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Home > Archive > Mar 20, 2008

Hitting Your Target
By Mac Mcgee
I’ve had a recent influx of people from mortgage lending and real estate companies’ now seeking work in other areas. The human resource director at my company said she receives 30 to 40 new resumes per month for positions which they are clearly not qualified for.
This presents several issues that need to be addressed. If you’ve shot a shotgun before, on some models you know that there is a ‘choke’ on the gun that can determine how the pattern of the shot will hit your target. Open the ‘choke’ up and you have a wide pattern, and you may or may not hit what you’re aiming for. Narrow the choke, and you will hit what you’re aiming for as long as you’re a good shot and are focused on the target. The same is true with your employment search.
If you have only remote experience in a position and apply, more than likely you would not hit your ‘target’ or be considered. Adjust your choke and aim at your target.
What if there are no jobs listed? I guess it all depends on where you are looking. People come to me and say they see the same companies over and over again, or the same types of positions. Most individuals utilize the Internet for finding positions, or sign themselves up for ‘Search Agents’ through Internet Web sites like Monster or Careerbuilder. However, looking on the Internet or through want ads is actually one of the worst ways to find employment.
Out of all the ways to find employment networking is by far the best. Talk to co-workers, competitors, business associates, and church members – they all know that being out of work is a temporary stage in everyone’s life. They know it is at temporary setback, and not a permanent situation and most will do what they can to help.
When asking people about employment opportunities, keep it casual. Ask “I know your company may not be hiring, but do you know of any companies who are?” It’s an ice-breaker and alleviates the awkwardness of a situation.
I rarely look at job advertisements in the paper. More often, I look in the business section, to see what companies acquired funding, expanded, were bought out, were awarded contracts or if someone in upper management received a promotion.
In one instance, an upper manager received a presidential appointment. I instructed a young man to forward him a letter of congratulations as a cover letter, and then write “If your company could use a great sales engineer, don’t hesitate to give me a call and I’ll help you accomplish your goals for the company under your administration.” He included a resume. Two weeks later he was hired. That’s called networking, or thinking ‘outside of the box.’
Mac McGee is an accomplished business owner, published author of self-help employment books, articles and training videos. He has assisted the state employment development department in making presentations about networking and job searching. He has helped thousands of people find full-time permanent employment, personally constructing more than 1,000 resumes. His advice for start-up and existing businesses has produced hundreds of opportunities for business owners.

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