After networking, the second most effective job search technique is connecting with employers through what can be termed, Targeted Direct Contact. Here’s how to begin:

1. Set Your Career Objectives
What are you trying to accomplish specifically in your search? Define how much time each week you will invest in this process. Prioritize your job and geographic areas of preference in terms of top/ideal, second tier/back p and then finally, safeties.

2. Develop A Target Employer List
Obtain a map and draw your “commuting radius of tolerance” from your house. Next, through research, identify all the potential employers within that circle that are in your field or related field of interest. To start, the phone book, Internet, libraries, NYS Department of Labor, professional associations, directories, chamber of commerce are some resources to help inventory your targeted employer list. If you are willing to move, then pick your top cities and follow the same process.

3. Tailor Your Cover Letter
It is important that you send this letter to a real person, so you can avoid the generic “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Contact the human resources office or the specific department to secure the name of a real contact. Better yet, use the power of referral by name dropping, if possible. With permission, use that person’s name in the first sentence of your letter mentioning to your “target person” that your contact suggested you write to him or her. Pursue key individuals and get to know them through networking and informational interviewing.

4. Avoid Mass Mailings
Employers are often flooded with resumes for a particular job. Mass mailings of generic resumes and cover letters that are not properly tailored are merely 1-3% effective. Therefore, take the time to customize your resume and cover letter for EVERY employer. Although this is time consuming, you are making a wise investment by doing it right versus doing it fast.

5. Send Resumes Out Regularly
Implement a systematic campaign of sending out three to five applications at any one time to avoid the trap of a generic letter. Be sure you mention something unique about the company in the cover letter. You can send it by mail, fax, e-mail or even by FedEx if you really want to get it noticed. If you know of someone that works for the company, see if they will hand deliver the resume and cover letter so it will get some additional TLC. Set a goal of how many resumes you need to send out each in order to land the number of interviews that will generate the number of offers you want. Plan your work and work your plan.

6. Follow Up With Phone Calls
An effective job search without extensively using the phone is hard to imagine. Try calling within a reasonable amount of time, say a week to ten days, to confirm that your correspondence has been received and to ask more questions about the position. Since your first contact may be a secretary or receptionist, politely ask to speak to your “target person” by first name. The secretary may think that you know him or her and put the call through. If the secretary insists on asking, “What is your call in reference to?” Tell him or her it is regarding correspondence you recently sent the targeted person. When you get through, then use the person’s last name (ie, Mr. Smith, Ms. Jones).

7. Interview Effectively
Rarely are people hired solely by their resume. An interview is your goal, since a meeting will be required to determine the fit for the organization. The interview is the most important and most neglected part of the job search. Before the actual interview, practice your marketing and communications skills. Most candidates are eliminated in the first two to five minutes, because they lack what recruiters’ term “presence.” A video-taped Mock Interview with a career counselor or other professional can help you polish your interview skills.

8. Keep Accurate Records
After the interview don’t forget to write a thank you note within 48 hours of your meeting. Keep copies of all your resumes and cover letters, maintain a log of the calls you make and take notes after any interviews. Contact your references and let them know where you stand in the process. Staying organized will help you avoid any missed opportunities.

9. Prepare For Rejection
“No” is a natural part of the job search. You may experience more “No” responses before someone calls you back for an interview. Try not to get discouraged from any setbacks; concentrate your energy on the next target. See everything as an opportunity. If you are rejected, ask for feedback so that you can improve your strategy. Remember, utilizing a Targeted Direct Contact approach is about 25% effective and is one of many techniques to find the right job.

10. Review Your Targets
It might be necessary to send out a bunch of resumes to generate lots of interviews that will lead to multiple offers. You may reach a point in the job search where you need to expand your targeted range, consider alternative options, or may want to revisit the idea of relocating. Anytime you are conducting a search, be sure you are getting support along the way from a friend, mentor or career counselor.