Don't overlook this way to find a new job!

Dear Stephen,

I am hearing about a lot more sales positions opening up and thinking of exploring my options. I like my job, but do not love it. I work in outside sales for a major manufacturer out of a Charlotte, NC office calling on A&D firms and dealers. We are very busy and I but I think I may be able to make more money elsewhere and my company has very little room for career advancement - they pigeon hole you in the sales rep role when they see you are good, and I am good. As a start, I have sent out my resume to a couple of recruiters and snooped around at the local dealers, who seem to know all the gossip and all the job openings so I talked to ones I trust the most. I have had two interviews but I expected more by now and I want to be more proactive. Any other suggestions on how to test the waters on other jobs?

Signed,

Looking

Dear Looking,

Yes you are right, this is a great time to explore your options. But know this: most openings are not advertised until it is too late. So do not wait until you hear about an opening. Just like every smart employee wants to explore their options, every smart boss want to explore their options too. It's a two way street. In fact if more employees realized this, they would not be so surprised when they were fired. And let's face it, today some employers do not have to tell you a great reason for letting you go. Even if the real reason is that you are making too much money, or you're too high maintenance, or they don't like your attitude, they just have to say that one word "pandemic"!

So here is the most overlooked and a great way to find a new job. Whether you are employed or unemployed this pointer works and it's the most obvious little secret out there. Go directly to the website of companies you have identified that you want to work for. Manufacturers, dealers, furniture, textiles, floor covering - think about all of the options. Wherever it is you think you may want to work. Go to the regular company website where they show product and talk about their brand. Be patient and navigate the website until you find the section that says something like "careers", or "employment" or "be part of our team". Companies use different terminology in an effort to be clever and attract candidates so it can be confusing. That section will list openings they have and allow you to download your resume to their artificial intelligence HR database. I wish this employment section was more simple but it is not, so be patient, smart and you will find it.

OK, now here is the Viscusi secret tip. Many companies will not have a current opening in the territory or area you want to work. Do not be discouraged! Do not worry that you do not see an opening. Your objective is simply to download your resume to the company's database. They may not have an opening listed in your desired territory today but that can change quickly. A typical scenario is an employee that is on probationary notice due to a poor performance review and that person quickly finds another job (wisely) before being fired. In any case, when there is an opening the company will go to their own database first to see who is in there! Why, because they save a ton of dough they would have to pay a recruiter, or spend on an expensive LinkedIn ad. When there is no price tag on your head your chances of landing the interview and eventually the job are greater. It is just common sense. Once your resume is in there database you may get an informational interview from the HR department, or an interview request from the regional manager, both a good sign. Or you may get a note there are no openings at this time but they will save your resume, still good!

I find that most companies are discreet and confidential yet once you start looking the risk is always yours. I think the risk is minor if you are as good as you say you are. And if your boss finds out, you may even get a raise. Like they say, "you need to be in it to win it" and in the job market that means get your resume in as many employer databases as possible. Make sense? And be patient... you said yourself that you're not "out looking" so this is how you test the waters. Just download your resume to the employment section of the site, opening or not! Sooner or later you will get the call.

Signed,

Stephen