Do you send a formal cover letter in response and do you explain that you would like to apply for the position as a virtual assistant, send a general advertisement (like a flyer), or something else?

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

I have a standard "In response to your ad, I would like to introduce myself and my company..." email that I send. It includes a little bit about my background, my qualifications, and a link to my website.

'course, I haven't gotten a job from craigs list yet

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I always, always wrote an individual reply to every single CL ad I replied to - there were a few standard paragraphs included in each (explaining my background, what I do, rates if applicable, link to portfolio, etc.) but I always tried to work in something unique with each reply - about the company I was responding to, maybe ask a question specific to their industry, let them know I had other clients in their industry (or none at all and an intense interest in participating in the niche).
Something to set it apart from other responses because when I've placed an ad on CL myself I don't even READ the ones that scream 'standard reply'

When I placed ads to hire someone - I also always asked for at least one specific format in the reply - like the subject line should read "X, Y, and Z" (relative to whatever the ad was for) THAT way I knew who was reading and following directions - the rest went immediately into the garbage without a look. So do check for those little indicators - many CL clients use them to screen people out first thing.

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Well, I DO customize the ads, I just start with a standard boiler plate and go from there...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I've alway had the best success at customizing my responses.. I always get some type of response how they love those responses.. Always ad in my information, more about myself, try to let them get the feel for who I am as a virtual assistant.

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Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant
www.winslowgirlva.com
Taking Virtual Assistance to the Next Level

I've been responding to craiglist ads by customizing a general flyer type of introduction letter.......and I have my first consultation when I return from Florida, with a CPA firm, that had posted an ad

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

Very good thread! I hadn't thought of Craigslist as a potential place to look for clients.

Has anyone had any good results?

I found my first client via CL over two years ago - she's still with us today

(Lily, I certainly didn't mean to imply that you don't customize your responses

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Originally Posted by Tess

(Lily, I certainly didn't mean to imply that you don't customize your responses

I know . I just couldn't resist "pulling your chain" a little

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

It's nice to know that some of you had success with CL. I was hesistant to even try at all.

Thanks for the support!
Mimi