Mailing your résumé to selected companies
sometimes produce job leads - about 5-10% of those looking for
work find positions this way.
There are two types of positions available:
Current Opening: This is a vacant position and needs
to be fulfilled. Most of the time it is previously occupied.
Created Opening: This is a position which is yet to
be established. A new job may be created once the company
recognizes how you can make meaningful contribution or they
may modify the existing structure to find a spot for you.
The people you know and your industry knowledge are helpful
in deciding which companies to put on your target list. In
addition, look in the yellow pages, industrial directories,
chamber of commerce membership lists, annual reports and
business magazines.
It makes sense to develop a long list of potential
employers, then subdivide the list into "Prime, Rifle and
Shotgun" groups.
Prime List
These are twenty or more of the most promising companies
that may have a position for a person like you. Research each
company, write a customized letter and follow up with a
personal contact.
Rifle List
These companies have potential, but are not a high a
priority, as those on the Prime List. Do not spend much time
researching or customizing letters for this group. Do not plan
to follow up with a telephone call.
Shotgun List
These companies are long shots that are unlikely to have
job openings. The attitude here is summed up by "it can't
hurt to ask" and the approach is "Send 'em and
forget 'em". Generally, you will not follow up with these
companies.
