If the manager informs you that your experience isn't right for his current needs, ask if there's another department in the company that you can contact. Also ask if he knows of any other companies that might have appropriate openings. Then suggest sending your resume for future reference.
The manager asks you to send him a resume.
Here, you must decide whether to write a letter or forward your resume.
Before agreeing to submit background information, however, tell the manager that you want to "confirm" that you have the specific experience he needs. Again, ask questions about the position to learn how to present your work history.
Whether you send a letter or a resume with a cover letter, begin your correspondence by making reference to this phone call and the manager's request for a summary of your background. If you will be writing a letter, discuss your experience according to the position's requirements. If you'll be sending your resume, your cover letter should provide a brief overview of your background as it relates to the position. Be sure to add any information not contained in your resume when you have learned that it will enhance your qualifications.
Conclude both letters by stating that you hope to hear back from the company or will be calling to follow up. As in the previous job-search strategy, submit your correspondence in person if you think your appearance will advance your candidacy.
The manager asks you to send a resume to personnel.
First, "confirm" that you have the type of experience the manager is looking for. Then advise him of the manner in which you'll be submitting your background, and ask if you may send him a copy of your correspondence.
The manager asks you to speak with the individual whose name appeared in the ad.
Make this call, but don't mention that you contacted the manager.
Occasionally, an ad will state "No phone calls" or "Resumes only" Although these instructions frequently pertain to contacting the personnel department, it can still be risky calling a manager. Again, phone him without stating your name. You may be able to learn about the position without jeopardizing yourself.
As a general rule, if you haven't heard back from a company two weeks after mailing your response, place a follow-up phone call. There's no telling why you weren't contacted. Employers are deluged with resumes and applications, and it could be that your correspondence was misrouted or lost. In this instance, you now have the opportunity to resubmit your resume or letter. If the reason you didn't hear from the company was that there's something lacking in your background, you can now counter the objection. So that you'll be able to handle any reservations about your qualifications, always keep copies of ads you have answered.
Telephoning Managers Who Have Recently Been Promoted or Who Have Moved to a New Company
This strategy is similar to job-search strategy to, "Writing to Managers Who Have Recently Been Promoted or Who Have Moved to a New Company." The difference is that you place a phone call instead of sending a letter.
This call enables you to develop leads if a manager doesn't have an opening. In the case when a manager recently changed companies, he may have found his position through an extensive search of his own. He may know of openings for you at other organizations.
Telephoning the Previous Managers of People Who Have Recently Changed Companies
This strategy resembles job-search strategy titled "Writing to the Previous Managers of People Who Have Recently Changed Companies." Again, the difference is calling on the phone instead of writing a letter, which also provides the opportunity to develop leads if a position isn't available.
Telephoning the Editors of Newsletters
If your goal is to work in a specific industry, it may be helpful to contact individuals who write newsletters about it. Their names, addresses, and telephone numbers can be obtained from the following sources: personnel departments of companies in the industry, employment agencies and executive search firms specializing in the industry (find ways to identify these recruiting firms), and the industry's trade associations and professional organizations. Also, read The Standard Periodical Directory, Irregular Serials & Annuals, Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory, and The Encyclopedia of Associations. These publications list newsletters and their editors.
Editors of newsletters will be of the most assistance to job-seekers who are pursuing management- and executive-level positions. Editors are often knowledgeable about the inner workings of the companies they write about and are privy to confidential, high-level staffing requirements.
