Simple Yet Difficult

Anyone can type up and mail out a resume and cover letter. To get hired you want to be doing what everyone is not doing. This will make you stand out from the crowd and help you land the job of your dreams.

Do What Everyone is Not Doing

1) Cold Calling. Target the companies for which you would really like to work. Don’t wait for a job posting. Do some research and find out who the manager is. You probably will need to call to do this. Ask to speak to that manager. Explain that you love this company and that you would like to set up an informational interview to learn more about job opportunities. Do be confident. Do be pleasant and also persistant. If they say no at first, ask if even a 15 minute interview would be possible. The bottom line is do whatever it takes to get a meeting with someone. Be very polite.  You could even offer to intern. Even if they don’t have a job opening today, if you have the opportunity to wow them in person, when an opening becomes available, hopefully they will think of you! Be strong! Be bold! Have fun! You have nothing to lose!

2) Hand Written Thank You Notes. After a formal interview it is a no brainer to send a thank you note. Make sure it is hand written on nice clean stationary or a notecard. If you handwriting is bad, type it and hand sign it. Also important is sending a thank you to people you meet informally. When you meet someone with whom you discuss your job hunt you should also send a hand written thank you note. If they gave you advice, offered a referral, or even just listened, get their business card and when you get home, write up that thank you note! Remember to include a call to action, a gentle reminder of the help they offered, or after an interview, a reiteration of the agreed upon next steps.

3) Networking. Really networking. Hanging out with your friends at a bar doesn’t count, unless there are new people in the group that you could meet to help with your job search. Real networking means going to places where you can meet people with influence. First identify who the people that could help you with your job search, such as other professionals who already have the job you want. Where would you find them? Here are some ideas: trade groups or associations affiliated with your targeted industry, identify the hobbies of people in your industry, chamber of commerce networking events, church events, charity events, seminars put on by your target company, etc. When you go to one of these events, make sure that you use Effective Networking which means having a goal, a plan, executing the plan, reviewing results, and taking action on leads.

If you can truly apply yourself and master these three tips, you will be well on your way to gainful employment in the job of your choice.

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