Instant Interviews: 101 Ways to Get the Best Job of Your Life

Chapter 17. Getting Personal to Get Interviewed

It's a great strategy to target a business where you want to interview. Even better to know someone on the inside!

A personal referral to someone who works at the business is a big foot in the door.

Let's start with a letter.

Maximizing the Referral

Use it for all it's worth. Wave it like a flag, march in instantly, and get interviewed. You march in with three steps:

1. Lead with the name of the referral. Average jobseekers don't. They're doing maneuvers out in the offeror's parking lot. Don't bury the name at the bottom of your letter. Use it like the bayonet it is:

   My colleague Rhoda Referral suggested I contact you regarding the copywriter position.

   Or . . .

   Our mutual acquaintance Rhoda Referral asked me to call you to inquire about joining Motomotive Manufacturing.

2. Follow up with facts about yourself and how you fit—fast. Please don't ever tell anyone in the workingworld that you're on a career path. (Yuk! How soon will you be back on the path again?)

3. After stating your specific goal, state:

   In my two years at Alfred Advertising, I've written copy for Collegiate Cars and other major accounts.

4. Close with Rhoda's name again at the end of the letter.

   Something like:

   I'll let Rhoda know I contacted you and will call you next week to arrange a meeting.

That's all you want—an opportunity to meet (interview). Instantly. The rest will take care of itself.

Mentioning the Referral in the Interview

Here are some more ways to use the name shamelessly (better ...