Get Your Foot In The Door - part 2

Contact the hiring manager

You may not get in touch with the person you expected to. If you do speak with the hiring manager, treat your conversation like a phone interview. Speak clearly and slowly. Be certain that the person you are talking to has your undivided attention. Turn off any televisions or radios you may have on.

Ask the hiring manager as much as possible about the organization. Ask him/her to describe the ideal candidate for this position. Expound upon your background and skills and qualifications. Ask the hiring manager if they feel that you are qualified for this position. Do not be shy! It is also appropriate if you have reached this stage to ask if the organization is setting up interviews for the position. Let the hiring manager know of the research you have on the company.

Make comments about the industry the organization is in. Be prepared with a question or two for yourself. If you do not get in touch with the person you expected to, be certain to leave a detailed message. Remind them of your resume, and let them know you are interested in finding out if you might be qualified for the position.

Send a thank you letter

Send a thank you letter to the hiring manager even if you just get a phone interview with the company. Send a thank you letter to anyone you have correspondence with in the company.

Back off a little

Now that sounds ridiculous. You have put in all of this effort and the last thing you want to do is back off. You are afraid that by doing so you might lose your shot at a position with the company. In reality, you will become more of a nuisance to the HR department than a feasible candidate if you don't. At this point they are aware of your resume; you have made personal contact and sent a thank you note. The ball is in their court.

And finally

On to the interview! By this point in time you should have had the opportunity to learn a fair amount about the company. Bring that knowledge with you. Dress for success. Take charge and be confident. You should have no trouble getting exactly what you want!

Return to Home Page or Read part 1