Applying for a Job
Getting the Job you Want- Part 2

Focused planning and definition will ensure your success in getting the job you want. Last month we talked about Searching for Employment and the importance of knowing what you want and where to look. Networking remains the best way to find the perfect job opportunity.

Applying for a job in today's market is different than we’ve ever known. Before, we may have mass mailed our resumes or submitted a resume blindly as a way of getting our foot in the door. We sent the resume; 'To Whom It May Concern' hoping that HR would deliver it to the right individual. This was when unemployment was really at an all time low and quality employees were hard to find. NO MORE! This is the kiss of death for your resume and any opportunity you might have in gaining an audience. Mass mailing and blind submission is history. If you want to get your resume noticed, you need to know who to send it to, listing your specific experience, skills and education, as it relates to the position and its requirements.

Networking is the best way to get your foot in the door. However, there are times you want to apply for a position, but don’t know anyone on the inside. You then must create your own networking opportunity. The following steps will help you get noticed.

1) Understand the position – read carefully the desired experience, skills, and education. Make sure that you are qualified for the majority of the position requirements. Understand though that if a company is advertising they are searching for the ideal candidate. Education can be used as a screening tool, but don’t let it stop you from applying (unless it is a technically specific position) if your experience adequately matches the requirements.

2) Research the company – Use the Internet to research the company, competitors, locations, and mission. Call and ask! Find a contact, a name and ask for information about the company in flyers, company newsletters, and brochures.

3) Identify who is responsible for receiving resumes – The HR department may be screening resumes. Make an attempt to reach that person, unless the information stresses NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE! If that is the case, find someone else in the company who may be willing to talk with you such as a receptionist, administrative assistant that can help direct you or inform you of the procedures. Another screening tool is how well an individual follows directions. If they say, no phone calls please, use your discretion in researching the company and position.

4) Customize your cover letter and resume making it specific to the position. Emphasize your experience that matches what the company is looking for in your cover letter. Address your cover letter to an individual, not “To Whom It May Concern.” Keep your cover letter short and to the point. Three paragraphs are usually adequate. The first paragraph addresses what you are doing…submitting your resume for a specific position as advertised in the media used on the certain date. The second paragraph addresses your experience and the requirements advertised, and the third paragraph is the follow-up. State,

“I am interested in the position and feel with my experience I am a viable candidate. I will call you in a week to see when we can arrange a time to meet. I look forward to talking with you soon.”

Then make sure to follow-up!
5) If they give an email address to submit your resume, make sure your attached documents clearly identify what they are, example; Beverly Weber Cover Letter, Beverly Weber Resume. This makes it easy for the person to store and quickly retrieve your information.

Getting the job you want is a job in and of itself. It takes a strategy with clearly defined objectives and goals. If it is the job you truly desire, it is worth the time and effort to show how you are the perfect candidate!