As a result, you want as many interviews as possible. Therefore, don't limit your efforts to any one strategy Use the combination that best suits your objective and needs.* Also implement the strategies in the order in which they'll generate interviews the quickest.
* Using multiple strategies is especially important for senior-level job-seekers because the time it can take to find a new position can be as much as one month for every $10,000 of income being sought. As income approaches the $60,000 level, however, the incremental time that's needed greatly decreases.
If you'll be sending companies a broadcast letter, don't contact employment agencies until two weeks after the letters have been mailed. An agency might conduct its own mailing on your background and it won't present your qualifications nearly as convincingly. If a manager receives a mailing before your broadcast letter, he could make the decision not to interview you and ignore your correspondence when it arrives.
In the event that you see an agency ad that interests you, immediately call to make an appointment. When you meet your agency representative, tell him that this is the only position you want him to pursue. Explain that you've written to many companies and don't want your background to be presented to any other organizations at this time, especially through a mass mailing. If you need further assistance in the future, he'll be available to you.
Short-Term Positions as a Preliminary to Permanent Employment
Companies sometimes hire people on a short-term or part-time basis and then create permanent positions for them. Although looking for employment in this fashion isn't a job-search strategy per se, you should be aware of its possibilities. This approach is often effective for secretaries, bookkeepers, and individuals who perform general office tasks. There are many employment agencies that specialize in temporary positions for these kinds of job-seekers, and they are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Employment Contractors-Temporary Help."
This short-term approach can also be of use to the senior-level job-seeker who wishes to work for a company on a consulting basis. Today, due to the emphasis on cost reduction and downsizing, more and more companies are hiring managers and executives for interim assignments.
The best way to secure such a position is through personal contacts. There are recruiting firms, however, that specialize in short-term assignments, and they usually concentrate in specific industries or fields. You can purchase a list of these companies from Kennedy Publications, 2 Kennedy Way, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447 ([800] 531-0007).
The Long-Distance Campaign
The discussion on the 30 job-search strategies has always pointed out when an approach would be effective for relocating to a particular part of the country. This objective, however, presents a certain obstacle: It will be expensive for companies to meet you, so fewer will arrange interviews.
There's a way to eliminate this financial concern. First, identify the potential employers in the geographic area of your choice. Next, obtain the names and titles of the hiring managers. Then send each person a broadcast letter that concludes by stating: "I will be in (the location) the week of (month, date) to conduct interviews. If you would like to arrange an appointment, please contact me at your earliest convenience." With the elimination of the expense factor, a greater number of companies will contact you for interviews.
Two weeks after you have sent the letters, you'll have the results of the mailing. On the basis of the interviews that have been arranged, you'll decide whether or not to take the trip. If you decide against it, advise the companies that have scheduled appointments with you that the trip must be postponed. A company might be so interested in meeting you that it will fly you out at its own expense at your earliest convenience.
When there's a small number of potential employers, conclude the letter as follows: "I will be in (the location) the week of (month, date) to conduct interviews. I will call you in a few days to see if we can arrange a time to meet." Since you'll be sending out only a few letters, you can afford the time and expense of this call. Not only will it increase your number of interviews, it will also provide the opportunity to develop leads and referrals.
