One of the most difficult parts of job search is figuring out how to connect with someone within a target company.  Specifically, how to find the hiring manager for a given job opening.

Job postings typically do not tell you who the hiring manager is.  This is not a mistake.  The hiring manager has to get something done other than field calls from applicants.  That doesn’t mean that they don’t want to talk to you — just that they only want to talk to people who are qualified and professional, and who approach them in that manner.

So how do you find out who they are?

Tip 1 on finding the hiring manager:  Call and ask.

Seems simple, I know, but so many people don’t do it.  All you do is call the office and ask for the head of the appropriate department.  You don’t need to identify yourself as a job seeker.  Just be very pleasant on the phone to the person who picks up, ask them if they can help you, then ask for the information.  There’s no harm in asking.

Assignment:  For your next job application, pick up the phone and call.  Have you had luck with this?  Share in the comments.

photo credit: woodleywonderworks

Related posts:

1. Job Search Tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 2
2. Job search tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 4
3. Job search tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 3
4. Time blocking for an effective job search plan
5. Networking event success: Know the goal before you go

Tagged as: Career, job hunt, job search, networking