How to Sell Yourself Like Leonardo da Vinci

Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci who turns 564 years old today (Happy Birthday!) has actually ‘sold’ himself by writing an impressive cover letter? This centuries old letter to the Duke of Milan featured his capabilities and strengths in the best way possible. Take a look at his brilliant resume.

Most Illustrious Lord, Having now sufficiently considered the specimens of all those who proclaim themselves skilled contrivers of instruments of war, and that the invention and operation of the said instruments are nothing different from those in common use: I shall endeavor, without prejudice to any one else, to explain myself to your Excellency, showing your Lordship my secret, and then offering them to your best pleasure and approbation to work with effect at opportune moments on all those things which, in part, shall be briefly noted below.

1. I have a sort of extremely light and strong bridges, adapted to be most easily carried, and with them you may pursue, and at any time flee from the enemy; and others, secure and indestructible by fire and battle, easy and convenient to lift and place. Also methods of burning and destroying those of the enemy.
2. I know how, when a place is besieged, to take the water out of the trenches, and make endless variety of bridges, and covered ways and ladders, and other machines pertaining to such expeditions.
3. If, by reason of the height of the banks, or the strength of the place and its position, it is impossible, when besieging a place, to avail oneself of the plan of bombardment, I have methods for destroying every rock or other fortress, even if it were founded on a rock, etc.
4. Again, I have kinds of mortars; most convenient and easy to carry; and with these I can fling small stones almost resembling a storm; and with the smoke of these cause great terror to the enemy, to his great detriment and confusion.
5. And if the fight should be at sea I have kinds of many machines most efficient for offense and defense; and vessels which will resist the attack of the largest guns and powder and fumes.
6. I have means by secret and tortuous mines and ways, made without noise, to reach a designated spot, even if it were needed to pass under a trench or a river.
7. I will make covered chariots, safe and unattackable, which, entering among the enemy with their artillery, there is no body of men so great but they would break them. And behind these, infantry could follow quite unhurt and without any hindrance.
8. In case of need I will make big guns, mortars, and light ordnance of fine and useful forms, out of the common type.
9. Where the operation of bombardment might fail, I would contrive catapults, mangonels, trabocchi, and other machines of marvellous efficacy and not in common use. And in short, according to the variety of cases, I can contrive various and endless means of offense and defense.
10. In times of peace I believe I can give perfect satisfaction and to the equal of any other in architecture and the composition of buildings public and private; and in guiding water from one place to another.
11. I can carry out sculpture in marble, bronze, or clay, and also I can do in painting whatever may be done, as well as any other, be he who he may.

Again, the bronze horse may be taken in hand, which is to be to the immortal glory and eternal honor of the prince your father of happy memory, and of the illustrious house of Sforza.

And if any of the above-named things seem to anyone to be impossible or not feasible, I am most ready to make the experiment in your park, or in whatever place may please your Excellency — to whom I comment myself with the utmost humility, etc.”

Impressive isn’t it? You don’t have to make yours this long. Nowadays, HR managers don’t have time to read lengthy resume. Make sure yours is short, concise and should have the following things:

Your Strengths & Abilities

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Know yourself! You can’t persuade a customer to buy a product without fully understanding its function, strengths and properties.

Recognise your potentials, talents and skills by looking at your daily routines, hobbies and interests. Also, list the extra qualifications or courses. Did you take that First Aid class? You know how to speak French? These additional qualifications and various language proficiency can help you bag the job.

You can also refer to your family, friends and educators who know you best about your strengths and abilities.

Sell Benefits, Instead of Features

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Apply this golden rule in sales when you write your resume! You can boast about your fantastic exam grade, co-curricular achievement in college. But if you want to catch the interviews’ eyes, talk more on how you can contribute to the company.

Remember, your past achievement may be less significant when you are already employed. Employers want employees who can help the company. Remember,  it is how you apply your vast knowledge and skills on the growth of the company that matters.

Be the Solution, Not the Problem

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Companies have job openings because they have a hole and gap in their operation.

Briefly narrate your story about how you handle critical situations or dilemmas in previous jobs to show that you have the capability, intuition and quality to become the company’s missing jigsaw.

Don’t worry, go through the job listing so you can ensure that the company’s goals are compatible with yours before you update your resume.

Passion & Positivity