If I told you that you could get your dream job via a cold email, would you believe me?

I have a friend who did just that.

For the sake of the anonymity, we’ll call her Susanne.

Susanne wanted a job as an economic consultant, a very competitive and niche field.

After applying for a few opportunities she was called in for interviews, but she left each interview without a job offer. This was primarily because she hadn’t gone to an Ivy League school, not because she lacked qualification.

Refusing to take no as the final answer she combined her determination and resolve to think outside of the box for a new way to pitch herself.

She identified the people in authority at the companies she wanted to work for.

Then she found their email address, included a brief pitch about herself, and an ask for an informational interview about working in the space. Important to note, she also included some personal thoughts on the unique research and interest of each person.

After sending out 20-30 emails, she got a referral and landed an interview.

The point is, there are opportunities out there but it’s up to you to think creatively, put yourself out there and do your research in order to get those opportunities.