Getting in Front of Hiring Managers

Previously, I listed what I hope was useful information about resumes.  Now, I'd like to give you some information on getting in front of Hiring Managers.  There is a ton of information out there about this, but I don't know if enough people really believe that sending a resume into a company's web site either doesn't work or it takes a looooong time.  And many of you don't have months to either find a new job or find your dream job.

1.  If you're not using Linked In, start NOW.
2.  If you're not using your professional network to get on the phone and conduct research, start NOW.
3.  You may hear of an open position or there may be a company that you're interested in working for - either way, by using your network and getting referrals OR conducting research on Linked In or the web, find out who a hiring authority is and call them directly.  Many times, you'll have to call into a company switchboard and ask for them.  I do this every day - it's not difficult.  You'll probably have to leave a message - the content should be a short message introducing yourself and stating that you're a (Enter Professional Title here) and your area of expertise is (Enter Your Area of Expertise here) and that you'd like to take a moment to introduce yourself.  Also state that if you've reached the incorrect person, you'd be glad to call whomever that may be.  Leave your number.  That's it.  Please don't leave a long message with an overview of your entire resume - choose one or two points that will entice the hiring manager and leave it at that.  If you have a Master's degree, that is mentionable.  Just imagine you are the person receiving the message - what would entice you to call back?
4.  You may have to call several people at the same company - that's okay.  If they ask how you found them, just be honest.  Most people take it as a compliment, whether it's a direct referral or you found them otherwise.

Aside from Linked In, Facebook and Twitter are great research tools.  Believe me, I was averse to this whole Web 2.0 thing too (please take a look at my Tweeting in our 40s blog at http://.tweetinginour40s.blogspot.com).  You can "Become a Fan" of companies by clicking on the Facebook icon on company web sites; you can "Follow" people/companies on Twitter that run in your Supply Chain circles.  Read the articles written; join in on the web casts; research who speakers are at events.  There are a plethora of ways in which to find out who's who and get in touch with them.  It not only shows creativity, but it displays tenacity and persistence which is what all hiring authorities desire!

Job openings in Supply Chain

Last week, I sent a question out to some groups on Linked In asking if they saw the job market getting any better in 2010.  The answers received were mixed.  Some think there is an increase in open job postings, but that it is extremely difficult to stand out in the crowd in markets where the number of companies that are Supply Chain-focused are plentiful.  They've sent their resumes into the company portals in response to an ad that was posted on the internet or have posted their resumes directly to the company's web site.  Unfortunately, 9 times out of 10, this is NOT the best way to present yourself.  Most companies do not have an internal recruiting or Human Resources staff that dedicates itself to procurement, logistics, and supply chain.  More likely than not, they don't even understand what their hiring managers are looking for in a candidate.  And if your resume isn't written correctly - with the right words and phrases and with specific accomplishments with metrics listed, it is not going to be picked up by the internal recruiting teams.

So let's address the former issue in this blog and the latter in next week's blog.

Most of us are not professional resume writers.  What I advise candidates to do is fairly simple:  for each position you've held, write a brief paragraph describing what your job was - i.e. write your job description.  This way, you can't help but use the correct terminology being scanned by portals or read by human resources/recruiting.  If you have a job description for the position you're applying for, use that to guide you (without b.s.-ing, of course).  Under each paragraph, bullet examples of accomplishments you made in measurable format, if possible.  Cost savings, programs designed and implemented, large contracts negotiated, global initiatives, etc.  List your name and contact information at the top (including address, they want to know if you require relocation) and under that, your education.  If you want to include a paragraph stating what your experience and strengths include over the span of your career, make it brief and to the point.  Then start with each position including company and dates you were there - month and year are sufficient.

Tell your story and be proud of it!  Pretend you're sharing a beer (or my preference, a glass of wine) with a new friend and you're describing what you do for a living - remember, the person on the other end wants to feel the energy you feel about your skills and talent!

Next week - how to approach hiring managers directly...