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HR pros reveal how to get noticed
Approaching an HR manager out of the blue about a job you heard about can be a tricky thing. I recently surveyed some Human Resource folks about this very tactic. I think you'll find their answers interesting and insightful.
Steve Goldmintz wrote
"As a candidate approaching an HR Manager, you have to be what they want, when they want it."
Samantha Matson wrote:
I don't recommend they approach the HR Manager directly. They should apply directly via the company's preferred way of receiving applications or reach out to the appropriate recruiter at the company. If they do contact the HR Manager or anyone else at the company out of the blue they could be hurting their chances of getting hired. Also, the person(s) applying should read the job description VERY carefully to ensure they are actually qualified.
Sheilah Etheridge wrote:
They need to follow protocol for each company. They may ruin any chances of getting an interview if they try to side step the policy. If a person attempts to find a way around one thing they will often find a way around other more critical issues and that is not the type of person most want to hire.
Marietta C. Baglieri wrote:
Much as hate not thinking "outside the box", I have to agree that contacting HR directly, depending on the situation, can be detrimental to being considered at all .. especially on-line .. most sites specifically state NOT to contact the company or HR directly ..
Now, dependent on the circumstances (ie. the "heard about" statement) .. if they've actually been told about the job by someone who thinks they are a good candidate, dependent on that persons role and connections (inside source), there may be an introduction by that person but that too is something you have to "feel out" carefully .. all situations are different ..
The "best way" to get noticed is to begin with the protocol .. see where it takes you, and then improvise as the situation warrants .. you've heard it before: the fact is, sometimes the bold move gets the position.
Amy Constien-Jones wrote:
Follow the company preferred method of becoming an applicant, but then try to find someone who will endorse you that is inside of the company. Have that person approach HR or hiring manager. If the company is progressive, they will give employee referred candidates preference.
Kelley Olsen wrote:
As an HR Manager I'd say: Don't call me. Don't email me. Don't snail mail me. Come to the door and ask for me. Its the only way to keep me from using the 'delete' button.
I'll know their face. The way they handle me may be make or break. If I come out rushed, then they need to keep it short and quick. If I come out and want to spend some time then they need to be able to get to the point, keep me on point and let me go back to work leaving a good impression.
Greg Buechler wrote:
I think the answer for this one is to get into the STAFFING organization, not Human Resources. As a Recruiter or a potential employee of a compay, I prefer to approach HR with either at 5-iron or a driver depending upon my accuracy on that day. ;-) Unless you are an employee and have a personnel issue, HR is not the right tree to be barking up.
With that said, the BEST way to get into a company is through an employee referral. USE LINKED IN, network, network, network.
Sarah Underwood wrote:
I agree with what others have stated about the importance of reviewing job qualifications/descriptions. The best way to be noticed by the HR manager and/or hiring manager is to be the best qualified candidate for the position. As a job seeker, know the skills and qualifications that you possess and research the positions that will best match those skills. Another thing to keep in mind as an applicant is that there are reasons why a specific company protocol is in place (filling out an online application, etc). Calling repeatedly, filling out multiple applications for the same position, etc do not improve your chances, in most cases, it hinders them.
Steve Goldmintz wrote
"As a candidate approaching an HR Manager, you have to be what they want, when they want it."
Samantha Matson wrote:
I don't recommend they approach the HR Manager directly. They should apply directly via the company's preferred way of receiving applications or reach out to the appropriate recruiter at the company. If they do contact the HR Manager or anyone else at the company out of the blue they could be hurting their chances of getting hired. Also, the person(s) applying should read the job description VERY carefully to ensure they are actually qualified.
Sheilah Etheridge wrote:
They need to follow protocol for each company. They may ruin any chances of getting an interview if they try to side step the policy. If a person attempts to find a way around one thing they will often find a way around other more critical issues and that is not the type of person most want to hire.
Marietta C. Baglieri wrote:
Much as hate not thinking "outside the box", I have to agree that contacting HR directly, depending on the situation, can be detrimental to being considered at all .. especially on-line .. most sites specifically state NOT to contact the company or HR directly ..
Now, dependent on the circumstances (ie. the "heard about" statement) .. if they've actually been told about the job by someone who thinks they are a good candidate, dependent on that persons role and connections (inside source), there may be an introduction by that person but that too is something you have to "feel out" carefully .. all situations are different ..
The "best way" to get noticed is to begin with the protocol .. see where it takes you, and then improvise as the situation warrants .. you've heard it before: the fact is, sometimes the bold move gets the position.
Amy Constien-Jones wrote:
Follow the company preferred method of becoming an applicant, but then try to find someone who will endorse you that is inside of the company. Have that person approach HR or hiring manager. If the company is progressive, they will give employee referred candidates preference.
Kelley Olsen wrote:
As an HR Manager I'd say: Don't call me. Don't email me. Don't snail mail me. Come to the door and ask for me. Its the only way to keep me from using the 'delete' button.
I'll know their face. The way they handle me may be make or break. If I come out rushed, then they need to keep it short and quick. If I come out and want to spend some time then they need to be able to get to the point, keep me on point and let me go back to work leaving a good impression.
Greg Buechler wrote:
I think the answer for this one is to get into the STAFFING organization, not Human Resources. As a Recruiter or a potential employee of a compay, I prefer to approach HR with either at 5-iron or a driver depending upon my accuracy on that day. ;-) Unless you are an employee and have a personnel issue, HR is not the right tree to be barking up.
With that said, the BEST way to get into a company is through an employee referral. USE LINKED IN, network, network, network.
Sarah Underwood wrote:
I agree with what others have stated about the importance of reviewing job qualifications/descriptions. The best way to be noticed by the HR manager and/or hiring manager is to be the best qualified candidate for the position. As a job seeker, know the skills and qualifications that you possess and research the positions that will best match those skills. Another thing to keep in mind as an applicant is that there are reasons why a specific company protocol is in place (filling out an online application, etc). Calling repeatedly, filling out multiple applications for the same position, etc do not improve your chances, in most cases, it hinders them.
Tags: hr
Comment
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Comment by Alphonse Ha on June 27, 2008 at 9:14am -
"The best way to be noticed by the HR manager and/or hiring manager is to be the best qualified candidate for the position."
I have to disagree with that. I know instances where I was the best qualified candidate but somebody else with less skills got the interview and I didn't even get one.
I ahve to agree that networking is the best way to do it but "networking" is too vague. How do you "network"? Meeting people at parties or happy hours or cocktails and getting a business card doesn't really help you get a job unless you really connect with the person. It doesn't hurt to try though because you just never know.
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Comment by Lucilla Feliciano on June 25, 2008 at 12:46pm - Great information to convey to clients. Thanks for the post.
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