Getting the contact person for your job application
It can be one the most frustrating aspects of the job hunting process if you cannot find the hiring manager’s name. If you simply address your cover letter to the HR Officer or 'To Whom it May Concern' you are bound to have a long job search. It is important to get the right contact person for your job application.
This in turn can lead to being unemployed for six months or more and the depletion of your funds. First you start to cut back on luxuries and eventually essentials such as cell phones and then end up working in a chain store because you need an income and security. If you don’t want this to happen to you, start saving now to make sure you can afford to job hunt should you get retrenched or fired. Apart from this, you can speed up the process by getting the right contact person for your job application.
Easier said than done, but how do you get the right contact person for the job when there is no name on an ad?
Company name
If you know the name of the company, you can locate the telephone number through a telephone directory or by typing in the company name on the Internet. You should have enough luck with this part. Call the switchboard and request the name of the person who heads up that specific department.
If the receptionist seems unhelpful, try to get the hiring manager’s name. If you are still unsuccessful, ask who the HR officer is. Don’t let her give you the name of the head of department. Ask for another person who normally deals with hiring. Address your cover letter to that person.
How to get the right contact person for your job application if there is no company name
If there is only an email or fax number, type that number into the Google search box and you should get the full web address where you can conduct all the research about the company. This should also give you the departments and job opportunities. Call the receptionist if you still cannot find the right contact person for your job application.
Using a guerrilla job hunting technique to find the right person for your job application
As an alternative, you can address your cover letter to the CEO or MD of the company and contact the secretary to find out where your CV went. Contact the person at the company and say you are just following up on the CV forwarded by Mr. CEO. This will serve as a name drop since the person will not know what your relationship is with the MD or CEO, will thus respond in a positive way.
These are techniques for finding the right contact person for your job application when the information is limited and your savings are spent. Rather than ending up in a job you don’t want because you are in a financial hole, start using initiative to get your application processed.
