Landing a Job in 2011, The Four Step Plan
For anyone entering the workforce in 2011 and beyond the job market will without a doubt remain challenging. The days of landing a job by just applying online are over! I am not saying that applying online is a waste of time nor am I saying it’s impossible to get a job in this manner. What I am saying is that with roughly ten percent unemployment and little professional experience, people seeking to enter the workforce are going to have to get creative.
Fortunately there are things everyone can do to up their chances when applying for a job. We have developed a four-point plan to assist job seekers in getting the job of their desire.
One: Before you apply online find the hiring official for that department or the human resources professional in charge of hiring for that position. You typically find this person by calling the company and asking who runs that department or doing a Google search for that individual. At that point make contact with that individual and introduce yourself with a phone call. The hiring official will more then likely ask you to apply online. The fact that you have established rapport with the hiring manager or human resources professional before you apply online is huge!
Two: After applying online send the hiring manager a personal hand addressed letter with your resume and references enclosed. See the sample letter below:
Sample:
Your Name
Address
City, State Zip
Date xx, 2011
Recipient Name
Recipient Address
City, State Zip
Dear Mr./Mrs. ________,
My name is Jane Doe. I am a recent graduate of XYZ. I have been doing an extensive amount of research on the (name the organization) and I am interested in pursuing an entry-level position in your industry.
I have enclosed a copy of my resume and character references for your review. I look forward to speaking with you. If you are not the correct person to speak with regarding this sort of employment opportunity please feel free to pass my contact information along to the appropriate person.
I remain confident that my enthusiasm to build a career within your industry makes me a good candidate for an entry-level position within your organization. I will look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely Yours,
Name
signature
Three: Make a follow up call to the hiring manager in a week and ask them if there has been any progress on filing the position you are applying for? If you get the opportunity show the hiring manager or human resources professional that you have done your homework on the firm and pay them a complement. “Thanks again for reviewing my resume and congratulations on the new joint venture you signed with XYZ companies. I read about the new joint venture in last week’s paper. I bet everyone in the firm is real excited”. End the call by asking if you could meet the hiring manager for a cup of coffee.
Four: Once you have completed your first interview send a follow up hand-addressed letter thanking the hiring manager for taking the time to meet with you. I like the idea of sending a hand addressed letter because no one does this. Everyone typically will just send a thank you note via email. When applying for a job you need to stand out from the crowd. If you like send an email and send a hand addressed letter. See the sample letter below.
Your Name
Address
City, State Zip
Date xx, 20011
Recipient Name
Recipient Address
City, State Zip
Dear Mr./Mrs. ________,
Thank you for taking the time to discuss employment opportunities with your company. If there are any further questions you would like to ask me, please feel free to contact me via email or telephone. I will continue to be available for future interviews as needed.
I left the interview with a renewed esteem for the position and for my productive capabilities as a member of your team. I am very excited to learn more about your company and how I could help contribute to the growth of the firm.
Please accept this letter of appreciation for meeting with me to discuss the position. I remain confident that my qualifications are a good match for your needs, and hope to be among those in consideration for the job. I will look forward to speaking with you again soon.
Sincerely Yours,
Name
signature
I would encourage anyone who is trying to enter the job market to follow these four simple steps. Do this with every job you apply for and I assure you that you will get results.
