The vast majority of job hunters find jobs not through classified ads or placement services but through personal contacts. Ask around. You'll find that most people learn of job openings through a relative, friend, or friend-of-a-friend. While initially you may feel uncomfortable asking others for help in locating employment, remember that most people are flattered to be considered a resource. Making the series of contacts necessary to find the ideal position isn't easy. You need to be friendly, persistent in your search, and sure of the type of job you seek.
Begin by completing the left hand tier of the chart that follows. Tell as many people as you can about the type of career that you're seeking. If necessary, fill them in on your background and skills. Ask if they know of anyone who might be interviewing or of anyone else that you should contact. As you learn of more people who could help you, add their names on the appropriate lines. Be sure to thank everyone who provides you with even the tiniest hint.
Conducting Informational Interviews
If you suspect that a certain career field might be interesting to you but you don't know enough about it to be sure, conduct an informational interview. Through networking, cold calling, or personal contacts, find someone who works in your area of interest.
Call or write this person and make your proposal. Explain that you are not asking for a job but would like to find out about his or her career field. Ask for fifteen to twenty minutes of time, and set up an appointment. Be sure to keep your session to that length. Listen carefully during the interview. Jot down a few notes, but save time by writing most of your notes and impressions after the interview is over.
Follow-up is crucial. Immediately after the informational interview, write your contact a brief thank-you letter expressing appreciation for sharing information with you and for putting you in touch with other people in this field. A week later call the person again to say hello. Thank them again and ask if they have heard of any openings you should pursue. You may want to touch base with this person every month or so to start your network and to keep your contact strong.
In summary, remember the cardinal rules of informational interviewing:
- Be prepared.
- Be brief and courteous.
- Do not ask for a job.
- Follow up with thanks and an occasional phone call.
The Cover Letter
A cover letter, or letter of application, usually accompanies the resume. It indicates your formal application for a specific position. Cover letters also highlight or elaborate on the strengths in your resume. Be sure to address the cover letter to a specific person whenever possible - preferably the person for whom you'd be working or, if necessary, the director of human resources. A cover letter comprises three main elements.
1. Introductory Paragraph
The first paragraph mentions the position you're interested in and how you've learned of the opening (if indeed you have learned of an opening. If a friend or relative told you about the position, mention his or her name and be sure to send him or her copy of your letter. You may also want to specify in this paragraph why you're applying to this particular company (i.e. because of its outstanding reputation in the field).
If you are sending a mass mailing to many companies over a large area, focus instead on the abilities you have that will be of interest to an employer and that pertain to the type of position you seek. If you are sending a cover letter to a specific company and you don't know whether there is an opening, begin by explaining what position you're interested in and why you decided to write an application.
2. Body
In the middle two paragraphs you should plan to "toot your own horn," honestly of course. Be sure to mention in this section at least three of your strong points. Job seekers often use one paragraph to explain their educational background and another paragraph to describe their work experience. Refer to sections of your resume that you'd like to highlight. Also make mention of other qualities that suggest you're a desirable employee. Are you energetic, enthusiastic, punctual, loyal, or a fast learner? Choose adjectives that are accurate and applicable to the position you want.
3. Closing
Don't forget the overall purpose of sending your cover letter and resume, to obtain an interview. Be sure to indicate specifically what you want the employer to do next. "I'd like to arrange an interview at your earliest convenience" is a clear statement. Make mention of how and where you can be reached, or indicate that you'll call the employer on a specific day. The tone should be polite yet explicit as to what the next step in the process should be.
Letter Formats
The letters demonstrate two common business offer formats, full- and modified-block. They are equally acceptable for any business correspondence.
Read the Classifieds
Classified ads that appear in your local paper or in trade journals are often a good source of job leads. Depending on the position advertised and the state of the economy, a classified ad can receive anywhere from a very small to an overwhelming response. If you answer a classified ad and are a viable candidate, you will most likely be contacted for an interview. Be sure that you have made arrangements to have your phone answered during all working hours, even if only by an answering machine. You always risk being passed up for an interview if the employer can't easily contact you.
There are three kinds of classified ads. Straight classified ads run in small type under 10 lines and are often categorized by position. Display ads are larger and often give more detail about the job's requirements. The blind id indicates no company name, address, or telephone number. You respond by sending your resume to a box number and have no way of knowing where your materials will eventually end up. Many companies choose to run blind ads so their current employees won't know they plan to add to or replace staff.
Be careful if you notice a blind ad that appears repeatedly. This often means that the company experiences a high turnover rate in that position and does not wish to list its name each time it advertises for a replacement. If you apply to a blind ad and receive no response, not even a polite rejection letter. Don’t be surprised. Companies that run blind ads often choose to reveal themselves only to candidates they consider hiring.
You will notice as you read the classifieds those employment agencies regularly run ads to attract qualified candidates for placement. Go ahead and send your resume along if you are interested in the position, but be sure to notice whether the ad indicates "fee paid" or "no fees." This means that if you obtain a job through the employment agency, your employer will pay the placement fee, not you. If this is not indicated in an ad, be sure to ask the agency. Although paying a fee to obtain the right position is not necessarily bad, you should be aware of the fee and exactly what you'll be receiving for it. A standard fee can range from several weeks' to several months' pay, depending on the agency and the caliber of the position.
