There are many ways to "break into" an organization, despite the efforts of Human Resources. This presentation explores multiple ways to get past HR and in front of the hiring manager.

1. How to get a job…
Despite Human Resources
By
Kevin R. Panet, HRM, SPHR-CA
Human Resources Professional
Copyright © 11/12/13, Kevin R. Panet, Kevin@KevinPanet.com

2. Overview
•Find your focus.
•Prepare yourself.
•Avoiding disappointment.
•Multiple ways to “break into” an
organization.
2

3. Reality check
•HR works for the organization
serves.
it
•HR tends to fill one position at a time.
•HR is not looking for YOU, they are looking
for an employee with the skills,
knowledge and ability to do a job.
•HR is comprised of robots and humans.
3

4. Find your focus
•What is your true passion?
•What job do you want to do?
•Who do you want to work with?
•Where do you want to work?
•How long do you want to do it?
4

5. Prepare yourself
•What skills do you need?
•What knowledge do you need?
•What experience is required?
•Who do you need to know?
The earlier you prepare yourself, the more
quickly you’ll land a job when you need one.
5

6. Avoid Disappointment
•Read job announcements carefully.
•Don’t apply for jobs if not qualified.
•Don’t apply for jobs that don’t truly
interest you.
•Don’t count on HR to “discover” you
because you’re a good person.
6

7. “Breaking Into” an Organization
•Some entry points are difficult.
•Some entry points are easy.
•Some entry point are hidden.
•Most are going to take some work.
7

8. The Front Door - HR
•There’s a long line of people
waiting at the front door.
•Don’t count on on-line Applicant
Tracking Systems.
•HR doesn’t work (well) for you.
•Don’t give up at the front door!
8

9. A Quick Look at the Numbers
For a typical job announcement:
•100-200 individuals might apply.
•5-10 will be considered.
•Because they have the skills,
knowledge and ability to do the job.
•2-3 will be called in for interviews.
•1 will be offered the position.
9

10. The Back Door – Hiring Manager
•Try to figure out who the
hiring manager is.
•Use LinkedIn, Google search,
etc.
•Where does the hiring manager (or
people like him/her) hang out?
• Seminars, conferences, professional meetings, etc.
10

11. The Side Door – Friends
•Do you know anyone who is
currently working there?
•Any former co-workers from other
places you have worked?
•Do they offer their employees an
“Employee Referral Bonus?”
11

12. The Windows – Networking
•Who do you know, that
knows someone in the
organization?
•Who do you know that can introduce
you to the right person?
•How might you be connected to the
hiring manager via LinkedIn?
12

13. The Skylight – Internships
•Internships can get you
experience when you have
none, or your experience is
old & stale.
•Internships are plentiful in non-profits.
•Many non-profits are supported by “for
profit” companies (with many additional
“opportunities”).
13

14. The Basement – Staffing Firms
•Find out if your target
company uses external staffing
agencies.
•Always be nice to recruiters.
•Never trust a recruiter.
•The recruiter is NOT your friend,
unless you can make him/her money.
14

15. The Silver Bullet
Informational Interviews
•Easier to get.
•By-passes HR
•Valuable insights.
•Great networking tool.
•Don’t ask for a job.
15

16. A peak behind the curtain…
•Where did my resume really go?
• It probably went into a stack of resumes. If it wasn’t
near the top, you’re not being considered.
•Why didn’t I get a call?
• More qualified candidates were considered. Your
resume didn’t reflect that you had the skills,
knowledge and ability to do the job – don’t take it
personally. ?
16

17. A peak behind the curtain…
•Do they really keep my resume?
• Maybe, but it’s soon forgotten - unless you are
“top-of-mind.”
•Can I trust a recruiter?
• You can trust a recruiter to act in the interest of
the organization he/she serves.
17

18. A peak behind the curtain…
•How do I know I am actually
being considered for a position?
• They will increase their communication with you.
• They will start checking your references.
• If you don’t hear anything from the organization, get
over it and move on. Don’t stop your job search until
you get the job offer letter in your hand!
18

19. Summary
•There are many ways
to get into an organization.
•HR can help, but don’t count on it.
•You will have to work to get work.
•You have the power to make the right
choices that will lead to employment
sooner, rather than later.
19