Get a Job Interview by Breaking the Rules

A recent news article observed that one of the three biggest mistakes you could make when involved in a job search is "contacting an employer through means other than what they've specified..." because it "is a sure fire way to get noticed -- in a bad way." While it's true that there is no one correct answer when it comes to any aspect of the job search, this advice is just wrong. Following this strategy will work against you more often than for you. Why? We'll let's just say that this advice has all the ear marks of coming straight from a gate keeper (a/k/a a human resources representative). Following it is a sure fire way to remain just a face in the crowd. Once you understand that most human resources departments are in the business of managing risk, you begin to understand why it makes HR nervous when candidates go around the system. And why they publicly advise people not to do so. Fortunately for you, the job seeker, hiring managers have different agendas. The odds are great that the hiring manager won't care that you didn't come to her attention through 'proper channels', especially if you're uniquely qualified to fill the hole in her team. That's why networking and finding ways to get your candidacy in front of the hiring manager directly is the single most effective way to get a job interview. Now don't misunderstand, it is Not suggested that you go around your third party recruiter to win a job. That behavior is a good way to land on the 'do not represent' list. Aside from the ethics involved (which is a big consideration) it's never a good idea to burn bridges. But if you become aware of a job opening through word of mouth, the company web site or a job posting on a job board and you are uniquely qualified for the role, the single most effective way to stand apart from the masses is to bring your candidacy directly to the hiring manager's attention. To do that you will of course have to know who the hiring manager is. If you learned of the opening through your networking efforts, you may be in a position to have your referrer open the door for you with an introduction. If you found the opening on the company web site you may have to do some digging: do a Google search, review the company web site, and search the company on LinkedIn or other social networking sites to identify the correct person. Once you uncover the appropriate name, how you forward your candidacy will depend upon the industry and type of opening. Some gurus advise against using snail mail for high tech positions. Those opportunities may call for more creative or technologically savvy approaches. But for most openings, the surest way to get your candidacy in front of the hiring authority is to send a hard copy resume along with a targeted cover letter directly to her attention. Hand write 'confidential' along the bottom left of the business sized envelope. And, of course, make sure you use good quality paper for your marketing materials. Hiring is just one of many needs demanding a manager's time. It is very powerful to have your qualified candidacy land directly into her hands and with very little effort on her part. Your well crafted marketing materials may very well look like manna from heaven to that overworked decision maker and a phone call placed to your contact number can't be far behind. Of course you won't be able to escape the corporate hiring process completely. At some point you'll have to fill out an application, etc. But you'll have entered the process through a different door than the masses and at that point, it won't matter what the gate keeper has to say about it. Here is more help with getting to the hiring manager. http://www.job-seekers-edge.com/hiring-manager.html