Job Ads - A Different
Approach
Today I'm going to give you a job hunting tip that has
worked for me. It relates to job ads.
So you come across a job ad. Well, rather than calling and
saying: "Hi, I'm calling about the ad in the paper", try
another approach. Do some research on the company. I'm not
talking about a mammoth undertaking. Just spend 5 minutes
and find anything... a single tidbit. Even a sales figure.
Believe me, very, very few applicants will have done this.
You will really stand out.
But, do not waste your breath on just anyone.
Instead, call the company and say: "Could you please tell
me who the manager/president of xyz is, I wish to send some
literature." Of course, this is just a ploy to get their name. Sneaky,
sneaky.
Don't say: "Who's in charge of hiring for the xyz?"... save
that for the head of the department, not the secretary.
Odds are the secretary doesn't know who's doing the hiring,
or has been coached to send you DOWN to human resources (or
in other parlance, the round file).
Most secretaries won't object to giving you a big-whig's
name and address so you can send them something. The secretary knows that no one will be able to pin this "leak"
on the secretary, anyway. The "bigs" receive tons of junk mail
daily and much is gleaned from other sources.
Now, much of
that information is outdated (as bigs come and go) so
calling may be necessary. Be sure to get the spelling and
exact address (including mail stops, etc.).
Stop... before you lick any stamps...
Do some research on the head person whose name you have just
snagged. If you really want the job, this may entail
calling up and requesting an annual report. But, odds are, a
simple online search will bring up some choice info.
See, this is another benefit of aiming high... that is,
starting with the top people... there's far greater odds
that you'll find info on them as opposed to Jim in HR.
Next time we'll
discuss your next step from here...
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