I am relocating to a different city, where I don't have many contacts.
I have been relying mainly on the newspaper ads (Accounting) in sending my resume. My question is that when I reply to one of these ads and it
doesn't say who to address the letter to what is the best way of going about this. I know you are supposed to find out but what if there is no way of finding out.
Also what is the best way to make contacts in a city
(Detroit) where I hardly know anyone?
From: Karen A. Clark, Recent Graduate, University of Toledo
ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:
Hi Karen -
The short answer to your first question is to send your replies to
the "generic" manager name for the position. In your case, it may be Controller or Accounting Manager. The long answer is actually a question: Why are you just sending in your resume? You probably will get
next to nil response by this method. If you do send your resume, make sure you actually follow-up with the person within 10 days of when you mail the letter. Passive contact typically will not have positive results.
Make sure your contact is personal and active. And please don't just restrict yourself to the want ads. There are far more companies (and more positions) than those listed in the paper. Take the extra step to actively
reach out to ALL companies in your target geography.
The answer to your second question is multi-part: First, do your research. Spend some quality time at the library researching the companies in the Detroit area.
Adams Media Corp. puts out a series of books for many large geographies in their "Job Bank" series--Detroit is one of them. Look them up in the library, request it through inter-library loans, or buy it at the
bookstore. Or you can reach them at 800-872-5627. Second, make connections. Find out if there is a professional association geared to your field in the area. Join as a student member and get a copy of their membership
list. Then start calling. This is one of the most effective things you can do to make the connection from a distance. Third, try the "Other Alma Mater Technique" from my book--make contact with a college or
university in the area. U of Michigan is in Ann Arbor, just 1 hour away. Wayne State U. is even closer. If you are visiting the area, make use of their library and even their Career Services office. Plenty of resources
and plenty of companies from the Detroit area looking for entry level accountants.
Have fun. Be your best. And always attempt to combine the two as much as possible.
Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.
All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.
