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Getting
the Interview
by
Stefanie Spikell, The William Shakespeare of Resume
Writing/Career Coaching
When you are seeking an interview, you want
to find the person who makes the hiring decision.
The Human Resources office is NOT the place to call.
They just do the paperwork. You want to find the person
that will actually interview you. Don’t be too shy to call the
company and ask who is the person in charge of such and so
department, but don’t give away that you are looking for work
or you might not get the information.
When you have made contact with the hiring
manager, make your schedule for meeting flexible so that you can
meet at that person’s pleasure.
Be sure to let them know you will meet before or after
work or even on the weekend or away from the office.
Never let up on your search – especially
not during the holidays. Companies
are always looking for the best people to hire, so don’t let a
holiday stop your pursuit.
Follow these tips:
1. Use
email to send a persuasive introduction to the hiring manager.
2. Show
up at the company and tell the hiring manager’s secretary you
will be happy to wait until the manager has time to see you.
3. Call the hiring manager before the start
of the regular work day – you might catch them answering their
own phone before the secretary gets there to do it for them.
4. Write
a letter to the hiring manger, marked “personal and
confidential.” Praise
their secretary for the excellent job of protecting them from
interruptions. Then launch into your request for an interview.
5. Call
the hiring manager on your cell phone from across the street and
say you are in the neighborhood and would like stop in for a
quick chat. This might get you in the door.
Remember, the early bird gets the worm –
so be diligent in your efforts if you want to succeed.
Stefanie Spikell, owner of two
companies,
Expert Resumes and
Clear Communications Business Consulting
(www.expertresumewriter.com),
is a noted business/careers coach, management consultant and
resume writer. In her 20-year career, she has managed marketing
communications departments for major engineering firms, taught
at the university level, published hundreds of business-related
reports and articles, and written thousands of winning resumes.
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