Your Interest in Becoming a Producer
For many people whom I counsel, the single-most damaging mistake they make is not asking for what they want. They go through life frustrated, waiting for their employer to recognize what they want to do and then help them get there.
The same is true in your cover letter. You should clearly identify what you would like and how you are going to help that happen. In your cover letter, you should identify what you would like to do. This section can replace the objective on your résumé.
For example:
It is my plan to work for a company locally in both a support and network engineering role. I would love to speak with you further about how I might be able to assist your company in this capacity. I will follow up with you in 25 days. However, if you have any questions you would like me to answer, please feel free to call the number I've listed.
Note two things here:
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You were specific in letting the employer know your intentions.
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You want a job with this particular company.
Number 2 is important. You have informed the employer that you will be following up in a few days. This is critical. Many job seekers have relegated themselves to a wait-and-see type of mentality. They get résumés out the door and then watch helplessly for their phone to ring. The mental anguish with this approach can be devastating.
I advocate a much more direct approach. Although I don't want to appear pushy, I do want the employer to know that I am on a timetable to make a decision about my job. It's not wise to make contact with a company and then simply wait.
You must understand that people run companies and people make mistakes. People get busy. They forget. In a perfect world, the company could make contact with all potential employees to let them know the status of their résumé and the job in question. However, in the real world, the employees who are charged with reviewing your résumé might have dozens, if not hundreds, of résumés on their desk. Add to this their own primary job responsibilities, and it is unlikely that a call is forthcoming.
A more direct and proactive approach is more effective for another reason: It gives you a better sense of what is happening at a company. You might find that although the primary job was filled, the employer is looking for someone to fill a similar position. You would be surprised at how many times a different job, similar to the first, opens up, but the company starts its employee search from scratch.
Your follow-up calls to the company should be designed to acquire the following important information:
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Has a decision been made?
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Is there a time frame for the decision?
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Are other, similar jobs open now, or will there be in the future?
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If you're not selected for an interview, can the employer give you specific advice on improving your chances elsewhere or for that company in the future?
