A fellow career coach and I were trading tips to help someone land an interview inside a company. I thought I would share what we discussed; imagine having two experienced coaches working for you:

1. Get business cards with your current contact information.  You can order nice cheap cards from moo.com and vistaprint.com for under $50.

2. There are still companies where you can call and get through the executive assistant and directly to the hiring manager.  If you do, make sure you have your [stuff] together.  There is nothing more damaging than unpreparedness.  Resist the urge to pick up the phone until you know what you are going to say.

3. That tip leads to this one:  Plan for the random and tighten up that elevator pitch.  Cover who you are, what you specialize in and what makes (as an example) your business reporting more unique than what a general assignment reporter can do.  Tell that story up front.  It will help busy editors process you in their heads right away. 

4. If you are lucky enough to get through the maze and land an in-person meeting, bring two folders of your work with you.  One is for the HR/Executive Assistant, the other is for the actual hiring manager.  Have them ready in case they ask for copies of your work.  You should have an online portfolio as well, but some places still like to look at real paper. 

5. Relax.  I like people who are comfortable with themselves and what they are pitching.  Most experts hiring can tell the difference between confidence and arrogance. 

6. Finally, remember this is a process.  The first and most important step is to physically meet and talk to people. Constant e-mails and phone calls are annoying.   I still think how you present yourself in-person makes all the difference.

And, if you need help, send up a flare and find a mentor. 

doug@knowledgewebb.net

*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog