Happy Wednesday ThinkTalkers,

To celebrate being halfway through the week I’m going to share with you a great job hunting tip. New and different for us, right?! Okay so maybe we share a lot of job hunting tips but this one interested me in particular because I definitely didn’t think about it when I was doing my job search, and it makes complete sense!

How many of you send out resumes and cover letters and never hear anything back? Never get called for that interview you know you deserve! Well Jimmy Sweeney and SecretsOfTheJobHunt.Com have a few pointers to try to remedy that situation. The biggest...ask for the interview in your cover letter! Not sure how to do this without sounding like your begging or being demanding? Read on:

Sweeney suggests asking for the interview in a direct and firm but polite way such as these two statements:

"I would love to meet in person to discuss the position of [fill in job title here].I will accommodate my schedule to meet yours. I think I'd be a great fit and I welcome the opportunity for a personal interview."(Now THAT'S a statement that practically demands a response.)

"I would like to schedule an interview when it works best for you. [Insert company name here], is at the top of my list of companies I'd like to work for." (Another nice, clear and direct statement to be called for the job interview.)

If you’re still not hearing back from your potential employer:

Dial an interview. Wait about seven to ten days after you mail your resume and cover letter. Then pick up the phone and call the employer to ASK for an interview person-to-person. This isn't always possible but if you've got a contact name and phone number, go for it. Don't sound pushy, just eager to get together. Your enthusiasm will impress him/her.

Send an e-mail.Today's busy professionals rely on e-mail for quick messages. You can use this effective means of communicating to your advantage. Followup your original cover letter with an e-mail reminder. Something like this will do.

Dear Mr./Ms. Smith:

Last week I sent over my resume and cover letter for the position of general manager of ABC Corporation. I know you're probably swamped with applications but I feel very confident I'm what you're looking for. May I have just thirty minutes of your time for an interview at your convenience? Thanks for taking a moment to read my request. I really look forward to meeting with you.

Jane Jobseeker

janejobseeker@email.com

And Sweeney’s last bit of advice:

When you take charge in a friendly and positive way, you ARE in charge. Don't let the quality job interviews find you, go out and grab 'em yourself!

Extra sidenote:

Don’t miss the new movie 127 HOURS which comes out this weekend. The film is the latest from ThinkTalk guest and director Danny Boyle and stars James Franco.