Link: Stand out from the herd - 05 Feb 2007 - Career.
Here's some helpful advice from last week's NZ Herald in approaching recruiters and/or hiring managers when you don't have the exact qualifications listed in a job ad you want to apply for. I'd also like to add:
- Before you click the "send" button with an emailed CV and cover letter, it would be best to pick up the phone and call the recruiter or hiring manager. The simplest way to "stand out from the herd" from the very beginning is to actually TALK to the recruiter. Ask them how strict the company is about those qualifications. Explain your situation. Explain that you may not have the paper qualifications but you have the skills and can do A, B, and C which is listed in the job ad. Not only say you can "do" those things, but give clear examples of when and where you've done those things.
- As it does depend on job and company whether those qualifications are absolutely required, you may have to accept that you won't be considered and you move on. But before you hang up, after you've explained what job you're looking for and your skills, ask them if they have any other opportunities they could introduce you to or lead you to. Once you've got that person on the phone, make it worth your while and get some other lead, be it another suitable job opening or a person or a company to contact. That's a simple, great way of networking (without physically having to go to network meetings or to "hang out") like the article suggests.
Comments