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This is the 4th article in the 6 Strategies for Job Search series (look for the Job Search category in the right column to see the first 3 articles/posts).
The 4th strategy is to Sell Yourself / Talk Your Way In. The classic “get your foot in the door.”
In some ways, this is the hardest of the 6 to do. However, talk about targeting your job search!
I am not recommending that you go from door-to-door in an office complex, park yourself in the lobby, and demand that someone talk to you (sounds like an idea for a reality show).
I AM recommending that once you have pinpointed your value proposition - that is…
*who you are
*what your sellable skills and talents are,
*what you know,
*who you know,
*where this package of talent is suited to, etc.
And then you have identified the specific organizations you think would be the most exciting and best fits with your offering and after you have researched your target a bit, then….yes, go for it.
Figure out who to talk to. Ideally, get referred in. If not, call or email. Let them know who you are, why they should care, and request a meeting. If you are lucky, you will get an appointment, or a phone conversation.
Be polite. Be convincing. Be enthusiastic. Be the kind of person an employer would love to have on their team. Ask questions and listen. Don’t expect to close the sale in one go. Thank them for their time. Send a hand-written thank-you note within 24-48 hours.
The advantage of this strategy is that it often uncovers hidden opportunities. For example, a project that needs a manager, but the company hasn’t gotten around to staffing it. The other advantage is that IF you are qualified, you are saving the company time and money. If they don’t have their own candidates, they will have to start a search or post the job. That takes time. That takes money.
As with all my career advice, the secret is to put the square peg in the square hole. If you really are qualified, and you happen to be passionate about that area, and there is a need, then this strategy is win / win.
Happy hunting!
June 10th, 2004 at 12:29 pm
To pick up on one point mentioned, if you are emailing potential employers in advance of a possible interview try and present yourself with a professional email address. For those who work in IT then http://www.itzoom.com is worth checking out…..
Happy job hunting!
Chris.
August 26th, 2004 at 4:33 pm
I find that once I get that one on one interview, I usually do okay. It’s getting the interview that is the hard part. I’ve been told I have a decent resume that is easy to read and very searchable. However this time around I am trying more unconventional approaches;
Okay, Here’s my absolutely shameless plea for some good resume attention. Trying to get the attention of Microsoft. Is it working?
Seems like I read about all kinds of exciting projects and have even gotten to come in and test a few. I’d love to come work where I love to play.
Thanks for any suggestions or consideration!
http://www.geocities.com/jjswanson_mgr