Applying for Positions

By Chaz Kyser, Special to THE BLACK COLLEGIAN

Sometimes it seems the most you can do is wish your resume well after you send it off. But there is something else you can do: make sure it ends up in the hands of the right person. The right hands are the ones that belong to the person who can say “you’re hired.”

Sending your materials to the right person is easy when the job advertisement directs you to send it to a specific person, but trickier when you are asked to send it to human resources. Most large organizations and companies now have human resources (HR) departments, which serve as the middle-man between potential employees and the employers. The people who work in HR are the ones who decide if your resume merits the consideration of the person hiring for the position. You take the gamble of your resume ever getting seriously looked at when you send it to these well-meaning, but career-blocking people.

To overcome this barrier you can find out who your resume really needs to go to and send it to them and the human resources department. Finding out who the real decision maker is may take a little time and snooping, but it’s worth it. The most direct approach is by just calling the company and asking who’s who. If that doesn’t suit you then browse their website.

Once you know who your materials should be directed to you’re one step closer to getting your valuables into their hands. Keep in mind that just because you sent your resume off doesn’t mean that it was received and reviewed. Some employers get hundreds of applications every week and you don’t want yours to be the one that gets lost on the way to their desk. The following are simple rules to follow when sending your application materials via mail, fax, email, or when delivering them in person.

By mail: When applying by mail, print your resume and cover letter on matching resume paper. If your line of work requires samples that can be sent (such as photographs, graphics, or news stories), send the samples that reflect your best work and put your full name and contact information on them. Send your materials in an envelope that matches your resume and cover letter or a paper-sized envelope so your materials will be neat when received. Call the employer two to three days after they should have received your materials to make sure they got them, to inquire if they have any questions for you, and to ask any questions you may have about the company (unless you are specifically directed not to contact the employer).

By Fax: When sending your resume and cover letter via fax, make doubly sure the cover sheet is directed to the right person. Wait a few minutes after you send it to call and verify that it was received, and that your materials are in the process of being given to the person who should review it. It won’t hurt to call later in the day to make sure it got into the right person’s hands, to inquire if they have any questions for you, and to ask any questions you may have about the company.

By Email: If you’re directed to email your resume to a specific person, call the person to verify that it was received a few hours after you sent it, to inquire if they have any questions for you, and to ask any questions you may have about the company.

If you are applying online or have no idea who will receive your resume, call the HR office and ask someone to check to make sure all your materials were received.

In Person: Applying in person gives you the chance to present yourself to a potential employer and to take a look at your potential workplace. Call the company and ask when the owner or manager will be in on the day you plan to visit. It is a good idea to dress business casual or in an actual suit. Ask for the person in charge once you get there, and if they are not there ask for the next person in charge. Your goal is to introduce yourself to someone who has some decision-making authority when it comes to getting you a job with the company. If you have to turn your materials in to someone in human resources, inquire about their hiring process and how long it usually takes for materials to be reviewed. Always be extra nice to everyone you meet while visiting the company.