It is important to accurately record the names, titles, addresses, and telephone numbers of those individuals who might be in a position to hire you. Return to top of the page Make the Contact Present yourself on paper or over the telephone in a manner that interests the prospective employer. An effective introductory contact would indicate who you are, what you know about the current climate of the organization, and what service you can render to that organization to improve that climate. Any employer will hire you as long as they are convinced that your services will bring more value than cost to their organization. Presenting your qualifications in this manner can be done most effectively through written correspondence, or through a strong personal appearance during an information interview.
Timing is important in making initial contacts.
Where possible, contacts should be made four to six months ahead of your availability date. This length of time allows you to generate effective correspondence with employers, make follow-up contacts, and interview for positions without being in the disadvantageous situation of having to desperately find a job. If you are working on a tighter schedule, initial contacts could be made by telephone. Generally, however, employers will still ask you to send a letter of application and a resume before they consent for an interview. By setting daily objectives relative to your job search activities you wil quickly identify those organizations interested in learning more about you.