Scenario: OK... you have done the "soul searching" and have
figured out the type of job/title of position you are looking
for and you have researched the top 5-10 companies to target
that interest you... now how do you separate yourself from the
big stack of resumes received by HR and actually get to talk
with someone?
Steps to Success: 1)Don't go to HR right away -- Unless there
is a "perfect fit" of an opening posted (newspaper, website).
If there is a "perfect fit", then skip to #9 (but I still
recommend then going through the steps below to increase your
chances of success). If you DO see a posting from a recruiter
for that company, it would be definitely worth your while
to contact the recruiter as they have an inside perspective
and can assist in your success if you are a fit for the role.
It's a free service to you from the recruiter, but remember
at the end of the day that the company is client they are
serving as they pay the bills.
2)Who do you know there? -- Research who you
know at the company (friends, friends of friends, college
alumni, association alumni, etc..) You might be amazed how
you can quickly find some "link" to someone who works there
by asking around. If you find someone in the department you
are interested in--skip to step #4.
3)Find the right person -- If unable to find
the right contact on the first round, network off someone
you found in a different department ("Who is one of your top
salespeople?/Warehouse Manager?"). If you are still unable
to find someone indirectly, then just call the company and
be 'creative' in finding a way to reach the right person.
4)Set up a meeting -- Contact this person and
express interest in learning more about their company and
their career. People are flattered and love to talk about
themselves and their company, especially if you offer to buy
lunch.
5)Research before the meeting -- Show you understand
what their product, market, competition and any latest news
from the company (website and/or library). This will enable
you to ask better questions during your conversation.
6)The meeting -- While meeting with them, learn
the "inside scoop" on the individual and the company through
questions like: "Why did you come here? What was your career
history before this? What is the toughest (and most rewarding)
part about working here? So how do you separate yourself from
(competitor)? Where do you see the company in 1 (and 3 years)?
What are some of the biggest needs the company is facing right
now?"
7)Show interest, but don't be pushy -- It is
OK to show strong interest in the company, but unless the
other person offers - do not press them to get you in for
any job interviews, etc. But DO network off of them for who
else might be a good person in the industry/dept. to talk
with?
8)Send hand-written Thank you -- Right after
your meeting, mail either a card or pre-printed thank you
note stationary. Just 2-3 sentences saying something like:
"Thanks for taking the time to talk with me....sounds like
a great place to work, etc.......I look forward to talking
with (contact) to see how I might be of help (the company)'s
success in (their need)". Even if the meeting did not go well
or you learned that this company is not a good fit, it's a
small world out there and you never may know when you might
run into this person in the future.
9)Customized resume -- Have a clear focus of
the job and why you are qualified in the OBJECTIVE line (this
makes it easier for the overworked recruiters in HR to know
what your focus is). Based on what you learned and/or the
list of qualifications....list how you meet each qualification
in bullet point in the SKILLS Bonus: If the person you talked
with gives you permission to use their name as a referral,
then be sure to mention this in your cover letter and demonstrate
you have done your company research (and not just sent in
a "blind" resume).
