Finding the person with the authority to hire you

Find the hiring manager, who is the person with the power to offer a job

Picking up the phone and calling a potential employer is usually the easiest way to get the name of the hiring manager. Say…

“I am trying to find out the name of the person who hires in (department) I want to send them a letter. How do you spell their last name? What is their official title?”

If they are not sure, ask if they have a company directory handy and can look it up? Wrong extensions can help direct you to the right person. Dial extensions starting with 1 or 2 and ask who is the hiring manager for whatever department you’d like to work in.

Avoid human resource departments. They support hiring managers during the selection process but don’t typically decide who gets hired. Their primary purpose is to screen you out! Spend your time with the people who have the power to offer you a job.

Instead of putting too much energy into polishing your resume or researching companies, spend your time on finding the names of people to call.

This technique is called the “call–email–call–call” method

Call, e-mail, call, call and follow up on your list of 100 employers

Call during work hours or after hours and leave a message on the hiring manager’s voice mail Introduce yourself and leave a 15- to 30-second scripted message selling your strengths and advising him or her that you are e-mailing your resume and want to get together. Although you should write out what you’re going to say, don’t make it sound like you’re reading it. Say…

“Hi I’m _______ and my phone number is ________. I love doing________ and I’m really good at it. I’m confident that I have the experience that could help your company succeed. I think I can offer you (give your three top assets)”.

“My phone number again is_____ (say it and then repeat it) I’d like to get together so I may elaborate more on my qualities and how I would be a good fit at (company name). I wonder if you would be kind enough to provide me with some information about working at your company. As soon as I get off the phone I’m going to e-mail you my resume and I hope to hear from you.”

Remember if they have a job opening they’ll tell you. Your approach is more like you’re asking for job search guidance and advice.

If you don’t receive a call back from the hiring manager within 2 to 3 days, call during business hours

“This is ______. I left a voice-mail message and e-mailed my resume on ________, I know how things can slip through the cracks, so I’m following up. I’d appreciate getting together with you to find out more about working at your company and would like to know when you might be available for a short informational meeting. (If voice mail) Again, this is ______ and my number is _____. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

If you don’t receive a call back from the hiring manager within a week, call one more time during business hours

This demonstrates confidence (even if you have to fake it!); that you are pleasantly persistent and able to follow-up. Don’t be a pest. Well-directed polite persistence is usually welcomed. Remember, employers are desperate for enthusiastic self-directed employees. By using this method, you will be light years ahead of the competition.

If this strategy does not work it is usually for two reasons. Your target market is dead, and there aren’t any jobs. Or your pitch is dead; it is just not compelling, it’s critical to sound enthusiastic. America is the land of enthusiasm—not irrational exuberance but enthusiasm.

Keep a list of the people you’ve called and the dates you’ve called them.