Four out of every five available jobs are unadvertised, according to Dr. Randall S. Hansen of Quintessential Careers. Uncovering these open positions often requires actively seeking jobs at companies that may be a good fit for your skills and career objectives. Cold calling a company allows you to present your interest and your skills to companies that have not advertised a job opening. Directly contacting a company may allow access to new or recently vacated jobs.
Investigative Method
Search for companies where you would like to work. Consider companies in your general geographic area and companies that operate in your preferred industry. Create a list based on your research that includes the company name, address, primary phone number and interesting information about the company. Find information that may help you uncover a need within the company if possible. For example, if the company is considering going public, tie the news to your experience working with Securities and Exchange Commission compliance or Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Contact the company and request the hiring manager's name who oversees the department where you would like to work. Send your resume and a cover letter directly to the manager. Present the information skills link in your cover letter. Follow up your resume with a cold call about a week after submitting your resume.
Submit Resume Method
Submit your resume directly to companies. Many companies will accept resumes or general applications even if no job is available. Look on the company's website for an email address specifically for resume submission or an online application form. If no information is available online, submit a resume in person with the company's receptionist.
Submitting an application will get your information into the company's system or files. When a job becomes available, most companies consult their internal resume files for potential job leads before publicizing a job outside the company to save on recruiting expenses. Having your resume pre-submitted can give you a jump on job openings.
Connections Method
Talk to your friends and your business network about your job-hunting objectives. Ask them if they know of any current job openings, or companies where they have connections with hiring managers. Ask your connection to present a resume on your behalf, or ask for a recommendation. Cold call your contact's lead and mention the mutual connection during your introduction. This method may help you contact managers with hiring authority who are more receptive to listening to your qualifications. Maintain your professionalism and avoid taking too much of the manger's time.
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