In order to survive in the business or professional world you need to be self sufficient and by that we mean you shouldn’t rely on others to do your bidding. Nobody knows you better than you do and nobody is as interested as you are in succeeding. The need for you to achieve this is to take control, learn as much as you can and market yourself in preference to relying on a recruiter or headhunter.

Marketing Yourself Directly: There are a number of options available to you, some are effective and others are not. The phone calling method we believe is passé and ineffective as it is too difficult to get past the gatekeepers to talk directly to the decision makers. The written communication is the most effective method.

Sub-Strategies: This strategy requires various sub-strategies such as particular ‘thank you’ letters and ‘follow up’ letters from one of these direct mailings. What do you achieve by doing this? You have a list of people within companies who can potentially help you in the future. You also have a specific number of very active prospects.

We have suggested a list of company databases which you can use to identify your target market and create a list of prospective companies you will directly contact.

Cover letters should be prepared and sent accompanying your resume and thank you letters can be used to respond to letters you have received from the companies as a result of your direct mailing.

Responding to Advertisements: Another method is applying for advertised jobs through the newspapers or the Internet (This site of course!).

Networks: There are both pros and cons to using networks. The disadvantage can be that you are working your peer group of former and current colleagues who have a particular perception of you and you have no idea what that is. They can sometimes appear to be offering assistance while they are actually your competitors.