Applying for a Job

RetirementJobs.com Staff Writers
Article 6 of 8 from "The New World of Job Searching"

Do You Have Your Target Employers?
We concluded the previous column, "Researching Jobs and Employers" with guidelines and tips for identifying age friendly and other preferred employers.

Let's start with the assumption you have identified 15 to 20 employers of interest. Locate the "Jobs", "Careers", or "Employment" portion of the web site to view their open jobs and open a candidate account to enable you to post your resume and application with each of them. You should also search several job online job posting boards to see what jobs each of them may have open.

So, Who Do I Apply To?
It will be rare that you are given the name, phone number or email of the individual to whom you should send your application or resume. Don't take it personally, but employers confront sometimes large numbers of applicants and they really don't want to talk to or communicate with individual job seekers until they have reviewed your qualifications.

Either send your resume or complete the application provided online and send it off into the vast reaches of internet space, or make an effort to locate a contact - a real person. Get the employer's phone number from their website or through an internet search. Call the company and confidently ask for the Human Resources, Staffing or Recruiting department. If challenged, say it's a personal matter related to employment and try to pry a name out of them. Always get a name!

Let's say you've gotten as far as a department in human resources. Now what? Ask for an individual involved with recruiting - and again, ask for a name. This takes a bit of confidence and assertiveness - give it a try.

You may also find a name of someone in human resources somewhere on their website. If you live near the employer's office, store or facility, you can always walk right in and ask to speak with someone. This boldness may not come naturally to many of you but what's the worst they can do to you?

The golden rule? Always try to get a name, title, phone number and email address to establish personal contact.

How To Apply
There are only a few ways to apply:

1. Online at the Employers' Career Page
2. Online Through a Job Posting Board
3. In Person
4. Through an Employment Agency or Recruiter