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• If you e-mail your list to 10 people and they e-mail it to 10 people and . . . within 4 cycles, you have covered 10,000 people.

• Don’t ask people to e-mail to more than 10 people because they just won’t do it.

• Put your e-mail address in the message so people can e-mail you directly.

• Only include your phone number if you don’t mind having people call you.

• Don’t put anything in the letter you wouldn’t want a stranger to read.

• Put your name and e-mail address at the top of the message in a “From”: salutation, so the reader can find your coordinates quickly.

• Do not do this if you’re currently employed!

■ PRESS KIT

People make all kinds of claims about their skills and abilities when in fact they’re not true, so it’s little wonder that employers are naturally skeptical. So if you have won awards, have been quoted in the news, or have any other type of proof that your accomplishments really do exist, build a portfolio and send it with your cover letter and resume. I’ve done this myself many times, first as a job hunter and then later as a headhunter in search of projects. A picture is worth a thousand words and an article, reference letter, or thank-you note from a client, is worth a thousand more. For example:

• If you’re a student looking for your first real job, send a transcript of your marks. It probably doesn’t matter but it might, especially if you kept a high GPA and a part-time job.

• Copies of articles and awards should be included.

• Don’t send originals because you may never get them back.

• In articles, highlight the part about you so they don’t need to search.

• Bring these items with you to an interview as well because the individual items in the Press Kit make good talking points.

■ SEND ARTICLES AS A FOLLOW UP AFTER AN INTERVIEW

Sending an article to a hiring manager with a simple note like: “I thought you might be interested in this” is a great door opener. The trick is to find something that is truly helpful to them in their job. You can uncover potential needs by doing a search through Google for position papers they may have presented or to see what their competitors are announcing by way of new products—and let them know. I know several people who have landed great jobs by doing this. Here’s what to do to find articles using search engines:

• Use the alert system at Google to keep you up-to-date on subject areas of interest to your targeted employers: www.google.ca/alerts/.

• Magazines usually have electronic editions.

• Photocopies work best because very few people bother to do this anymore. Also, the photocopy will stay longer on their desk. It may even be passed on to other staff members who could be hiring.

• Keep your contacts through this medium to a maximum of once every 3 weeks.

• Don’t bombard people.

• Make sure you send a personal note, even if you send an e-mail clipping.

■ DISTRIBUTE A BOOKLET

Write a booklet with information relevant to your industry and give it away. Everyone loves a freebie, so give away something that demonstrates your expertise. I designed, wrote, and distributed a free booklet on how to do a reference check correctly, entitled “Don’t Hire a Liar” (see www.perrymartel.com). It subtly points out the benefits of using a professional like me when hiring. The booklet hot-links to a supplemental software program for reference checking that my firm sells. Here are some ideas:

• Link to your web site, e-resume, or blog.

• Give the booklet away electronically.

• If you send a printed version, indicate where the recipient can get extra copies for colleagues.

• Advertise it on your web site and those newsgroups frequented by hiring managers in your target market.

A WAR STORY

Jill Tanenbaum

My most recent hire sent me a beautiful hand-designed booklet that contained the best samples of her design work. She didn’t just e-mail me a link or send a resume. The fact that