What Makes a Good Employer Contact?

What Makes a Good Employer Contact?

As part of the Employment First program, we ask you to track the contacts you make with potential employers to help you organize your job search.

An ideal job contact:

·  is part of your target industry

·  has jobs that use your skills, including your transferrable skills

·  indicates how you will be following up

What is your strategy?

There are many ways to find a job. Consider these possibilities:

Location-based:

Look for jobs that are in your neighborhood or have easy access for transportation.

Industry-based:

If you want to work in a specific industry, look for where those jobs are being posted. For example, skilled trades have many listings on www.craigslist.com while www.careerbuilder.com lists many office jobs.

Company-based:

Perhaps you want to work for a specific employer, such as Target, Comcast or King Soopers. Check out the Better Business Bureau to find small businesses in your area. Go to their websites and learn how they want people to apply.

Network-based:

Don’t forget to tap into people you know about possible job leads.

The importance of following up

In our “Results” field on the report, it is perfectly acceptable to write that you applied for the job. To really help your job search, write down the date that you will be following up with the employer.

Candidates who follow up after applying for a job are more likely to gain the interview – even if the job posting says “no phone calls!” The key is to be professional while respecting HR’s busy schedule.

How to follow up:

Call the HR department about 3 to 5 business days after you apply. Chances are, you may have to leave a voice mail. Ask if they received your application, and if they need any additional information. Speak your name and phone number clearly. Ask when they will be scheduling interviews (note: do not ask for the interview – that is seen as pushy).

What if they don’t call back?

Don’t be discouraged. Sometimes HR is too busy to return your phone call. However, they will make note that you took the initiative to contact them. This is a positive note and can help you gain the interview in the long run.