How to Use the HR Department to Find a Job

Using a company's HR department to help you, rather than hinder you, will require tact and finesse on your part. Once you master the art of schmoozing with the right people, however, the door to your dream job will open at least a crack or two. Doing research on the company before you embark on the following steps will enhance your ability to be effective by a significant margin. Read on to shift your job search into high gear.

Things You'll Need

• Updated resume
• Career "script"

Instructions

1. Call the HR director or manager. You can usually get his or her name from either a company telephone list, the Thomas Register (see Resources below) or at your local library or other company directories available through your state employment security office. Be ready to be rejected at least the first time around. Don't let it get you down if this happens. Remember that these people are literally besieged with job applicants on a regular basis.

2. Send a letter of introduction as well as your updated, concise resume to the attention of the HR manager. Tell him that you spoke to him on the telephone and that you are very interested in discussing future job opportunities with him. Can you meet him for coffee next Thursday? Tell her you will call her to confirm a date for coffee. She may reject you a second time. Accept his no answer, but try again in one week.

3. Call a third time if you still have not been given an audience. This time, tell her you will be stopping by to speak to her for a few minutes. Tell her you are really looking forward to meeting her, and though you realize there are no openings at this time, you would like to learn more about the company for future reference. At this point, she may advise that she is not available. Offer an alternate time and place to meet. She will eventually realize that you will not give up and grant you a meeting.

4. 

   Play to your strengths. Present your background to her verbally in a memorized 5-to-7-minute synopsis of yourself, your background and skills. Be animated, positive and as confident as possible without boasting. Tell her that you fully understand that a position is not currently available, but that you would like her to call you when an appropriate job opens. Give her your business card and include a cell phone number where you can be readily reached. Smile, enjoy the meeting, and pay for her coffee. This is a small investment in your future.

5. Be aware that HR people are very powerful and often serve as the right-hand guide to the CEO or GM of the company. Once you make friends and she sees your potential, you will at the very least, get an interview for one of their future job openings.

6. 

   Sit back and wait, but remember to call every few weeks to check in until something happens.

Tips & Warnings

• Do advise her if you happen to be a minority candidate. It can only work in your favor.

• Be succinct in your presentation.

• Don't bore her with too much tedious detail in your script.

• Don't back down or give up. You will get what you want in the end.

Resources

• The Thomas Register