How do I arrange interviews?

TIP 7:  Follow-up your cover letter and resume mailings with a telephone call.
As our book points out, it takes at least three impressions for something to soak
into our media-cluttered brains. Your telephone call becomes that critical third
impression, and your goal is arranging the interview.

This conversation – during which you schedule the meeting – also is a perfect
time to express your enthusiasm and restate the benefits you’ll bring to the job
and the organization.  It's also a wonderful opportunity to ask a brief question
or two that further indicate your interest in the company or institution, as well
as its vision, future objectives, and where you will fit into the scheme of things.

Remember to call early in the morning or late in the day when you have a better
opportunity to get past the "gate-keeper" who handles your contact's telephone.
Based on the two letters you already have sent, the contact is aware of you, and
you could tell the gatekeeper he or she is expecting your call.

Our book, "Knock 3 Times," also provides a script for that all-important third
contact.

Developing Your "Communications Materials"

TIP 6:   Saying The Right Things To The right People


A. Your Cover Letter. Whatever you do, don’t use a generic cover letter. You
need to develop a new letter for each organization you contact – one addressed
to that all-important hiring authority your research and telephone calls uncovered.
As our book points out, you want to make three impressions on this person – although,
by the second impression, he or she will know who you are, what you want, and the
benefits you can bring to the organization. Make certain the benefits you spell out in
the cover letter are expanded upon in your resume. Above all, keep the cover letter
short, easy-to-read, and tailored to your recipient so he or she recognizes immediately
what you have to offer the organization. During Step 2, you’ll be enclosing a powerful
resume. Make certain it highlights, supports, and builds on the benefits included in this
cover letter.

B. Your Resume. Typically, 30 seconds is about as much time as the typical HR
Manager spends reviewing your resume. This is how long it takes to briefly scan
a resume and determine if the company is interested. This is why we want to target
that person with the hiring and firing authority, not someone who handles support
staff functions. On the off chance you are responding to a classified advertisement
for a job – and you researched the proper contact – still use the cover letter approach,
but tailor it and your resume so they reflect and highlight the skills the company specifies.
In either case, don’t assume anyone will deduce from your experience or job title that
you have the required skills, and can offer the desired benefits. You must mention your
skills and resultant benefits, specifically. Write your resume so it easily can be understood
by your main contact or someone in the HR department. As illustrated by the sample
resume contained in “Knock 3 Times,” it’s best to summarize your technical skills at
the top of the first page. Remember, many people may be reading your resume on-line
or from their e-mail in-box, so you must design it so the most important part – which
is your list of job skills – fits into the first section where viewers see it without scrolling
down. If this information appears at the bottom of the page, they might never see it.
Again, refer to our sample resume as an example of the most current “best practices”
in preparing and formatting.

C. References. Don’t put reference names on a resume you send to an organization.
This enables the organization to check your references prior to the interview. Make
certain you contact your references in advance, and find out what they might say
about you before supplying their names to prospective employers. You can always
ask a friend to call and pretend to be an employer, and see what they have to say
about you. Don’t provide your list of reference unless or until the interviewer asks
for it. Typically, this will be as you conclude the interview. When the interviewer
asks if he or she make contact your references, consider this as a positive sign.
However – once again – be certain your references know they may be called,
and you know what your references will say about you if called.

What Is An Informational Interview?

TIP 5:  An “Informational Interview” is an effective way to gather data first-hand
on an organization for which you’d like to work. Once you’ve settled on the type
of job you’d like to have, it’s fairly easy and extremely effective to arrange
appointments and meet with decision-makers in the career areas in which
you’re interested. One extremely positive aspect to this type of interview
is that it eliminates the typical stress of having to answer specific questions.

Instead, you’ll find yourself on the asking end – which is where you need
to be to display a keen interest in the work being discussed. You need to
make certain the people you talk with are aware of your background,
interests, abilities, and goals.

Be sure to ask questions about the organization’s products, services, jobs,
and types of specific responsibilities and duties. If you have a type of job
in mind – say you want to work in the public relations department – you’ll
need to know the types of writing and people skills required.

Don’t ask for employment at this time, just give and seek information about
yourself and your job search. Make certain to ask for guidance and further
referrals. Typically, an informational interview can generate two or three
more solid contacts. Also, be sure to leave a favorable impression – and
immediately follow up with “thank you” letters to all involved.

