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JOB SEARCH GOALS

The Job Search Activity Goals sheet is a way to keep you on track and consistently
productive.  The goals are different for each person and situation.  I have put my 
suggestions in parentheses after each line.  The most diligent job seeker sometimes gets
caught up in interviewing and forgets to initiate new contacts.  You should contact each
company at least three times.  The first call is to find out what is happening there or what
they do (companies researched), the next is to identify the hiring authority (contact calls
to companies) and the last is your phone presentation or the call in follow-up to your
résumé (follow-up calls to companies).  A piece of advice - try to avoid personnel 
departments (or at least send them a second copy).  Human resource professionals are
rarely in a position to create a job for you or alert you to potential openings down the 
road.

If you want to get the manager’s name, never mention the “R” word –résumé.  Call
and say you are sending some business documents to the Medical Records Supervisor
and may you have his/her name and correct spelling.  Or tell them that you are updating 
your database.  If all else fails ask for a different department “Engineering, please!” 
When connected explain that you were wrongly routed and want medical records and, 
by the way, what is the manager’s name.  They usually have no reason to withhold the
information.

The third contact is usually in follow-up to your résumé.  Most people incorrectly
get on the phone and ask, “Did you receive my résumé?”  All this does is verify that the
postal system works.  Most managers are too busy to paw through a stack of résumés.
Instead, give your phone script speech and finish it with a reference to the résumé you
sent and an inquiry about any openings or the status of the current opportunity.  And be
bold - ask for an interview.  This technique won’t eliminate you from consideration and
just might open a door.  Any good refrigerator salesperson will follow up on the sales
literature sent out.
 
Card File System

The technique I use for organizing all of the contacts and résumés sent is the Card
File System.  This simple, yet complete, system can eliminate the stacks of paperwork 
that are part of an aggressive job search.  There is no need to keep a copy of each cover
letter sent.  On the left side of a ruled note card (any size) put the name, address and
phone number of the company, name and title of the company contact person (remember
you have already called to get the contact name), job title you are pursuing and any 
relevant company information.  On the right side track the date of the job advertisement 
(if applicable) and dates and types of contacts (such as résumé sent, follow-up phone call,
phone interview).  On the back tape business cards or the advertisement.  You now have
all of the pertinent information in one place, alphabetized.  Do not file these by contact 
date; that information is readily seen on the card.  When the screening call comes or
when you get a lead, the first thing you hear is the company name.

This file system will eliminate duplication, enable you to keep abreast of your
activity (every Sunday I flip through the cards and pull the ones I need to call) and avoid 
omissions (I think I have already called them).  As you gain more details, update the 
cards.  The best use of the Card File System is when the screening phone call comes. 
Usually you don’t remember the exact position for which you applied.  Tell the caller you 
need to get a pad and pen and retrieve the card file box when you get the writing
materials.  After locating the company card you are armed with the complete chronology 
of your contacts, as well as a copy of the ad or company research.  The potential 
employer will be impressed by your organization or recall.  Use a similar system to 
organize networking leads, including the name of the contact as well as referrals made.
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