Applying for a job question, I don't want to screw this up. Help please.

[seaglass]

First, I haven't worked in 4 years and I know that's kind of a problem. Anyway here is my question.

I found a fairly new company that is local and in my industry (travel) and have been keeping an eye on their job listings. I used to work with the person listed as a the HR contact and though I can't remember exactly, I think the relationship was at least neutral.

I just saw a job posting that is perfect for me (mostly). But now instead of listing the jobs directly on their website they direct you to Monster.com to apply electronically. They do provide an email link directly to HR - the person I know.

Is it bad for me to use that email link to send a note to the person I know, express my interest in the job and attach my resume? or send the note and ask if I can forward the resume directly or if they prefer I go through Monster?

Or would it be better for me to apply through Monster and send a follow up email to the HR person I know?

I prefer to send this info along directly (the first option) but if this is improper business etiquette, I will do the 2nd route. I'm not very good at cover letters so if I can make it a personal one to the HR person that would be so much better.

Or if there are any other suggestions how I can get my resume seen, I'm open. Thanks.

[swimboy]

1. I'm no expert on business etiquette

although I'm pretty good with the regular kind. I would follow the instructions for the Monster route but if you have a connectional relationship of some sort with the HR person, I would send an additional resume and cover letter to that person where you mention that you are submitting by Monster but wanted to make the additional contact as you had worked together before and hope to join the company, etc.

Ask someone to help proofread the cover letter. I don't think it's out of line to try to make use of your previous professional relationship with someone at the company. (as opposed to a personal one--not the same coinage.)


Good luck!

[seaglass]

2. Thanks. I'm working on my note while I wait for my password

to come back from monster.com.

I am so bad at cover letters...

[stopbush]

3. I would contact the person you know directly...by phone first if possible.

Tell her/him that you're engaged in a job search and heard that there was a position open at their company.
Don't mention Monster. Ask if you may send over your updated/current resume and what's the best way to send it.
If you can drop by a hard copy, that would be the best. Other than that, send it directly to him/her via e-mail.

Services like Monster are dead ends for finding a real job. I know people who get 300 resumes a day
from Monster. They run a keyword check that tosses 75% of them. If their assistant is busy, half of the
remaining resumes get trashed for no reason at all.

Use your existing network - your contact at the company.
Why get in line with hundreds of other anonymous applicants when you have the inside line? Don't
assume that your prior relationship with the HR person will get your resume thru the maze
of Monster applications. Rather, work that relationship first.

Good luck.