No matter how hard you try to resist it, the addiction keeps calling you time and time again. What addiction am I referring to? The online job boards, recruiter listings and company websites that attract thousands and thousands of applicants, but only brings bad news.
Have you ever considered what your odds are when you submit your resume online?
What are the chances that you will get called for an interview?
The answer between 1-3%. Yikes!
Shift your mindset and job search efforts to focus on uncovering job "opportunities" - in other words, potential job openings that have not been advertised to the masses.
Start fresh by identifying a list of viable companies that hire candidates with your skills, talents and qualifications.
1) Find influential contacts online
Maximize online resources like LinkedIn, Ziggs, Zoominfo, Corporatealumni, and Live.com to find existing or former employees at your target companies.
2) Review current press releases
Visit sites like prweb.com, prnewswire.com, bizjournals.com and Google alerts to monitor organizational changes, current events, internal promotions and expansions occurring at your top companies.
3) Market a compelling email/phone script
Depending on whether you want to reach out by email or telephone, you need to have a brief, well thought out, value-driven introduction that would encourage the new contacts to have an informational, face-to-face meeting with you.
Note: If you have a strong network, you should see if any of your contacts know the individual and get a personal introduction.
4) Craft a ROI-based cover letter
Another approach to uncovering job opportunities is to conduct a direct mail campaign, though this method can be more costly, you can generate initial responses and at least get interviews with key executives at interested companies.
Obviously, sending a "Do you have any jobs?" letter will automatically get routed to human resources and possibly the trash. Instead, send out a compelling letter that helps companies understand why they should hire you and what immediate benefits you bring to the table.
5) Distribute and market a networking resume
In this phase of relationship building and networking, increase your chances of getting quick introductions and referrals by using a networking resume as follow-up to initial meetings and interviews.
6) Cause a stir and get found
As you are actively pursuing opportunities, new contacts and recruiters are going to "Google" you before they agree to sit down and have a conversation with you. Make sure that you have a strong online presence and positive digital information. Develop and keep updated profiles on LinkedIn, Google, Plaxo, VisualCV.
Don't forget to participate frequently in industry-related forums, company blogs and Twitter - recruiters and potential do pay close attention to all your online activities.
About the writer:
Abby M. Locke (http://www.premierwriting.com/) is a career marketing strategist and leadership brand coach who partners with 6 figure executives and professional MBA women to help them achieve true career mastery and success through cutting-edge, career branded communications, innovative job search campaigns, and proactive career management tools.
Have you ever considered what your odds are when you submit your resume online?
What are the chances that you will get called for an interview?
The answer between 1-3%. Yikes!
Shift your mindset and job search efforts to focus on uncovering job "opportunities" - in other words, potential job openings that have not been advertised to the masses.
Start fresh by identifying a list of viable companies that hire candidates with your skills, talents and qualifications.
1) Find influential contacts online
Maximize online resources like LinkedIn, Ziggs, Zoominfo, Corporatealumni, and Live.com to find existing or former employees at your target companies.
2) Review current press releases
Visit sites like prweb.com, prnewswire.com, bizjournals.com and Google alerts to monitor organizational changes, current events, internal promotions and expansions occurring at your top companies.
3) Market a compelling email/phone script
Depending on whether you want to reach out by email or telephone, you need to have a brief, well thought out, value-driven introduction that would encourage the new contacts to have an informational, face-to-face meeting with you.
Note: If you have a strong network, you should see if any of your contacts know the individual and get a personal introduction.
4) Craft a ROI-based cover letter
Another approach to uncovering job opportunities is to conduct a direct mail campaign, though this method can be more costly, you can generate initial responses and at least get interviews with key executives at interested companies.
Obviously, sending a "Do you have any jobs?" letter will automatically get routed to human resources and possibly the trash. Instead, send out a compelling letter that helps companies understand why they should hire you and what immediate benefits you bring to the table.
5) Distribute and market a networking resume
In this phase of relationship building and networking, increase your chances of getting quick introductions and referrals by using a networking resume as follow-up to initial meetings and interviews.
6) Cause a stir and get found
As you are actively pursuing opportunities, new contacts and recruiters are going to "Google" you before they agree to sit down and have a conversation with you. Make sure that you have a strong online presence and positive digital information. Develop and keep updated profiles on LinkedIn, Google, Plaxo, VisualCV.
Don't forget to participate frequently in industry-related forums, company blogs and Twitter - recruiters and potential do pay close attention to all your online activities.
About the writer:
Abby M. Locke (http://www.premierwriting.com/) is a career marketing strategist and leadership brand coach who partners with 6 figure executives and professional MBA women to help them achieve true career mastery and success through cutting-edge, career branded communications, innovative job search campaigns, and proactive career management tools.
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