Covering All The Bases

By Freddie Cheek
Email: fscheek@adelphia.net
Website: www.CheekandCristantello.com

In order to identify and reach every possible job lead you must cover all the bases. I call this the 5 Star Plan. It includes all of the most effective methods of securing employment. This plan involves gathering information, informing everyone of your objective and making contacts in-person, by mail and on the telephone. Most people have heard of these methods; however, they only scratch the surface of what can be accomplished.

The first point is RESEARCH, identifying those potential employers. Every job seeker should visit the public library or career center at least once a week. Most of us cannot afford to purchase our own copies of directories and business newspapers, but central libraries have these in their reference, career or business sections. Many areas have directories published by the chamber of commerce. Look for clipping files or collections of annual reports. Try driving around unfamiliar neighborhoods, looking for companies that are new to you. Don't ignore the phone book and yellow pages. Whenever you come across a new (to you) company, call that business and ask what they do, are they hiring and do they anticipate any expansions. When reading business newspapers, look for announcements of new products, expansions, mergers, contracts, promotions, etc. These all suggest business growth or positive change.

According to the experts and labor statistics, the most effective technique in securing a job is NETWORKING - uncovering the hidden job market. This elusive resource is not an agency or publication. The hidden market refers to the 75-80% of job openings that are not advertised or posted. Job seekers covering all the bases will tap those hidden opportunities through their research and networking. Networking (the "N" word) is a feared and usually misunderstood technique. And those brave souls who attempt the process often go about it all wrong.

Networking

Networking is, first off, not approaching people and asking them if they know of a job opening. That question may eventually arise; but networking is, rather, the gathering of information. If I asked you to list every employer within 50 miles of your home, and what they specifically make or do there - your list would fall far short of the actual count. No one is expected to know all about everything. However, every person you know who works, has worked or knows someone who works or has worked does have access to new information. I always bet my job seekers that they each know at least 10 people who work or who know someone who does or has. The loud groan from the group verifies that we all have a wealth of potential contacts. I ask my students to list just about everyone they or their family members know. Include neighbors, relatives, past co-workers, classmates, professional contacts (dentist, insurance agent, etc.), team members, church members and so on. Most probably don't know that the job seeker is on the lookout for opportunities.

The first step is to create a networking script (this also works as a phone script). Include your name, job goal and a brief statement of qualifications. Do not assume that even your friends know exactly what you do for a living. And there is no shame here - no need to whine or complain. No one needs to know if you are unemployed. You are seeking opportunities in the medical records field. You are looking to make a job change (from unemployed to working). You are exploring options.

A sample script might say: Hello! I am Jane Doe and I am seeking opportunities in the medical records field. In addition to my Associates degree in Medical Office Practice, I have skills in word processing and managing computerized patient records. I have over six years' experience working in a clinic and private medical practice and I am familiar with processing insurance forms.

Learn your script and tell it to literally everyone you know. They can't help if they don't know what you want. Then ask three questions: 1) Do you know of any organizations which employ people in medical records work? 2) Do you know any people who work at these organizations? 3) Do you know of anyone who might know of such organizations? People have to say yes to at least one of these questions. If that contact is someone in a totally different department or occupation, he/she still has access to phone numbers and company information. The hidden job market includes insiders who know about jobs before the general public does.

The most important part of networking is following up. Every time someone gives you information, thank him/her, make the contact and let the original source know of positive results. If you don't know where to start, then try joining a local professional organization or go the route of the informational interview. This process grows like a pyramid. Ten contacts can lead to 20 more and so on. And do start with people you know - they all have a vested interest in seeing you happily and successfully employed.

Advertisements

Most people go through the classified ADS in about ten minutes. They know just where to look - under their job title. Well, employers are not the best ad writers and great opportunities can be found in unlikely places. If you are a cook, ads may be under R for restaurant help, G for gourmet chef, D for dessert cook, B for banquet cook, etc. I suggest going through the ads from A to Z and using a highlighter to mark any prospects. This serves several purposes. It uncovers the buried or misplaced ads, informs you of local hiring trends and alerts you to active employment agencies. I ask people to do one more step. Take a pad and write down the name and address of any company you do not recognize. Then research these businesses. We know that the largest hiring trend is with small-sized companies. One note about classifieds. Some job search trainers say skip the ads, they are a waste of time. Please don't. They are one part of the 5 Star Plan. We all know someone who got a job through the ads - I did.

Agencies and Postings

Contact temporary and permanent employment AGENCIES. Utilize these resources but do not count on them to find you jobs. You are the best candidate for that activity. Remember, they usually won't go out and drum up a job for you. They mostly match you to existing openings. If you are unemployed, try working a temporary assignment. This will put you into the work force, increase your contacts and keep your skills sharp. Also, check POSTINGS with your local employment service, career center and Internet sites. They all have current job listings and can give you job search leads. But, don't spend all of your time on the Internet. Use this resource to post your résumé and to research companies. Remember, the Internet is just one part of the 5 Star Plan.

If you cover all the bases and conduct a thorough and comprehensive job search, you will uncover the hidden job market and discover the job you've been seeking. The more effort you put into this activity the better and quicker the results.

Freddie Cheek, M.S. Ed., is a Credentialed Career Master (CCM), Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW), Certified Résumé Writer (CRW), and Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP). Examples of Freddie's résumé and cover letter writing have been published in eight books. Freddie can be reached via email (fscheek@alelphia.net) or you can visit her website (www.CheekandCristantello.com).