www.personaltouchcareerservices.com Have you ever wondered how to get in touch with the hiring manager? This presentation gives specific suggestions and tactics to reach and influence those important decision-makers

1. Track Down the Hiring Manager:It’s Easier Than You Think Presented by Donna Shannon Coyote Visions Consulting 720-341-8229 www.coyotevisions.com

2. Coyote VisionsInnovative tools for job seekers Our Mission: To help job seekers of all levels achieve their employment goals through solid, practical advice and services We offer resume services, interview coaching, job search strategy development and group classes Over 8 years in corporate recruitment & placement Donna’s book, “Get a Job Without Going Crazy” is available on Amazon.com and the Tattered Cover in Denver

3. For the purpose of this presentation, we will be discussing how to track down a hiring manager based on posted job – such as one advertised in Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com and even craigslist.com In cases where the job is not advertised, the same procedures would be followed – however, it is up to you to select target companies and start the research without the benefit of a job posting. Important note:

4. The Hiring Manager wants to hire you They just don’t know who you are yet

5. They posted the job for a reason – they need help! Issues with HR procedure can hinder their own efforts Hiring managers are just as frustrated as you are…

6. Added requirements to job descriptions Screening based on procedure, not merit Lengthened processed Lack of understanding on technical requirements Ways HR blocks the hiring process:

7. They know exactly what they are looking for In both technical requirements and personality An actual human being will read your resume Neutralize the unfair screening tactics Your research will pay off A chance to demonstrate your industry knowledge, expertise and follow-through skills Why you should contact the hiring manager:

8. Most of all, managers want to hire: Someone who wants to work for them Who understands the industry and competition AND… Who really understands their NEEDS The Personal Factor

9. Who’s in charge? Your first challenge: find that name…

10. Company’s website News Sources Networking Groups Social Media Resources for finding that name:

11. Resource #1: the Website Start with the job description on employment page Look for: Report – to’s Usually just a title Can be in the introductions or in job description Divisions Locations

12. Other pages may contain info on your target: Management team About us Blog posts News or Media Room More on the website:

13. Since managers want to hire interested candidates, get very familiar with: Corporate mission Their products and services Their competition Their challenges All of this will give fuel for your cover letter – and that is your foot in the door Key information you better find

14. When tracking down local decision-makers, search the local news resources The Denver Business Journal Data base of many local and national companies www.denver.bizjournals.com The Denver Post Mainstream News www.denverpost.com Westword In-depth cultural impact www.westword.com Resource #2: News and Media

15. Sample of Denver Business Journal

16. ALL senior managers are your target, not just the target job Consider sending resumes to ALL possible decision-makers Missed the target manager?

17. Obvious target: a direct connection to the hiring manager (aka the Holy Grail) More likely: Current or past employee of the target company Someone who knows someone at the target company Even if not a direct line to HR or hiring manager, ALL contacts are valuable Resource #3: Networking Groups

18. Names of managers Hiring procedures Some companies won’t consider actions outside of set procedures Company culture Company challenges What to ask former and current employees:

19. Resource #4: Social Media On LinkedIn.com, use Advanced search to look for people based on: Company Location Division Title

20. ALL connections in the right division are valuable… Missed the target?

21. Having trouble seeing details on profiles? Join large groups for your location and industry LinkedIn.com tip:

22. So you got the name… Now what?

23. Don’t ask for an introduction Don’t send an Inmail through LinkedIn.com Both of these tactics are seen as creepy or pushy – or are completely ignored DON’T Contact yet…

24. Interpret their LinkedIn profile, don’t just read it Look for LinkedIn involvement Check out their Twitter feed Google for the dirt Get to know your target as a person…

25. Look beyond the basics and read the summary.. LinkedIn Profiles Look at style as well as substance – all business? Any personal information? Can you relate?

26. What do they care about? What message are they sending? Profiles: Groups and Applications Groups can also be leads for other connections and information

27. Is the information focused? What did they do in the past? Can you relate, or does their experience reflect your own career goals? Profiles: Past Experience

28. Look at both who they recommend and the recommendations written for them What are they best known for? Profile: Recommendations

29. If you get lucky, they may tell you about personal interests… And contact information Usually positioned very last on the profile Look for other links: website, blog, Twitter Profile: Additional Information

30. Follow your targets on Twitter to get more insight into their interests, personality and professionalism. Speaking of Twitter… Even those who don’t tweet much gives indication to their preferred communication methods…

31. How does your individual target compare with the official company Twitter site? Twitter and the company profile

32. Look at all three facets: The Company The Names A general listing, like “Target Company Executives” to reveal names you might have missed Google: what’s the buzz?

33. Nailing the Contact Info How you reach them is just as important as what you say

34. Direct Email Snail Mail and Variations LinkedIn connections Unless you know someone extremely well, don’t ask for the introduction (don’t be creepy or pushy) The best ways to reach out and touch someone…

35. Scrutinize website Look for ANY person’s email address, and then copy the pattern Call the front desk Golden phrase: “I’m updating our mailing list, and I want to confirm So-N-So’s email address.. Is it joe.schmoe@company.com? Determining the email address

36. Will probably be caught by the assistant, but targeted cover letter can get through the screening Variations for impact: Priority Mail ($4.90 for flat rate envelope) Express Mail or Fed Ex (average $14.95 for USPS) Courier Service (varies - $20 to $30) Snail mail and variations

37. When sending a hard copy resume and cover letter, always use high quality resume paper – Your worth WILL be judged by the presentation Important note:

38. Can be a risk: Receptionists are trained to deter people just like you Be sure to dress appropriately Can ask for the hiring manager, but don’t expect to see him Give resume in sealed package Otherwise, it will be routed to HR Showing up in person

39. No Response? The game’s not over yet

40. He will call HR, not you Can rescue your resume from the rejection pile Ensures you will get a diligent interview, not just “going through the motions” What the hiring manager does…

41. A recap: Find the name: Read the website Check the news Use your network Hit the social media Figure out who they are: Interpret to data to target your cover letter Get your resume in their hands: Method is everything

42. Write down 5 target companies and what you want to do for them ACTIVITY: