Why not get the company to start your job search? Essentially, what we mean by this is that applicants should narrow down a shortlist of companies for which you would prefer to work, rather than job titles. Doing this will potentially alter the entire atmosphere of your job quest and might even help you achieve a great job. Here’s the explanation.
You are taking the experience you have and finding out the types of jobs it would be a good fit for. It might be the same kind of position you used to have, something slightly different where your skills still apply, or you may be searching for something completely new.
Whatever the case, we’re almost always beginning our job search with the work-you know it. Our ambitious next job title is what we type in job search engines and what we find on company websites with CTRL + F.
But what if we have started thinking differently about our job search?
Why not start your job search with the company?
Essentially, what we mean by this is that candidates should narrow down a shortlist of companies for which you would prefer to work, rather than job titles.
We are talking a lot about expressing enthusiasm. Hiring managers really matters! If you have a company on your list for which you would love to work, check out the positions for which they might be hiring, see if any seems to be a good match for you. Even if you don’t see any, try to proactively reach out to a hiring manager or recruiter to let them know you’d love to join their business. Be sure to mention why you are explicitly excited by the business and why you would love to be a part of it. Also, make sure your skills and experience are generally identified, and add your resume. Finally, be sure to ask for an interview to discuss the positions available at the company.
Check out this email example:
“Dear Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager,
Today I write because I have long respected the work and purpose of Company Name. Here’s where you can insert a few different things that you love like something you’ve seen in the press, or congratulate a startup on a recent funding round.
I graduated from Boston University with an MBA in 2014 and went on to work for a small boutique business where I was able to make a difference from day one. While there, I was able to cultivate an entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset that helped our business achieve an annual revenue increase of 20 percent. If you would like to see more specifics of my experience, I have attached my CV to this email address.
I’d love the opportunity to set up a time to visit with you to get your feedback and ideas on where to apply my talents and expertise at Your Company and discuss job openings.
For my contact details please see below and I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Sincerely,
Your Name
Contact information”
By sending such an email, you show the hiring manager, CEO, whoever you are, that you’re enthusiastic about their business. Hiring managers are always looking for this and it’s the one and it’s the #1 thing we see applicants being turned down after an interview.
Passion is immense and you never know what doors it will open which will take us to our next point.
You may be a great fit for a different role
Once you get your foot in the door, be sure to reiterate your particular love for the business. We also warn applicants during interview preps not to seem literally excited about working at* a* hedge fund or* a* company. We tell them to think of the reasons why they ‘re excited to work at* this* hedge fund or* this* startup. This makes a big difference and hiring managers should note it during the job interview.
Let’s presume the company is not actually recruiting for the typical job title you’d be applying for. Don’t sweat it anyway. If you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and express your soft skills or transferable skills, they might very well be open to finding something that’s available where you might still be a good fit. Hiring managers know that having top talent that’s also passionate about the door can be hard and if you’re both of those things, they probably won’t let you walk away easily from that.
And yeah, even if there’s nothing for you right now, that’s ok too. By being diligent and leaving your details behind, you are doing what you can to let the company know that when a position opens you are a great option.
Last but not least, be vigilant every few months and follow up with the company to see if there are any new job openings. It doesn’t hurt to put your name up every now and then to a client, even if you’re already in work.
