Getting Past the Gatekeeper During a Job Search

Getting Past the Gatekeeper During a Job SearchGetting Past the Gatekeeper During a Job SearchEvery company has one and they are every jobseekers worst nightmare. You probably picture them as a cloaked figure, hunched over a desk or peering into the computer screen like its a bubbling cauldron, laughing maniacally as they rip your resume into shreds.Sure, our detailed picture may be a bit of an exaggeration, but every company has someone that fills the real-life role of employment opportunity gatekeeper. Whether it be an administrative assistant, HR representative, or recruiter, if youre looking to apply for a position youll need to get past and woo the one in charge of screening resumes. If weve made this sound like a daunting task, no need to worry. Here we provide real-world advice for getting past the gatekeeper during a job search.Be polite and friendly Whether its in your anfangsbuchstabe email correspondence or in a preliminary phone call, keep things polite and professional. Regardless of your talent level, youll never make it past the gatekeeper for an interview shot if you dont have your best manners on.Sound confident and assertive on the phone Remember when youre communicating with your initial company contact that you have the necessary skills and experience for the job. Confidence in your abilities and an assertive attitude when laying out your qualifications will help the gatekeeper understand that youre a serious contender for the open position.Ask for the person by first and last anthroponym When sending your initial inquiry to the hiring manager, you should realize that in most cases the gatekeeper will screen all initial inquiries. If you address your emails to the hiring manager by first and last name you will come off as professional and also give the suggestion that you have a prior professional familiarity with the individual who will ultimately make the hiring decisions.Get information, even if you cant get through Sometimes you may not be able to connect with the hiring manager due to differing schedules or job demands. An outreach of communication, however, should never be a wasted opportunity. Even if you dont connect, try to find out further details from the gatekeeper about the job opportunity, anticipated steps in the process or nuanced contact information such as the hiring managers preferred name. Build rapport with the gatekeeper Perhaps the best piece of advice for getting past the gatekeeper in your job search involves a personal touch. When the opportunity strikes, do your best to develop a personal report with the gatekeeper. Call them by their first name and make polite social inquiries, such as asking how they like the company or commiserating with small talk over details like the weather. If you have the gatekeeper on your side, instead of a hindrance they can often become your ally in scoring the position.Final Thoughts on GatekeepersWhether its an HR representative or personal assistant, you can bet that there will be a person between you and the hiring manager for a given position that is responsible for screening resumes, phone calls and overall communication. Your best bet will be to approach the position as a potential resource and ally in your job search, rather than a hurdle to overcome. Use your soft skills to make a solid connection and follow the rest of our advice and youll be well on your way to scoring that interview or job offer with your target company.