What Pirosh Did

In the early 1930s, Pirosh was a successful copywriter in New York City. However, he yearned for something greater—he wanted to become a screenwriter in Hollywood. A common trait among those who fulfill their dreams is resilience in the face of challenges. Pirosh exemplified this by relocating across the country, entering a highly competitive field, and starting from scratch without any connections.

He ultimately made the decision to leave his job and chase his dream.

Follow-Your-Passion Strategy

Pirosh's approach serves as a guiding framework for aspiring dreamers willing to emulate his courage. He began by compiling a comprehensive list of industry contacts, including executives, producers, and directors—something that's far more accessible today thanks to the internet.

Next, he crafted an incredibly inventive cover letter that showcased his passion and talent. The creativity he displayed in this letter is so captivating that it leaves me curious about how many drafts he went through before finalizing it.

Here’s a glimpse of his words:

"I enjoy words. I adore rich, buttery words like ooze and turpitude. I appreciate solemn, angular words such as straitlaced and cantankerous. I fancy suave words starting with 'V'—like Svengali and svelte. I prefer the sound of 'screenwriter' over 'copywriter,' prompting me to leave my New York agency and seek my fortune in Hollywood."

This letter's creativity is striking, and I can't help but believe that if I were the recipient, I would not only interview him but likely offer him the job before he even stepped into my office.

The Outcome of Creative Courage

Pirosh's unique cover letter led to three job interviews, and he eventually secured a position as a junior writer at MGM. The rest is a testament to his talent and determination. He penned screenplays for the Marx Brothers' films, including A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races. His work was recognized with an Academy Award for Best Writing, Story, and Screenplay for the film Battleground, which depicted a WWII battle.

Over time, Pirosh expanded his repertoire to include producing and directing. His accolades included a Golden Globe and a nomination for a second Oscar for Go for Broke!, a film he directed. He collaborated with legendary figures like Steve McQueen, all while contributing to the evolving television landscape.

The Value of a Creative Cover Letter

If you're in the job market, stepping outside the conventional mold takes courage. However, employers are more likely to be impressed by candidates who showcase their creativity rather than those who submit standard applications filled with generic qualifications.

So, what do you have to lose? If you're aiming for a podcast position, consider writing your letter in podcast format. Aspiring screenwriters might present their application as a scene from a film. Whether you're targeting the music industry or literary reviews, think outside the box—craft a story, design an infographic, or create a word diagram.

Be a "stuff-strutter" like Robert Pirosh. If creativity is integral to the role you're applying for, don’t hesitate to flaunt it.

Do Creative Cover Letters Always Work?

Not necessarily. I once penned a unique analogy for a writing scholarship that I believed was brilliant—but I didn’t win. Nonetheless, I was proud of my attempt. A hallmark of good writing and creative marketing is to diverge from the norm, even if it doesn’t always yield success.

Conversely, my first major copywriting job came from showcasing my creative abilities. When asked to suggest improvements to a passage, I completely reimagined it with a fresh perspective.

Harnessing creative courage can sometimes lead to success and sometimes not, but I believe it's always better to express your individuality than to conform to a rigid template.

"Go forth and conquer" by using your creative talents to craft a memorable cover letter that makes a lasting impression.