Originally Posted by Genghis the Engineer
Please tell us that you weren't just sending huge numbers of standard letters and CVs? A great method for irritating HR departments, and making the royal mail rich, but not for getting a job.
G
I am delighted to say I certainly did not do as you say G! The majority of the letters I sent were specifically addressed to certain staff members of airlines by name - having found them out via various avenues. I most definitely did not simply address them to "The Engineering Manager". I'm just about smart enough to know that letter after letter addressed to HR is a waste of rain forests.
I see your point blacksheep, but if I’m reading you right, and I’m probably not, you are talking from a standpoint that there are vacancies within a company. You say you guarantee an interview if the applicant gets the letter to your desk. Do you interview even if there are no jobs at your company? I have had a further reply from VS saying all 4 places on the scheme are taken for 2006. Are you suggesting that this is not the case, and a letter to the "right" person will create an extra place for a suitable candidate on the scheme?
I must admit, knowing somebody within is a great advantage. When I finished uni, I wanted to do a PhD. I knew exactly who to approach, and I got the only available funded scholarship even before it was advertised externally. So I agree, knowing whom to contact is a huge advantage. But finding that “right” person from the outside is easier said than done.
Thanks to all for the replies. I shall continue my quest for the “right” contact at VS.
Cheers
eP.