Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

Ask the Hiring Manager is an online career forum designed specifically for college students and recent grads, with answers to many common job search questions provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter.

If you don't see an answer to a question you would like to see answered here in this forum, please submit your own question direct to Brian.

• Initial Contact/Getting the Interview Questions:
   
• Is it best to send my resume directly to employers through their Web site, e-mail or mail?
   
• How do you get your foot in the door when others with more experience are applying for positions?
   
• Who do you address a cover letter to when no contact person is given?
   
• What do you provide employers who request a "salary history" since I am entry level and don't really have a salary history? And what about requests for salary requirements?
   
• How can I get a better chance at getting a job for a company when I don't know anybody there?
   
• How should I respond to job postings where the employer is hiring now, but I won't be graduating for another 7 months?
   
• How do you get past the "experience wall" where employers block you out unless you meet their magical criteria?
   
• Does internship experience count as real experience when applying for a position?
   
• Should I call the employer before or after I send my resume?
   
• I am targeting a specific consulting firm--should I apply for their professional, entry level, or internship positions to get in the door?
   
• After I graduated I sent my resume to most of the big companies. So far I keep getting rejection letters. Any tips on what should do next?
   
• How can I target a specific department to really impress upon them that they are my first choice for an employer?
   
• I received a response letter that makes it sound as if they will be contacting me in the future. Should I wait for them to call?
   
• Just what do human resource directors screening engineering candidates want?
   
• Which job markets--geographically speaking--are hot spots?
   
• Other Categories:
   
• Career Planning/Preparation/Selection
   
• Job Search Prep
   
• Internet Job Search
   
• Resumes and Cover Letters
   
• Employer Research
   
• Tough Interview Questions and Interviewing Techniques
   
• Getting the Offer
   
• Offer Negotiation and Acceptance
   
• Relocation and Visa Issues
   
• Managing Your Career