Question:
I'm just graduating with my degree in computer science, and I'm very frustrated by the job boards. Wouldn't it be more effective to just call an employer directly and ask them if they have a job matching my qualifications?
Answer:
What you are discovering is that finding a job is hard work! And you've got the perspective skewed a bit - when you are speaking with a potential employer, never forget that this is about what THEY need - NOT what you want.
You may receive a better response if you just call, BUT before you do that, target a group of potential employers who would probably need someone like you.
Start with the Yellow Pages and the local "Chamber of Commerce" for your area. Chambers of Commerce are groups of businesses that work and network together. Google your city and "chamber of commerce" (with the quotes) to see what you find. Chamber members are businesses of all sizes.
For your target list, I'd look at computer/IT companies, like Microsoft (on the BIG end of the scale, but with many locations across the country) to much smaller companies in or near your location. Some potential employers include:
Companies providing technical support to clients (consulting)
Companies selling hardware and software (retail) - many of which have "back room" technical support, maintenance, and customizing functions to increase their retail sales. Staples, Best Buy, and CompUSA are examples of this kind of employer.
Companies creating and supporting software products - Microsoft on one end of the scale but MANY other companies, too both large and small.
Local Web development or Web hosting companies.
Local large-scale IT users - like large universities, telephone companies, large insurance companies (not brokers), banks and credit unions, and even local government.
Local temporary staffing companies - sometimes these can be a good way into an employer's organization, and you'll earn some money and gain experience at the same time.
And, BEFORE YOU CALL, research the companies online to find out more about them - both to screen out companies you wouldn't want to work for, and also to collect information to use in the interview/application process.
THEN call them for the name and contact information of the HR manager or a hiring manager. Follow up by calling that person and/or sending them (via snail mail!) your resume with a cover letter customized to that employer.
When someone does speak with you, get their business card (or contact information) and send them a thank you immediately, with another copy of your resume attached.
People are hired by people who know them. So, get known. If there's a local computer user group of some sort, go to the meetings.
You can get your introduction to the business world and usually credible experience with any of those companies.
Good luck!
