| If you're like most job seekers, you want to | | | | some basic research. Make up a list of |
| find a great job. If you're like most job | | | | organizations you'd like to go to work for. |
| seekers you're probably tempted to take the | | | | Call each of them (like the PR department) |
| easy way out . . . mail, email or post your | | | | and have them send you literature. Then |
| resume. | | | | identify the decision-makers within the |
| | | | organization that you might report to. |
| The reason you think it's so easy is because | | | | |
| it's an arm's length approach. And it's | | | | Then you call your friends, relatives, |
| mechanical. You write a terrific resume and | | | | neighbors, religious land political leaders, |
| then you distribute it as widely as possible. | | | | people you do business with, community |
| I mean, what could be easier than posting it | | | | contacts. You ask them for inside |
| on a few job sites. Or emailing it to a | | | | information about the decision-makers you're |
| bunch of employers or employment agencies. | | | | interested in. And, if they have access to |
| Or mail it to some advertised openings. | | | | any of them, you ask for an introduction. |
| | | | |
| It's soooo much easier to do it this way. And | | | | But what do you say on the phone to these |
| then sit back and wait for something to drop | | | | contacts? |
| in your lap. But there's a problem. It's one | | | | |
| of the reasons why some job campaign last for | | | | You tell them you're looking for their advice |
| weeks and months. Here's why. | | | | (not a job). You paint a picture for them of |
| | | | your interests and request input from them. |
| First, it can take forever to get from | | | | You ask if they know anyone in authority that |
| posting your resume to an actual job offer. | | | | they could refer you to for further |
| Secondly, you're placing your career future | | | | investigation. And, if they do, you ask them |
| in the hands of fate . . . you have to take | | | | for a personal introduction. |
| or leave whatever comes along (if anything). | | | | |
| And, finally, you have no say in what a great | | | | If you learn how to use the phone |
| job opportunity should be for you. | | | | assertively, you can dramatically speed up |
| | | | the job finding process. Here are two simple |
| But there's a simple but effective tool you | | | | tips that can get you started: |
| can put use immediately to ramp up your | | | | |
| search for a great job. You can use it to | | | | 1. Prepare a written script containing |
| put yourself in control of the process rather | | | | exactly what you want to say. Practice |
| than being a victim of it. It's called the | | | | saying it out loud. |
| phone! | | | | |
| | | | 2. Warm up before calling the person you've |
| It's amazing how much resistance there is to | | | | targeted by calling a friend and practicing |
| using the phone as a major tool in your job | | | | the script. Or call the weather report. Or |
| search. For many people, lifting the | | | | a store to inquire about a product or |
| receiver to initiate a contact . . . | | | | service. Then, while you're on a roll, call |
| especially if it's someone you don't know . . | | | | the contact. |
| . is so intimidating that the phone seems to | | | | |
| weigh 100 pounds. | | | | Turn your phone into your biggest asset while |
| | | | you find a great job! |
| For example, you can use your phone to do | | | | |