“I have a sort of extremely light and strong bridges, adapted to be most easily carried, and others, secure and indestructible by fire and battle, easy and convenient to lift and place,” wrote Leonardo da Vinci in 1482.
“Also methods of burning and destroying those of the enemy.”
Leonardo was trying to get a job: The long letter, which details everything the painter and engineer would be able to do for a future employer, was addressed to the Duke of Milan.
Today’s job-seekers should learn from Leonardo, advises Marc Cenedella, founder and CEO of jobsite theladders.com.
“Most people write a history of what they’ve done. What an employer is interested in is, ‘What can you do for me?’” TheLadders.com targets high-income earners; Cenedella features Leonardo’s job letter on his job blog, stone.com.
In his application letter, 30-year-old Leonardo explains that “I have methods for destroying every rock or other fortress, even if it were founded on a rock,” that he can make guns and mortars — and that during peace time, he can paint and make sculptures.
“Leonardo does exactly the right thing,” explains Cenedella. “In a store you’d never buy a product whose packaging only describes how the company came up with the product. Focus on how you’ll benefit your employer. Don’t tell — sell!”
