A Fresh Appraoch

So, here I am a mother of three and wife of one. I have been gainfully unemployed (job without pay) for almost 11 years. I decided to stop working and raise my family as a stay at home mom when my first child was born. It is the hardest job I have ever had. You are a mother, teacher, nurse, secretary, chauffeur, social event coordinator, personal shopper, boo boo kisser, relationship fixer, and the list goes on and on. I never expected this would change. But with life comes changes and we need to be able to flexible. It appears that it would be a good idea for me to get some kind of a part time job working from my home to help off set the cost a raising 3 children.

My resume has been dusted off and polished up. This I found to be a very interesting process. Because my resume said everything and nothing about me all at once. The language used to describe what I did before children sounds, well, not like me. I would love to write a letter to one of the companies hiring that goes like this.

Dear XXXX,
I am very interested in the job you have listed. I will attach a copy of my resume for you to read but really this is where you are going to learn the most about me. Here is what you should know. I am an intelligent, well spoken, College educated, computer savvy, resourceful, creative, seriously organized, dependable, efficient, self motivated women. What I don't know I can figure out in a hurry.

I have an entire background that basically comes down to manager and customer service expert. I have had some crazy customers in my past but by far my toughest customers have been the three I am raising. I know how to talk to people without putting them on the defensive or sending them into a melt down. Not an insignificant skill.

I know the value of a dollar and have figured out how to get the greatest bang for my buck. I have made discount and bargain shopping an Olympic sport in which I hold the gold medal for. I mention this only because I want you to know that I won't waste your time or money.

To say I can multitask is an understatement. I balance the needs of an 11 year old, 8 year old and 3 year old daily. The interesting thing with children is that they always have emergencies at exactly the same time. So I am quick and clever about handling it. I manage them, have a clean organized house, and dinner on the table every night.

For additional information please go ahead and read my resume for the details on my job experience.

Bottom line, if you hire me you will not be disappointed.

Thanks for you time, Melanie Strout

I think it would be great to be able to cut through the bullshit of resumes and cover letters and just get right to the point. What would your letter say?