...it's who you know. I could have called this tip "networking" but on a technical blog, that could have a different connotation.
In much the same way that cold-calling isn't the most effective way to sell product, cold-submitting resumes and applications online isn't going to be an effective means of getting an interview. I'm not staying that it won't work, but it will require a LOT of work. So what's the answer? Employee referrals.
According to the Society of Human Resource Management, employee referrals remain the top source of new hires. With personality and cultural fit is important to many organizations, hiring managers are looking to find candidates that will fit comfortably into a team. Resumes can show your experience, but may not be a good indication as to how you might fit. With an employee referral, not only do you get a recommendation from a current employee who feels that you would be a good fit, the company gets an candidate with a established connection. Some organizations incentive employees for referrals by offering bonus if the referral is hired. As such, asking an employee to refer you for a position isn't just a selfless act, it's in their interest too. This is the type of warm landing seeking for your resume.
A strong LinkedIn profile and network can help identify targets for employee referrals. Even before an attractive job posting can come up, refreshing your connection to those working for an organization. If you've targeted specific organizations, start looking for those first and second degree connections and see who might be a good candidate to help. Even better, make those second degree connections first degree connections (by inviting them to connect).
And this is the important thing to note: most people like talking about their jobs. They spend 8+ hours a day working there and generally are there by their own choosing. Connect with them. Meet for coffee, have phone call, or chat on IM. Explain that you are in the market for a new position and wanted to check-out Company X. It might be a bit uncomfortable at first, but it will be totally worth it.
In my job search, I've started to warm up my network. I've found that I have connections at places like Amazon, Thomson Reuters, Travelers Insurance and other organizations. I don't have as may connections at places like Ecolab, Securian and Prime Therapeutics. While I still might apply at those places that I don't have connections, I know that I'm more likely to get traction on a resume with a referral so I'll start working those first. The connections I have at those company are from former coworkers, friends, and friends of friends; I even reached out and had a conversation with another parent from my daughter's soccer team. Leave no stone unturned. Turn those mutual connections into LinkedIn connections and start asking for referrals.
In much the same way that cold-calling isn't the most effective way to sell product, cold-submitting resumes and applications online isn't going to be an effective means of getting an interview. I'm not staying that it won't work, but it will require a LOT of work. So what's the answer? Employee referrals.
According to the Society of Human Resource Management, employee referrals remain the top source of new hires. With personality and cultural fit is important to many organizations, hiring managers are looking to find candidates that will fit comfortably into a team. Resumes can show your experience, but may not be a good indication as to how you might fit. With an employee referral, not only do you get a recommendation from a current employee who feels that you would be a good fit, the company gets an candidate with a established connection. Some organizations incentive employees for referrals by offering bonus if the referral is hired. As such, asking an employee to refer you for a position isn't just a selfless act, it's in their interest too. This is the type of warm landing seeking for your resume.
A strong LinkedIn profile and network can help identify targets for employee referrals. Even before an attractive job posting can come up, refreshing your connection to those working for an organization. If you've targeted specific organizations, start looking for those first and second degree connections and see who might be a good candidate to help. Even better, make those second degree connections first degree connections (by inviting them to connect).
And this is the important thing to note: most people like talking about their jobs. They spend 8+ hours a day working there and generally are there by their own choosing. Connect with them. Meet for coffee, have phone call, or chat on IM. Explain that you are in the market for a new position and wanted to check-out Company X. It might be a bit uncomfortable at first, but it will be totally worth it.
In my job search, I've started to warm up my network. I've found that I have connections at places like Amazon, Thomson Reuters, Travelers Insurance and other organizations. I don't have as may connections at places like Ecolab, Securian and Prime Therapeutics. While I still might apply at those places that I don't have connections, I know that I'm more likely to get traction on a resume with a referral so I'll start working those first. The connections I have at those company are from former coworkers, friends, and friends of friends; I even reached out and had a conversation with another parent from my daughter's soccer team. Leave no stone unturned. Turn those mutual connections into LinkedIn connections and start asking for referrals.
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