7% of people who apply
for jobs in this manner hear
back from the companies
they apply to.”
What we mean by a rifle shot approach is a planned and systematic effort targeting companies you believe have jobs that fit your needs. Strive to find at least ten target companies to begin your search.
Using job boards to find companies is a good way to build your target list. You may also wish to use business journals to find the best companies in your field.
Once you have identified target companies, your plan should be tracked using a spread sheet. List your target companies down the left side of the sheet. Across the top of the sheet, mark the dates you reached out to the company so you can track when, and how, you contacted each prospect.
one department.
Your goal is to speak directly to these individuals, or at least have email communication. To achieve this, expect to reach out to each person at least six times. If you are contacting people one or two times and not hearing back it may be because you are not persistent enough. Plan on attempting to connect with your target executive weekly for six weeks, using a variety of approaches. Send an email, follow up with a voice mail, invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn, send a hand-written note, leave another voice mail…you get the idea.
as the lead executive of
the department you wish
to be working in.”
“ If you are contacting people
one or two times and not
hearing back it may be
because you are not being
persistent enough. Plan on
attempting to connect with
your target executive
weekly for six weeks, using
a variety of approaches.”
When a higher-level decision maker refers you to one of his subordinates, add this person to your spreadsheet and contact that prospect six times as well. The reason you start at the top is to prevent being ignored. If you get passed
down to a lower level decision maker, you can use the higher level person’s name when leaving your messages and you are less likely to be ignored. Who is going to ignore you if their boss suggested contacting you?
When you are successful in contacting a hiring manager it is very important to have a story that catches the executive’s attention. Your story needs to be targeted to the company’s needs and consistent across all forms of communication. Your resume’s objective, as well as all emails, voicemails, and any other correspondence must reinforce your message.
Your story may sound something like this, “Mr. Jones, my name is Jane Doe. I am a highly experienced Software Developer interested in taking the next step in my career. I have targeted your company because of its outstanding reputation in the area. I am interested in seeking your advice about working for ABC company and wanted to talk to you before talking to anyone at
another company.”

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