By following this process, you generally can develop an extensive contact
and job lead list over a fairly short period.

What Is Networking?

TIP 4:  Your best results will come from networking! A recent study by the Department of Labor reports that at least 63% of job positions filled were filled directly or indirectly as a result of networking! Keep in mind what we said earlier – 75% of job opportunities are never advertised, not interviewed for on college campuses, not posted at veteran placement offices, not listed with Employment Security Offices, or with executive placement firms and headhunters.

Three-fourths of all jobs are filled without us knowing about them! And you ask, “How?” and “Why?” Mainly because doing so is fast, simple, and free. With networking, initial screening is accomplished by someone who is known and trusted by the prospective employer – typically a current employee, relative, close friend, or an associate of one of these individuals. He or she hears about a job opening – and knows you are unemployed – and puts two and two together. Although, it’s more like one and one – you and the hiring organization! “Networking” means tapping your various contacts to uncover employment opportunities.

Chances are, you’ve built up a network of such contacts: family, friends, other relatives, neighbors, church members, co-workers, competitors, members of professional, military, and alumni associations, members of local community projects and local government – and anyone else who comes to mind. Make certain to stay in touch with your network, through telephone calls, cards and letters, and e-mails. Keep them apprised of your activities, timetable, and accomplishments. It would not hurt to do them small favors or just be helpful – favors don’t have to be extravagant to be appreciated. Often, word of mouth will help the news spread from one person to others. Persons who are part of your network may very well know of job openings that exist, of which they can make you aware. However, they can only do this if they know you’re looking! When you ask such people for help, keep in mind that you’re asking for their endorsement as a good candidate for employment.

Once again, remain positive. It takes time to build a network, and get your name into circulation.

Knock 3 Times News Release

View our most recent company news at: at http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release-service/199088

How Do I Target My Messages?

TIP 3:  Develop “targeted” messages to organizations for which you’d like to work.
According to the Department of Labor, this is the most popular, cost-effective, and
efficient method of searching for employment. As we point out in our book, “Knock
3 Times,” it requires a dedicated effort – again, it’s a full-time job – as well as hard
work to develop well-focused cover letters and resumes, manage one’s time, and
oversee detailed record-keeping and follow-up activities.

Your job search actually begins with developing a realistic timetable (our approach
can be implemented in less than a month), and a list of possible employers for whom
you would enjoy working. You can develop and prioritize this list at your local library,
Employment Security Office, on the Internet, through various business journals,
newspapers, and trade publications, and even by using the Yellow Pages.

It’s important that you establish milestones for your activities, and ensure you stay
on schedule and accomplish your tasks.

Your primary goal will be to locate The Person with hiring authority for the type
of position in which you’re interested. Even if you respond to classified ads, take
the time to call the organization placing the ad (if they’re listed) and find out who
that person is. As a last resort, you may locate and write to the Director of Human
Resources at your targeted organization – however, keep in mind that HR managers
typically hire “support,” not “operational” personnel.

When you implement the three-step system we introduce in our book, make
certain you follow up according to the milestones you set. Typically, it will take
you four weeks to perform research, develop materials, and arrange interviews.

Whatever you do, remain positive. Done well, even our approach requires
patience, skill, and, sometimes, luck.

Where Do I Begin My Job Search?

TIP 2:  When you begin looking into the “job market,” bear in mind that
85% of job vacancies are not available through traditional resources like
newspaper ads, the Internet, civil service notices, federal or state
employment agencies, private agencies, headhunters, or search firms.

There are millions of jobs available, but the bulk (between 65% and
75%) are not advertised, have not been created, or are filled “from
within.” A recent study by the National Federation of Independent
Business reveals that small businesses alone account for a million
available positions.

In the meantime, millions of job hunters shop local classifieds every
day, not realizing that each ad for a professional or executive opening
draws 200 to 500 applicants. Jobs advertised in classified ads – as
well as posted on the Internet – account for about 3% of those
available.

Additionally, headhunters, recruiters, and employment agencies only
account for about 15% of jobs filled at any one time.

How do I begin my job search?

TIP 1: When you begin your job search – especially if you currently are unemployed – consider
it a full-time job. Dedicate 35 to 40 hours weekly – just as you would in an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
position. To succeed, follow our three-step system to the letter. If you’re still employed, you
probably can arrange to discreetly place and receive calls from your office. If you’re unemployed,
you need to purchase an answering machine or arrange for an answering service through a private
firm or your local telephone company. If you don’t want family members to know you’re job
hunting, consider renting a mail box (usually as a suite number) and use that address and your
telephone service on your resume. If your family knows you’re job-hunting – and you’re using
your home address and telephone – make sure everyone knows how to handle telephone calls.
Also, set up an efficient and private office somewhere in your home to plan, budget, prepare
job-search materials, and place and receive those all-important telephone calls.

Time-Tested Job Search Tips - Part II:

Begin collecting the data you need by uncovering all there is about employers
in your field. Get current on issues and developments in your industry. Read
trade journals, professional publications, and local newspapers. Most major
cities have “Business Journals” that publish invaluable rosters of companies
and organizations, so find the nearest to the location where you want to work.
It’s extremely impressive during an interview if you know about the latest
merger or coup in the industry.

Also, research your target organization’s culture. Does it appear employee-
and family-friendly? (For example, child care.) What’s the average age of
employees, racial mix, and predominant gender? You can uncover data like
these from Annual Reports, newsletters, local publicity, and talking with
employees.

Create a contact data base. Write down the employers you contact, the
date you sent your resume, contacts made, people talked to, and notes
about those contacts. Keep a notepad with you at all times, and make
entries as soon as you hear about an opportunity or when you leave an
interview. Make certain to update your data base daily.

Follow-up with leads immediately. If you learn about a position late
in the day, call as soon as you’re organized. Don't wait until the next day.
“Cold call” target organizations and set up “information visits.” This way,
you’ll meet the people who work in the areas or departments where you’d
like to be employed. You need to take the initiative and meet prospective
employers face to face. Information visits let you do this without the stress
and stigma of the typical interview situation. In this more conversational
setting, it’s common for your “host” to reveal job openings or names of
contact persons about whom he or she knows.

Target your Resume. Make sure your resume is geared to the employers
who receive it. Be sure your resume is easy to read, and the most important
details stand out. Create more than one resume if you’re applying to more
than one industry. You might also expand the areas where you list skills.
For example, if you’re in marketing, you’re probably also involved in sales,
advertising, public relations, and promotion. Figure out what makes you
good at what you enjoy doing, and market those accomplishments and
skills in your resume.

Prepare an “elevator speech.” Develop and memorize a three- or four-
minute synopsis of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. You
never know who you'll meet, or when. Be ready! Know your abilities
and how to communicate them. You must be prepared to tell prospective
employers and others you meet about the benefits you can provide. You
must be able to discuss your skills, and relate these to the industries that
interest you.

Learn how to talk about yourself. Throughout your job search, you will
speak with many people at different levels. You need to be comfortable
discussing yourself and your talents with other people. Keep in mind that
you never know who may end up being useful to your job hunt.
Practice for each interview. Rehearsing is key to performing well during
interviews. Ask friends, relatives, or career services counselors to help
you formulate strong answers to questions you might not anticipate. Our
“Effective Interview Techniques” CDs at http://stores.lulu.com/propman01
will help you prepare.

Above all, stay confident. Job hunting takes time and energy. Remain
positive, and get ready for the challenges ahead. Don’t be disgruntled
if you just graduated and are still seeking work. Most students do find
jobs after graduation. And, you will, too, by conducting your job search
in a professional, disciplined, and timely manner.

Time-Tested Job Search Tips Part I:

First off, allow enough time to do the job right. Our three-step approach requires
about a month. According to the bulk of employment services “experts,” at least
half your time job hunting should be devoted to researching job leads and rehearsing
for interviews.

Commit your time, effort, and adequate finances. To be successful, your search
should reflect quality, professional approaches, and sound thinking. Employ various
approaches to see what works: Direct mail (such as our three-step approach),
networking, responding to classified ads, and searching the Internet. Keep track
of your mailings, interviews, and other activities so you know what works and why.
That way, you can tailor your job-hunting campaign and make it more powerful
and cost-effective

Be persistent – not aggressive – and don’t let laconic secretaries buffalo you.
As long as you maintain your cool and manners, you’ll get the information you
require. Of course, you always can try calling early in the morning or later in the
day and try to reach your intended target directly.

Visit your local Department Of Labor (DOL) office. DOL has myriad job postings
for you to review once you’ve signed up for the benefits you are due, as well as
veteran services, job counseling, equipment, and facilities you can employ in your
job search.

