Some Tips for Those on a Job Search
Of all the methods people use when looking for jobs--calling friends, hiring head-hunters, scouring help-wanted ads and so forth--the best bet is still to contact an employer directly.
In fact, direct contact is twice as effective as any other method, says Carter Smith, author of “America’s Fastest Growing Employers,” recently published by Bob Adams Inc. in Holbrook, Mass.
Smith’s book not only lists 700 growing companies, it also offers tips on how to persuade one of them to hire you.
Smith warns that today’s market is so tight it may take months of searching full time to find work and that you will probably have to endure repeated rejections.
Looking for an instant miracle is out. Don’t bother to show up unannounced, make unplanned phone calls or mass mail to every company within 50 miles.
Instead, Smith advises:
* Draw up a list of at least 100 companies where you would like to work. Then choose 25 and spend a few hours researching each. Look at annual reports, product brochures and marketing kits. Once you’ve decided on which of those look promising, write for an interview.
* Prepare a letter tailored to the company and sent it with your resume. Follow that up with a phone call.
* Once the interview date is set, do some in-depth research. “Read the company literature, the trade press, the business press. If the company is public, call your stockbroker and ask for additional information,” Smith advises.
* Make a list of questions you think you might be asked, then have a friend practice with you.
* When asked to describe your past, emphasize your achievements at previous jobs; don’t just list your duties.
* If you are asked a tough question, don’t let it throw you. Don’t apologize. Just keep smiling and state simply that you don’t know. After all, nobody has all the answers.
* If you’re asked whether you have any questions, use that list you made up in advance. Ask one or two that reflect your research.
* Write a follow-up letter immediately after the interview. If you don’t hear back within seven days, telephone to stress your continued interest and to request a second interview.
