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How to Get Hired

Looking for a job in today`s economy may be easier then many people think. There are certain tricks for raising your chances of getting hired, and with the tough competition in the work place, every little trick helps. There is more to getting hired then just sending a resume, one must promote themselves, as a resume only goes so far. If you want a job, you should do more than send a resume, you should pick up the phone as well.

Eighty-two percent of U.S. executives polled said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting a resume. The survey of 150 executives by staffing company Robert Half International Inc. found only 5 percent said professionals should refrain from communicating once a resume has been sent. "Employers value initiative and enthusiasm, and thoughtful post-resume communication underscores these traits," says Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, which developed the survey.

Mr. Messmer is author of the book, Managing Your Career For Dummies. He says the method for contacting a prospective employer is less important than the message itself. The survey was paid for by Robert Half International Inc. and was conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from 150 executives with the nation`s 1,000 largest companies.