Job Talk

Young job-hunters can find additional advice by going to http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2009/03/resume_tips_for_students.html

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      If you desperately need a job, but can’t relocate, pull out

your local phone book and “let your fingers do the walking.”

      The Yellow pages can be your best resource and quickest

route to getting your foot in the door somewhere.

      Make a list of at least 100 local companies that might

be able to use your skills. Write down each company’s name,

address and phone number.

     Call or visit each company on your list IMMEDIATELY.

Making multiple contacts increases the odds of reaching your

goal — and the right person. Keep calling until you’ve exhausted

your list. Then, make another list.

       

Once you’ve reached each potential employer, avoid asking

the usual question: “Do you have any job openings?” The answer

will probably be “No.”  Instead:

 

·         Ask for the person in charge of human resources. If you know his/her name, simply ask for that person.  If you don’t know the name, ask for the human resource manager. If the company does not have anyone on staff with that title, ask for the person who usually takes on that role or ask for a company manager.

·         Once you’ve reached the right person, request a 20-minute  ’informational” appointment. Say only that you want “to discuss future career possibilities.”

Take seriously every 20-minute appointment you get. Arrive on time with a list of questions about career opportunities with that company.

If you approach your interview with enthusiam even though you’re

not actually interviewing for a job opening, you could be the first

person who comes to mind when the next job opens.

The next opening could be tomorrow, next week or next month.

Job openings are as unpredictable as life itself. A key employee

could turn in a resignation within hours of your informational

interview. Someone else could be hospitalized or even die.

Always:

 

·         KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENT. If an emergency arises and you cannot possibly keep it, call ahead of time to let them know you can’t come. Reschedule your appointment.

 

·         Dress in your most business-like look. (Avoid jeans, t-shirts, flashy colors, trendy clothes or too much jewelry).

 

·         Bring your completed resume packet (resume, reference list, letters of recommendation, portfolio) Leave it with the manager to be considered for any future openings.

 

·        Thank the person who was willing to speak with you. Send a thank you letter, as well.

This sounds like a lot of work for a job that has not been posted–and it is. However, if you’re willing to spend your time scouring for opportunities, you’ll be much more likely to find one sooner than the unemployed person who sits around waiting for advertised positions.

You’ve probably heard already that most jobs are never posted.

They often go to the person who happens to be in the right place

at the right time. That could be you.