Jim’s successful job search: A True Story
I received an email recently form Jim announcing that he had landed a new job. I asked if I could share his experience with others. Here it is:
Jim applied electronically on July 19th. for a job that he really wanted with an employer that he had targeted as an employer of choice. On the same day, he delivered a hard copy of the application materials to the company He made contact with the company twice within 2 weeks to check on the status of the selection process and to reassert his interest in the position.
When he determined that he was not making progress through the HR department, he decided to move the process along. He identified the Production Manager through a LinkedIn search and sent a brief letter explaining what steps he had taken to date. He included a cover letter directed to her specifically and copies of the previously submitted documents.
Jim was contacted in late August and interviewed in early September. The company would be interviewing 8 candidates i all. When he learned that the company would be attending an upcoming job fair, he knew he had to be there. He purposely arrived early, when attendance is low, and was able to have an extensive “getting to know you” conversation with the manager. She requested a copy of his reference list and on September 27th he received an offer of employment.
The company was one of Jim’s target companies and his eager and steady pursuit of the opportunity paid off. He believes that doing things differently, (more assertively) made him stand out from the crowd. I agree. It demonstrated his strong interest in the company, his motivation to pursue the opportunity and his strategic thinking ability…all transferable skills. But probably most of all, they got to know him in a way that goes beyond the interview.
Jim sent a letter to his network of colleagues and fellow job seekers in which he thanked them for their assistance and support. His final comment was “I will network for life.”
What do you notice as you review the process Jim used? Would you have taken the same steps?
In support of your success… Rita
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