Talent Tip #52: More Advice About How to Land a Job

As you might remember (and I know you remember because you sleep with a printed copy of Talent Update under your pillow at night), last month’s Talent Tip contained recruiting advice that suggests you do a little pre-work before you get hired.

The response I got from readers was over the top. And I don’t mean Obama-taking-a-selfie-at-Nelson-Mandela’s-memorial-service-over-the-top. I mean a good over the top!

Here are three highlights you will enjoy.

First, I heard from Pamela Stubbart about an idea called the “Briefcase Technique.” She wrote:

“I have a remote/contract position with the Institute for Humane Studies, and I landed it by preparing a report to bring to my final round of interviews about what I’d do in the position, how many hours per week I’d spend on each activity, etc. I got the idea from financial/career expert Ramit Sethi. He calls it “The Briefcase Technique.” Pretty slick stuff! Check it out: http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/the-briefcase-technique/

Well said, Pamela! Very slick indeed!

I also heard from Dave Doctor, who told me about a concept inspired by a book called “Don’t Send a Resume: And Other Contrarian Rules to Help Land a Great Job.” In Dave’s words:

“That book recommends sending suggestions for a business in an introductory letter. Onlyafter learning about the business needs should someone tailor a resume to that business. I have a hybrid approach – I send suggestions and my résumé and cover letter.”

I think Dave’s hybrid approach is perfect. I know too many hiring managers who will gladly hit delete if you don’t send along the required materials. But nearly all of them would gladly entertain reading useful suggestions if they came in tandem with a résumé and cover letter.

Finally, Shana Kluck Teehan shared an inspiring story about landing job that involves going above and beyond. Shana wrote:

“This reminded me of the two clients I first landed when I started my little communications firm. One was a gubernatorial candidate and the other was an Attorney General candidate. I personally liked and supported them and made sure they knew it, showing up at many of their campaign events, and getting to know their staff as well. They already had vendors doing what I did, but I submitted proposals anyway and made sure I remained in their field of vision, freely helping them via social media as just a voter and activist. In both of their cases, their current vendors became unresponsive, so they needed to hire new ones. I was already there and had shown I was capable, so I landed both accounts. These high profile accounts led to greater things. I was taking a risk by investing time and knowledge so freely into these guys, not knowing if I’d get anything out of it, but it worked out. And I can call the current AG a good friend because of it.”

Wow! It doesn’t get any better than that, does it? Thanks to all of the folks who sent us inspiring ideas and thoughts.

If you have any selfies with fetching foreign digitaries, please share those as well!

Talent Tip #52: More Advice About How to Land a Job

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