First, exhaust all methods of networking to get introduced to the hiring manager, a person in human resources, or employee. Your goal is to find someone to hand carry your paperwork to the appropriate people. If that doesn’t happen, try to get the name of the right person to e-mail, so you don’t end up sending your resume to a black hole.
Try to have a conversation with someone who works at the company. Many organizations have referral programs, and employees receive incentives to introduce people to the organization - anywhere from $500 to $2,500, or more for referring a person who gets hired. This might be the motivation they need to let you use their name.
Once you have a name for the “To’’ line, you can get a phone number for follow-up calls. In the “Subject’’ line, write “Referred by (employee name) for (job title)’’ if you were able to make that happen. It will catch the attention of the hiring manager.
If you don’t have a referral, use something descriptive and positive in the subject line: “Proven (or exceptional) Product Branding Marketing Assistant.’’ Take the opportunity to differentiate yourself.
In the e-mail intro, change the approach from why the opportunity is good for you, to what you can do for the company. “The materials describing the contributions I have made in Product Branding Marketing are enclosed. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can have a positive impact with (company name).’’
Hiring managers have very little time for correspondence. Maximize every opportunity.
Elaine Varelas is managing partner at Keystone Partners, a career management firm in Boston.
