Take This Book to Work How to Ask for (And Get) Money, Fulfillment, and Advancement

Chapter One Getting Hired How to Ask If a Company Is Hiring It's helpful to have information about a particular company's current hiring needs, whether it's from online postings, newspaper advertisements, or even an employee of the company who knows what her department is looking for. However, not every company has a career section on its Web site, advertises its openings, and keeps you updated on its needs. In fact, many small and medium-sized companies don't do any of this. So how do you ask if they're hiring or have openings? Whom should you pursue? If there's a company you've been eyeing, do some research on its struggles and its potential for growth. Online searches, media coverage, and industry-specific networking may reveal a lot about the needs and strengths of a particular company. That information could indicate opportunities for employment. Additionally, in your daily newspaper, you may read about a company that is expanding in your city, and this information could spark your interest in exploring possible positions. You might walk the mall and discover a new store that's about to open and will need to make hires. Let's say that you are thinking of looking for a new position and find yourself at a party or industry event. The conversation is so fascinating that you start dreaming about joining their organization. In such a case, you can say, "While I'm not yet actively searching for a new position, I'm so intrigued by what your company is doing. Might you suggest the right person for me to connect with to determine what possibilities exist for employment? I'd welcome the chance to see if there's mutual interest." Announcements about new appointments to senior positions are a good way to spot potential openings. While you might not have seen any openings for a particular publication, you recently read that a new editor-in-chief was named at a great magazine. Send a note congratulating her and inquire about work. "I was delighted to read about your appointment since I've been a subscriber for several years. I know that every new manager likes to make her mark by bringing in fresh talent. I'm hoping you'll be willing to consider me for some writing assignments once you're ready to plan your first batch of articles." The bottom line is to be alert and aware of the information and people you encounter. This can lead to a range of opportunities even if a specific position isn't obvious from the onset. When you spot something you'd like to pursue, don't make the mistake of sending a generic letter addressed to no one. You must determine to whom your inquiry should be specifically addressed. Call the receptionist or head of human resources at the company that has piqued your interest, and ask her who is handling hiring decisions. If you're told that there are no current needs, try reaching out to the person who heads up the division you want to work for. "I recently read about your expansion in Latin American markets. I have extensive international experience that could prove to be a great asset to your plans. I'm hoping you'll be willing to set up a time to meet when we can talk about potential openings or even consulting assignments. If you're not the right person to handle this, perhaps you'd be so kind as to tell me whom I can reach out to by phone or e-mail?" Overlooked opportunities. Part-time, freelance, and consulting jobs are some of the main types of positions that are usually not posted or advertised. If the company is one you really want to join, find out how to contact the personJohnson, Tory is the author of 'Take This Book to Work How to Ask for (And Get) Money, Fulfillment, and Advancement' with ISBN 9780312358853 and ISBN 0312358857.