skills that make me well suited to the Appraising profession. I can assure you that I am very reliable and take a great deal of pride in my work. You can feel confident that I will give my full effort to any assignment you give to me. I also have several local contacts in the Home Lending industry that will allow me to bring my own clients to your practice. I have my own desktop and pocket PC, mobile phone, and digital camera and I am willing to purchase additional supplies if necessary.

If you are interested in becoming my mentor, please give me a call at 714/225-6090 (mobile) or you can email me at mike@blueeagle.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

[Judy Whitehead (Florida)]

Wow! A dream trainee! You sure you don't want to move to Florida?

Seriously it sounds real good. Now you have to think of a way to make sure they read it.

 

[Farm Gal]

Mike:

Like Judy, I think that your letter is well put together and FAR more likely to result in a positive out come than the usual idiocies...

Getting them to read it is as she stated, the hard part...

You might want to attend a chapter meeting of any of the professional organizations in your area and try networking there!

It sounds as though you have what is needed to start the process!

I wish you luck in your efforts, sounds like you are on your way to making good things happen!
Regards,
Lee Ann

 

[graindart]

To make sure they read it, staple a crisp new $1 bill to each one. Even though it's only $1, almost nobody throws away dollar bills, and they'll be curious as to why there's a $1 attached, so they'll read the whole thing.

Just a real wierd thought that just popped into my head, and "no" I haven't tried it, but I guarantee they'd at least read it, and it wouldn't cost much unless you were sending out a few hundred letters. BTW - if you decide to use this idea, you can add my name to your mailing list......I always like money......

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

Mike,

Like Judy said. If you'd like to move to the Jacksonville, FL area, the cost of living is lower and I'd consider giving you a try.

Good letter!

 

[Mike Jones]

Thank you all for the positive feedback. I plan on sending out the letters to about 60 appraisers currently working in the area I'd like to be. I'll follow up the letters with a phone call a week later so even if they don't read my letter I'll hopefully get to talk to them and make my case.

I thought about bolding key phrases in the letter to grab their attention, but that seems a little tacky.

Any more input is appreciated.

Mike

 

[Farm Gal]

Mike:
I actually think the format and syntax are fine "as is" (no bolds required).

That suggestion to staple a bill to it is not at all out of line... for $60 you are probably going to grab some attention, cause some comment and get your name into discussion, if for no other reason than getting a few to say "Hey, did you get a letter from some wanna be..." this actually COULD result in viable leads for you!

You might add a NEATLY written sticky-note to the bill that says something like "When you are having coffee please give some thought to who I might contact! THANK YOU for your time!"

 

[Judy Whitehead (Florida)]

Any sort of color catches my eye, as well. You don't want your stationery tacky but a nice bond paper with a color (navy, green or something) as a "letterhead" would be nice. I was always told that having a picture on a resume was a good idea, as well. And these days you can do a color picture with your own inkjet printers. That always catches my eye, even if it isn't a "pretty" person! Smiling and well dressed always helps!

In other words, I think we all respect someone who has enough sense to market themselves properly. I had a "trainee" come in wearing cut off jeans, a football jersey and sneakers - what a presentation! This was a 30 something year old man, too.

In another thread someone suggested to some applicants that they appraise their own home (he would even help them if they had any questions!) If it is possible for you to find someone to let you use their software and have a "sample" appraisal to send, it might help as well! If you don't have your own home, perhaps a relative or friend.