How To Get An Interview: Tip 1

Is there a company you are interested in working for? Are you having trouble getting through to HR? Try going around them and directly to the top (Note: Do this AFTER doing thorough research on the company) (Remember: Every CEO was once a college student, has struggled to succeed and had gotten help from someone else during their career.).

After learning about a company and their C-level executives, reach out to certain people directly. If I find a person with a career I am interested in at a company I would like to work for, I simply tell them. I write them professional and courteous letters and sometimes attach my resume (depending on the content of the letter).

I explain my background, what I would like to do from a career standpoint, and how I am impressed by their background and career. I ask for an opportunity to learn more and to possibly speak with someone in their company to learn more about what it is like to work there and what opportunities they have available (Note: Some people may say it is inappropriate to ask for a job interview and to only ask for an opportunity to learn more about their company (i.e. Informational Interview). I personally think it is OK to make it clear you are looking for an opportunity if explained correctly).

If you think you are a great fit for an open position, feel free to mention it, but make sure your letter is BRIEF. Remember, the person you are writing this letter to is not a recruiter. Be short, to the point, highlight what about this person impresses you, and explain why you would be worth learning more about. Give them a reason to want to help you out.

I have found much more success reaching out to companies this way rather than through company resume databases and automated HR/career interfaces. Thousands of resumes flood the HR department, but I doubt many people actually do their homework on a company and can clearly articulate their reasons for wanting to work there. And of those who have done their homework and know why they would be a good fit for a company, how many do you think have the stones to reach out to a CEO, SVP or other top level executive?