Job applications are also structured specifically to disqualify you. This is one of the reason I never fill out an application until I've concluded the interviewing process.  In most cases I don't fill them out until after I'm hired.  Once you are hired, you do need to fill one out to conform to legal requirements. 

So what does this mean?  Basically, if you want to get a good job, don't go through human resources.  Go directly to the person who will hire you.  TOP

In a major corporation, HR receives thousands of resumes per year and hundreds for each ad placed.  Most use computers to eliminate a majority of the resumes based upon key words.  The rest will be whittled down to three or four candidates by assistants.  Then these few will be turned over to the manager.  This process takes a few weeks.  By this time, the manager generally has two or three good candidates from those who contacted him directly, were recommended to him by peers or were within his network.

Now that you've got an idea of how HR works, here's what you need to do to get a job.

Create a Target List

Ever heard the expression "Smiling and Dialing?" Well, that's what you need to do to get a high paying job.  With the exception of one position, every high paying job I've ever landed came by smiling and dialing:  Here's what you need to do. TOP

1. Identify the top companies in your industry (Make sure they can afford you!) Make a short list, (about 10 prospects)

2. Call each company. Find out who the supervisor is for your area of expertise

3. Contact that person directly and pitch yourself over the phone.

4. Ask for an interview, even if he/she are not hiring.  Chances are another department is or one of his/her peers at a competing or complimentary company is.

5. Send your resume and a custom cover letter by fax or e-mail

6. Follow up three days later to make sure he/she received it and to answer any questions.

7. Call every week, (Friday's between 3 and 5 PM is a good time because most people are in a good mood and just waiting to leave for the weekend) and talk to each potential supervisor, just to check in until you finally receive an offer. NEXT | BACK