On September 22nd, 1904, Ellen Church was born and history changed. Her career path would steer her twenty-six decades later, May 15th, 1930, into the Airline industry. Before that eventful day, all the people we are reluctant to fly and felt that air travel was unsafe. Enter Ellen Church; a registered nurse with the love of flying. Originally vying for a pilot position, she refused to take no for an answer. She convinced Steve Stimpson of Boeing Air Transport to take her on in a newly created position of an Airline Stewardess. No big deal? She was the first Airline Stewardess, ever. Her place was to ease passengers fear by having a nurse by their side. Stimpson agreed to hire eight other nurses and history was made.

Inspiring, bold, proactive and persistent. Ellen Church turned a no into a yes. She made a place for herself in that organization. What was her secret and how does it relate to your job search? A job search is much the same. You need to be different in your approach but be prepared to hear no and have a few doors shut in your face. Learn from that opportunity and come up with a new game plan. She didnt back down, but found another way.

Research. Research. Research.

This cannot be stressed enough. Why would a business want to hire you when you havent given any thought to its core values and business? Isnt this what we dislike in Telemarketers who read to us from a program verbatim and expect us to buy into it? Many businesses have web sites with a plethora of information on what they do, their mission and what their many people are like. Check out local papers and the business section. Often there will be name-dropping of important decision creating executives. Scan the web for information. You might get a potential foot in the door if you prepare properly.

Do not Be Generic

When applying for a job, if at all possible, get the decision makers name. Scan the website, attend network functions, find out whos hiring. There are many directories and magazines that run a special feature about who is doing well in the business world. Find out where you fit in and who youre going to target. Be distinct and relentless. Take the time to address and tailor your cover letter.

Jill Appleton (not her real name) tried this approach and it worked for her. After sending out 100 emails she received the one reply that mattered. There was not a career page (Unheard of, you say?) or contact title for employment so she emailed the President and asked if there were any openings for her background. As it turned out, he was thinking about hiring someone in the Marketing department. They set up a meeting and she got the job. Coincidence, luck maybe? Perseverance will get you the job, but being smart and creative will secure it.

Remember Ellen Church? Innovator, Humanitarian, History Maker, War Heroine. Not a bad way to spend your life. What will they say about you?

Email Tamara @info@canjobs.com