How to Find Job Leads!

Helpful hints on creating and pursuing leads

Researching a company and pursuing leads can be the most difficult but important part of your job search.

• Visit your college career office. Schedule an interview with one of the guidance counselors. Ask for specific information on companies. Use all the materials available.
  
  
• Alumni are great resources. Try to get a recent directory from your alumni office for those graduates who live in your area and have similar careers.
  
  
• Talk to everyone you know about your job search. Family and friends are full of "free" advice. Every time you talk to someone about your job search you are networking.
  
  
• Commit yourself to network-building activities. Join professional organizations (Women Employed, HCA, American Marketing Association, etc.) that support your goals and that also include access to job hot lines or industry information. Attend all association meeting/functions that you can. Volunteer as much as possible for assignments or on committees.
  
  
• Consider recruiters, staffing services, or headhunters specializing in your field. Take time to research their background and reputation. Make sure that the goals they have for you match the ones you have for yourself. Make sure there is no fee to you to use their services. Remember, a service should only be a "partner" in your job search, not the "leader." The responsibility of finding a job ultimately rests on your own shoulders.
  
  
• Compile a list of 25 companies in your geographic area that are a good match for your goals and interests. Cold call their offices and try to get a contact name. Ask if the company would be willing to send you an informational packet of financial report. After all, you are looking for a career, not just a job.
  
  
• Answer Help Wanted ads in trade publications. It's also a good idea to regularly read the trade publications specific to your field or industry. Why would a company hire you if you are not abreast of the industry?
  
  
• "Surf the Net" for jobs. Most companies now have a web-site and there are numerous job banks located on the Internet with specific postings by industry and geographic area. If you don't have access to a computer, find a way to correct that problem.
  
  
• Always ask yourself why you are researching a company- this will help focus your thoughts and career. Also, once in the interview, make sure articulate your interest in and knowledge of the company.
  
  
• Use a phone book. This may take some time but can prove to be quite resourceful.
  
  
• Always get a name. Keep a journal with all your contact names and company information. And always follow through!
  
  
• Phone, letter, fax, and personal contact are critical! Stay in touch when pursuing a job lead. The rule of thumb is remain in contact at least a week until the position is filled.
  
  
• Send articles and prospecting letters regularly in order to begin a dialogue and create interest. Find a way to get the name of the contact person and begin creating a paper trail. Once this is established follow-up with personal contact such as lunch or coffee. Make your contact a professional friend and work all potential angles.
  
  
• Be polite but persistent. Don't be aggressive or pushy.
  
  
• When trying to learn about a company or job opening, be a LISTENER, not a SPEAKER! The only way to get the information you need is by closing your mouth and opening your ears.
  
  
• Be polite but direct on the phone. State your purpose, give them a valuable reason for meeting with you, and ask for the interview. Remember, you are contacting busy companies. Make it valuable to them.
  
  
• Consider a vocational skill test. Check your high school or college first. Staffing services, career placement offices and headhunters may also use such test in their screening process.
  
  
• Consider informational interviews. Most people love to talk about their job and how they got started. The key to scheduling an informational interview is finding the most convenient time for the interviewer. This might mean before work or after hours. Most informational interviews should run only 15-30 minutes. Be brief and to the point. Have questions already prepared.
  
• If turned down, gently probe the reason why.The decision could be a matter of timing or budgets. This will determine when and if you try again.
  
• Always be prepared to ask question. This is especially true if you are making a prospecting call or are in an informational interview. Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you!

SOURCE: Tips supplied courtesy of All About Careers.

The information contained above is intended to provide useful information on the topic covered, but should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion.