| If you're like most job seekers, you want to find a | | | | For example, you can use your phone to do some |
| great job. If you're like most job seekers you're | | | | basic research. Make up a list of organizations you'd |
| probably tempted to take the easy way out . . . mail, | | | | like to go to work for. Call each of them (like the PR |
| email or post your resume. | | | | department) and have them send you literature. Then |
| The reason you think it's so easy is because it's an | | | | identify the decision-makers within the organization that |
| arm's length approach. And it's mechanical. You write a | | | | you might report to. |
| terrific resume and then you distribute it as widely as | | | | Then you call your friends, relatives, neighbors, religious |
| possible. I mean, what could be easier than posting it on | | | | land political leaders, people you do business with, |
| a few job sites. Or emailing it to a bunch of employers | | | | community contacts. You ask them for inside |
| or employment agencies. Or mail it to some advertised | | | | information about the decision-makers you're |
| openings. | | | | interested in. And, if they have access to any of them, |
| It's soooo much easier to do it this way. And then sit | | | | you ask for an introduction. |
| back and wait for something to drop in your lap. But | | | | But what do you say on the phone to these contacts? |
| there's a problem. It's one of the reasons why some | | | | You tell them you're looking for their advice (not a job). |
| job campaign last for weeks and months. Here's why. | | | | You paint a picture for them of your interests and |
| First, it can take forever to get from posting your | | | | request input from them. You ask if they know anyone |
| resume to an actual job offer. Secondly, you're placing | | | | in authority that they could refer you to for further |
| your career future in the hands of fate . . . you have to | | | | investigation. And, if they do, you ask them for a |
| take or leave whatever comes along (if anything). And, | | | | personal introduction. |
| finally, you have no say in what a great job opportunity | | | | If you learn how to use the phone assertively, you can |
| should be for you. | | | | dramatically speed up the job finding process. Here are |
| But there's a simple but effective tool you can put use | | | | two simple tips that can get you started: |
| immediately to ramp up your search for a great job. | | | | 1. Prepare a written script containing exactly what you |
| You can use it to put yourself in control of the process | | | | want to say. Practice saying it out loud. |
| rather than being a victim of it. It's called the phone! | | | | 2. Warm up before calling the person you've targeted |
| It's amazing how much resistance there is to using the | | | | by calling a friend and practicing the script. Or call the |
| phone as a major tool in your job search. For many | | | | weather report. Or a store to inquire about a product |
| people, lifting the receiver to initiate a contact . . . | | | | or service. Then, while you're on a roll, call the contact. |
| especially if it's someone you don't know . . . is so | | | | Turn your phone into your biggest asset while you find |
| intimidating that the phone seems to weigh 100 pounds. | | | | a great job! |