This is just a hypothetical question; however, it is something I'm considering doing and seeking opinions on.
I have found some jobs I'm interested in applying for and I have found the Director of the Department, where these jobs fall under, online. I have all the pertinent information I need to either mail, email or send via FedEx, etc my resume and cover letter to this person. While they may not the final hiring authority and even if they are not the right person they may be able to get my resume/cover letter in the hands of the right person.
So, as professionals how would you perceive a candidate for a position if they did this? Does doing this seem overzealous or I'm to much like a stalker?
Or, would you appreciate the effort, contact HR (provided you felt they were a viable candidate) and tell them to set up an interview?
Thank you for your time!
Answers
Hi Gunny, great question and here is what I would recommend. Who cares what the perception is or what they would think. You have to go above and beyond for yourself and make yourself stand out; and if this means contacting the right people or who you perceive to be the right people - that is called Networking.
Do be careful however not to be annoying and overbearing in your networking. As for advice, follow process if asked to, etc. But in my book, the rule to this type of networking is to be "pleasantly aggressive" and ensure you follow up until you get a final "NO".
And this method does work because it is the same method that successful Executive Search recruiters employ day in and day out.
Semper Fi - Morgan
I agree that it doesn't hurt you but can only potentially help. Some managers will comb through these and take an interest while some get fed back into the process. However, so much is online now that a physical copy showing up on someone's desk still makes an impact.
This happens quite often and although I always appreciate the creative approach, if I do not actually know the person I usually just bump the issue back to the HR process. I don't think you have anything to lose in doing this, and it would not make anyone think poorly of you. However, I also think you have little to gain from the extra effort. Best expenditure of effort is to spend time before applying in networking to get some type of non-job-related connection to this same person.
Hi Shane,
I like the FedEx idea - while more expensive - it draws the attention to a special package.
If in your research, you find the HR dept - copy them (if emailing) in your letter, to the HM: this paves a way for the HM to immediately correspond with HR/Recruiting.
Social Media is another route; however, so many people do not portray their experience but rather just list employers and their title/s on LinkedIn and the hiring team is left to speculate what the responsibilities.
The best to you -
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