Get organized. You also need to remember to whom you have talked and when,
and the results of that meeting. Maintain a “Lessons Learned” file that will help you
prepare for the next interviews.

Create a "To Do" list every day. This helps you organize priorities, record
accomplishments, and stay focused on finding a job. It also keeps you from
overlooking important activities, deadlines, or follow-up responsibilities.

At all times, be prepared. Carry copies of your resume at all times. It’s also
a smart idea to have fresh copies of your resume “on hand,” in case you’re
called to an interview at the last minute. And, don’t forget your list of references
(whom you’ve already contacted and received permission to use) which you’ll
only provide when asked to do so.

Responding To "Help Wanted" Ads

Another job-hunter recently asked if our career-coaching guide, “Knock 3 Times,”
available at http://stores.lulu.com/propman01, offered advice on answering Help
Wanted placements in newspapers and magazines. I told him it did, and the two
most important points to remember are to respond to the specific criteria requested,
and to do so by discussing the benefits he brings to the position. For example, if
the advertisement requests “experience,” this is the ideal location to briefly outline
the types of similar work he successfully had performed. For example, “…in my
current position – which I have held for five years – I doubled sales revenues in
my territory.” Or, “…in the two years I have been with XYZ Company, there
have been no ‘lost-time’ accidents recorded. In fact, we received an ‘OSHA
Commendation’ for the on-the-job safety procedures I developed, implemented,
and oversee.” Select the pertinent items outlined in the ad, and make certain you
respond to as many as possible. Keep in mind, these placements represent the
“ideal candidate” in the eyes of the Human Resources person, and don’t necessarily
reflect the wishes or hot buttons of the final decision-maker. Again, this is why
you must research the organization as much as you can, so you can tailor your
benefits to what you know the company is seeking.

Contacting Targeted Employers By E-mail

A job-hunter recently asked if she could follow guidelines provided in our career-
coaching guide, “Knock 3 Times,” available at http://stores.lulu.com/propman01,
and apply the sample materials in e-mails. I told her “yes,” if the employer were
receptive to receiving e-mails. Since she was doing her leg-work researching the
organizations to which she would send her campaign materials, she easily could
find out if e-mailing her letters would be acceptable. If so, it would be a simple
matter of tailoring our proven job-hunting pieces to fit an e-mail format. I
advised her that the critical element was applying the “three knocks”
strategy – contacting the company with three separate communications – to
ensure her message was received, noticed, and remembered. I appreciate
her raising this question, because it means job-hunters probably can cut
7-10 days off their scheduled snail-mailing campaign.

New E-Zine Article For Job Hunters

We recently posted a new article (http://www.ezinearticles.com/) that includes solid job-hunting tips from the Director of Human Resources for a well-known international corporation. She offers excellent advice on how to succeed in the interview process. Her interview also is available on our "Effective Interview Techniques" CD, disk two, at http://stores.lulu.com/propman01

Immediately Apply For Unemployment!

One of your first priorities during the job-search process should be finding
an immediate source of income. If you've been employed up to this point,
you probably have unemployment compensation coming from your state.

Admittedly, it's a difficult thing for people who have worked hard to request
unemployment. "Go on the dole," as they say in Europe. It's like there's a
stigma attached to being laid off, down-sized, or let go. However, while you
were working you paid into a fund for this exact purpose, and now is the time
to take advantage of those payments.

Swallow your pride, visit your local Department Of Labor, and sign up. It's
your money, so use it to cover expenses while you're job hunting!

Our time-tested, easy-to-use approach involves upfront planning and hard
work. However, you can implement it in only a few weeks, with positive
results possible within a month.

As soon as possible after you become unemployed, stop by your closest
Department Of Labor (DOL) office and sign up for benefits. You earned
them...you deserve them...go ahead and collect them!

In addition to income, you'll have access to valuable DOL information
sources, including office equipment, work space, and services you can
apply in your job search.

Another reason for you to go to the Department Of Labor is to avail
yourself of the services offered through its Career Center. At the Center,
you'll get help with job hunting, veteran's groups, Job Corps Training,
and vocational rehabilitation.
And, if you don't have access to a computer, the Internet, copy and fax
machines, and other office equipment, you'll find all these items there,
as well as a resource room and myriad job listings. Again, you've paid
for these services, so take advantage of them!

Above all, good luck in your job search!