Get Hired Faster!

Everyone knows the traditional way of applying for a job - sending a cover letter with a resume, and wait for a response. To the thousands unemployed: How is that working for you? It's a time consuming and tedious process with little results.

The average job search takes 33 weeks until a job is secured. Want to speed up that process?

There have been numerous articles about extreme and guerrilla job search tactics. Before you resort to those, try these simple, subtle changes.

The average cover letter and resume is the same for every person. Those hiring get tired of reading the same thing over and over again. Job seekers use a cover letter and resume showcase their experience and skills set. Why not send a sales like cover letter? One example incorporating a quote, like a testimonial, from a past client or boss. It's a great way to get the hiring managers attention and stand out from the competition.

Looking on sites like Monster and Career Builder take the personality out the process. With almost everyone using those sites to submit jobs, or submit resumes to info@xyzcompany.com, why not take it a little farther? Do your research! Go to the company's site and find a specific person to send your sales, cover letter and resume to. Use this as your introduction to the company and to your potential hiring manager. If you can't find a name on the website, CALL!

Email is now the only way companies receive a candidates' documents. Again, go one step farther - email and mail. There is always a chance that you email isn't delivered. Technology can get glitchy. Two-day mailing gets you a tracking number so you know it got to the right place.

Finally, don't forget to call and follow up! So many use email to send a follow up or simply wait for the company to contact them. Calling is much more personal and it gives you the chance to make a more personal introduction to the company and even the person who would be conducting the interviews. Not many people think to call, so this is another way for you to stand out among the competition and show how serious you are about the position.

Try these few, simple changes in the application process. You might get hired within a month!