Answer Want Ads Like A Pro

When you think of want ads, think 5% of your campaign, not 95%. Everyone should answer ads—especially those that are a perfect fit, but answering want ads and online job postings should generally consume no more than 30 minutes of your day. That's because there are so many other, better ways to job-hunt.
If you plan to answer ads or online postings, I suggest you develop a generic letter that can be mailed quickly by simply changing names and dates. Use this letter to answer most ads. Photocopy your completed letter and clip the ad to your copy so you'll have a record if and when someone calls (they seldom do). Once you mail the original, forget about it. Get back to doing more productive things.
If you find an ad that is 100% perfect, your ideal dream job, take the time to tailor a letter. Find a business directory, look up the name of the hiring manager—not the personnel director—and write that person a sales letter. That's a letter you can follow up, because you have a name.
By the way, if you find that you're not getting any response from ads, don't be discouraged. That's the rule today, not the exception. Few companies even send rejection letters anymore. It's too costly. Keep answering the ads that fit you, and sooner or later, the phone will ring.