Here is a powerful approach to scoring a new job, as conveyed to me by Sharon Rich of Leadership Incorporated. Everyone she's coached who has followed these steps has found a job.
- Make a list of 100 companies you want to work with.
- For each company, do a little bit of research. Figure out what you like about them.
- Find a live human being who works there, with a name. Hopefully a hiring manager. Anyone from HR will do in a pinch.
- Call them. Say, "I'd really love to come and meet with you and explore how we might work together." To this they could say, "Yes, absolutely," in which case, great. Schedule the meeting.
Or they could say, "We're not hiring right now," in which case you say, "That's okay. I'd like to meet you anyway because I'm interested in opportunities in the future. At some point you may need somebody, and I'd like to be in consideration when that happens."
Or they could say, "You have to send a resume." - Whatever they tell you to do, thank them and do it. Send a resume to HR, call who they tell you to call, etc.
- Give it a little time, then get in touch with them again. Say, "I'm just following up. I did what you asked me to do."
I know from experience that picking up the phone is difficult for an introvert. I believe it’s worth it to get over that, both while seeking a job and while rocking the job you're in. Judicious phone use is like knowing how to pitch the CEO in the elevator. Career secret sauce.
