Expert: Steve Young - 9/26/2008

Question
Hi! I would like tips on how to write a job letter inquiring about job openings or even just the opportunity for one , even though no openings have been posted?
I have been in the airline industry for two years in Sales & Marketing but would like to try something new, specifically the hotel industry. I handled three airline brands under our company overseeing all sales & marketing initiatives, but have come to realize that Sales is not my forte, although I enjoy marketing work. I would like to try out either Marketing or Public Relations this time. Is there a way to make it clear as well that Sales is not something I would be interested in?
I appreciate the help in advance.
Thank you.

Answer
Let me start by saying it is hard to start a career in hotel marketing or PR without first having spent some time at the hotel sales manager level.

After some time at the hotel sales level you can try and make some connections in a corporate office, but I am guessing you probably need to be promoted to Director of Sales.....from there you can try for marketing and PR positons.

It sounds like you have some good sales experience that may transfer over to getting a hotel sales manager job.

You can brush up on your skills by going to www.aprinda.com and clicking at the bottom of the page where it says learn more.

After learning about hotel sales, be sure and go to www.hcareers.com for lists of hotel sales jobs.....as well as marketing and PR jobs......(again, I think you might need some hotel sales experiene before being able to land one of those jobs)

Good Luck to you.