How to Succeed with Unsolicited Job Applications?
20 January 2012
Read by 3485 persons
1- Organize your campaign
The first step is to identify your targets. To do this, it is recommended to focus on 3 or 4 sectors, defined narrowly enough to select only 5 to 15 companies for each. These are the companies you will contact.
Once this targeting is done, valuable information can be gathered by informally approaching and meeting employees who hold the type of position you are seeking.
2- Identify and approach your recipients
Once your targets and arguments are determined, the approach phase can begin. At this stage, the most important parameter is to reach the right recipient. Ideally, you should address your potential future boss. Aim for the N+1 or N+2.
All (legal) means are good to identify your recipient, their name and title. Contact the switchboard or assistant or, if blocked, the accounting department, which is generally less suspicious and more cooperative because it is less solicited for this type of request.
Some occasions can also be used to approach your target: a fair, a professional exhibition or a conference. In these cases, initial contact with the decision-maker can save you a detailed letter to get an interview.
3- Focus on content
Once the potential recipients of your application have been identified, the next step is to write a letter that will capture their attention and make an impact. It should also reflect your exact intentions.
The introduction of your letter should reflect this position. The first lines should question, involve, or inform, using the little knowledge you have gathered about the company. It's about showing that you've thought about the company's needs, situation, or difficulties, and that your experience and knowledge can contribute to a solution.
4- ...and form
Getting your reader's attention also requires careful attention to the appearance and presentation of your letter. It should not be too long, one page, and its structure explicit. After a personalized introduction according to your recipient, comes the body of the letter, consisting of two or three paragraphs that you will have selected from your "bank". Thirdly, and before the usual salutations, comes the request for an interview, the subject of your letter, which must be direct, for a short interview: fifteen to twenty minutes at most.
5- Get an interview
Once your letter has been sent, the ultimate goal is to obtain an appointment. And if following up is a delicate exercise, it is essential, especially since many companies see it as a sign of perseverance and professionalism.
Alerteemploi.com
Published January 10, 2012.
Posted online January 20, 2012.
