Cover Letters – How to Find Out Who is Hiring

Let’s face it, today’s job market has moved beyond being tough. Throughout the country the soaring unemployment rates have left many people hunting for a job. During the ‘boom’ times, finding a new position took a little bit of persistence, but today it takes a lot more. One thing job seekers overlook is the importance of communicating directly with the person doing the hiring. While many job ads don’t contain this information, as a job seeker, it is vital you track down the name and title of the person with the power to actually hire you. Addressing your cover letter directly to this person can make you and your resume stand out and increase your chances at landing that all important interview.

Tracking down that name can be difficult, especially since some companies prefer to keep that information quiet to avoid an overwhelming amount of phone calls and emails. There are several excellent resources available to job seekers looking to go the extra mile and find that name.

1. The phone: The phone is still your best tool. Make a call to the main switch board and simply ask for the name of the hiring manager for the position you are applying to. While you may not get the information you are seeking, there is a chance you will. Also try calling after hours and using the automated directory. You can often find the name and title of the hiring manager this way.
2. Research: Spend a good deal of time reviewing the website of the company you are applying to. Don’t simply review the job listing. Check out the ‘contact us’ page especially, but don’t ignore anything. You never know where that elusive name may be hiding.
3. Network: Most of us have learned how important networking is when job seeking. Tap into your contacts and see what they can tell you about the position you are applying for. Hopefully they can point you in the right direction.
4. Start at the top: If all else fails, it is a great idea to address your cover letter or resume to the president of the company. In most cases it will be forwarded to the appropriate person. There is something to be said about having your cover letter forwarded from the president’s office. Wait a few days and place a call to the president’s assistant and politely ask to whom your letter was forwarded.

If you are responding to an ad that has little contact information, you may have to step it up. Use email addresses to track down websites, reverse look-up fax numbers or get out the yellow pages and try to decipher acronyms. It can take some time to figure out just what company is hiring, let alone who the hiring manager is, but the information is invaluable when it comes to sending out resumes, cover letters and follow ups.

If you are unable to find the name of the hiring manager, just try to be specific when addressing your resume. Consider using the job title in your addressing information.

Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services. Read more about Erin at: http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com