Part 35 (1/2)

E-MAIL CHAIN LETTER

Take a list of 20 companies you want to work for and send an e-mail to everyone you know asking them to read the list to see if they know anyone who works at any of the companies. Ask them to contact you if they do so that you can ask for a referral. Finally, ask them to forward your e-mail message to 10 more people. (We've learned that this does not work for lobbyists.) Note: * If you e-mail your list to 10 people and they e-mail it to 10 people and . . . . . . within 4 cycles, you have covered 10,000 people. within 4 cycles, you have covered 10,000 people.* Don't ask people to e-mail to more than 10 people because they just won't do it.* Put your e-mail address in the message so people can e-mail you directly.* Only include your phone number if you don't mind having people call you.* Don't put anything in the letter you wouldn't want a stranger to read.* Put your name and e-mail address at the top of the message in a ”From”: salutation, so the reader can find your coordinates quickly.* Do not do this if you're currently employed!

PRESS KIT

People make all kinds of claims about their skills and abilities when in fact they're not true, so it's little wonder that employers are naturally skeptical. So if you have won awards, have been quoted in the news, or have any other type of proof that your accomplishments really do exist, build a portfolio and send it with your cover letter and resume. I've done this myself many times, first as a job hunter and then later as a headhunter in search of projects. A picture is worth a thousand words and an article, reference letter, or thank-you note from a client, is worth a thousand more. For example: * If you're a student looking for your first real job, send a transcript of your marks. It probably doesn't matter but it might, especially if you kept a high GPA and a part-time job.* Copies of articles and awards should be included.* Don't send originals because you may never get them back. * In articles, highlight the part about you so they don't need to search. * In articles, highlight the part about you so they don't need to search.* Bring these items with you to an interview as well because the individual items in the Press Kit make good talking points.

SEND ARTICLES AS A FOLLOW UP AFTER AN INTERVIEW

Sending an article to a hiring manager with a simple note like: ”I thought you might be interested in this” is a great door opener. The trick is to find something that is truly helpful to them in their job. You can uncover potential needs by doing a search through Google for position papers they may have presented or to see what their compet.i.tors are announcing by way of new products-and let them know. I know several people who have landed great jobs by doing this. Here's what to do to find articles using search engines: * Use the alert system at Google to keep you up-to-date on subject areas of interest to your targeted employers: ). It subtly points out the benefits of using a professional like me when hiring. The booklet hot-links to a supplemental software program for reference checking that my firm sells. Here are some ideas: * Link to your web site, e-resume, or blog.* Give the booklet away electronically.* If you send a printed version, indicate where the recipient can get extra copies for colleagues.* Advertise it on your web site and those newsgroups frequented by hiring managers in your target market.

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A WAR STORY.

Jill Tanenbaum

My most recent hire sent me a beautiful hand-designed booklet that contained the best samples of her design work. She didn't just e-mail me a link or send a resume. The fact that she went over the top to design the booklet was impressive. In fact, her experience on its own wouldn't have gotten her the interview, much less the job. But the booklet did it!

Jill Tanenbaum, president, Jill Tanenbaum Graphic Design & Advertising ().

CALL HUMAN RESOURCES

I know this sounds like heresy, but there's method in my madness. Call the human resources department. Ask what outside agency or third-party recruiting firm they use. Why? Two strategic reasons. First, any human resources person will immediately ask why you want to know. To which you answer, ”I've been to your web site and I understand that you're not looking for someone with my skill set right now but the agency you use may be dealing with other firms-so I guess I'm looking for a recommendation from you.” If they don't press you for an interview, insist on knowing whom they use and why.

People in human resources love saving money on fees, so they may try to hire you directly. They tend to group together by industry and make referrals.

Getting a referral from one of their customers will ensure an agency gives you special attention. In addition: * Always ask for the name of a specific person and their direct dial number.* Get permission to use the human resources manager's name as a reference.* Ask if they personally know of any other companies that could make appropriate use of your skills.* Send them a thank-you note with a copy of your resume to keep on file.

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A WAR STORY.

Lauryn Franzoni

A methodical strategy paid off for this ExecuNet member who was very active in her local human resources groups. She contacted the national headquarters for the names of local chapter presidents, and mounted a campaign of contacting each one every 2 months. Her persistence paid off when she received an offer.

Lauryn Franzoni, managing director of ExecuNet ().

WRITE A CASE STUDY

Write a case study that showcases your skills. This could be as simple as a coveted client you sold or as complex as a new product you helped introduce to the market. Send the study to firms that have needs similar to those emphasized in the study. Not only do you get to showcase your writing as well as your research and a.n.a.lysis skills, it demonstrates your business ac.u.men. Did you establish an innovative compensation program for resellers that increased sales and decreased spoilage or returns? This is a big deal in retail, where 90 percent of profits are lost due to returns. Try this: * Choose an example that builds your credibility with your targeted employers.* Results that would be of interest to a potential employer include increased efficiencies, new marketing techniques, and new or different distribution channels.* Areas that would be promising include:* Sales/marketing: Sales/marketing: Distribution channels Distribution channels* Manufacturing: Manufacturing: Just-in-time (JIT) inventories Just-in-time (JIT) inventories* Operations: Operations: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems

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