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Representing recruitment for one of the hottest companies on the planet means I get a lot of inmails from job seekers. So many, in fact, that I was inspired to write this post in an effort to address my ever-growing inbox!
During my first year of recruiting, I thought I’d hit the job lottery. Every day, I would come into the office excited to help people find their dream jobs—not realizing the challenges that exist.
Supply and demand was off; today is no different. There are far too many talented professionals out there and not enough opportunities to support them. I would genuinely love to respond to each person who writes me for guidance, a job or introductions, but it’s just not practical. Instead, I thought I'd share some best practices I’ve learned along the way so you can tackle this job market on your own? If you’re looking for a new opportunity, start with a good framework. Here are a few tips that should help you nail your next interview!
Determine your starting point. Grab some java and get to work narrowing down your short list. What companies come to mind that you want to work for? My favorite site is LinkedIn, but there are plenty of other job boards you can use. Next up, have a look at the roles available. Which ones pique your interest? Read over the job descriptions thoroughly: can you see yourself adding value? If yes, don’t apply yet – keep reading! All of the companies that captured your attention should be added to your list. Your researching skills will pay off and also help build your confidence because you’re targeting like-minded organizations.
Long gone are the days of submitting an application and waiting patiently for someone to respond. Job seekers have to take it to the next level or risk being left behind by those who are! The best place to start is your online presence. What I mean by that is: do you have a great headshot, have you built out your resume and LinkedIn profile, do you have recommendations for your work? You are looking for a corporate opportunity, right? This information will be accessed before anyone reaches out to you; make sure it’s polished, current and relevant. Knowing how to network and showcase yourself demonstrates pride in your work! There is nothing like transparency and unequivocal confidence.
You don’t work for Forbes’ Most Innovative Company in the world (four years running) and not pick up a few pointers along the way. At this point in the pre-application process, you've identified your target organizations and perfected your online portfolio. Congratulations! Let’s take it a step further and have a look at your network. Who do you know that already works there? Can they introduce you to anyone currently in the role you’re coveting? It’s time to put on your networking hat and start engaging your connections. Chances are, you’re directly or indirectly linked to someone who can help open a door. If not, grow your network! LinkedIn is a professional networking site; no need to be bashful. Go after what you want!
Once you've introduced yourself to these employees, take the opportunity to ask some poignant questions and get an internal perspective. Good examples: Tell me about your corporate culture – what makes it special and keeps you there? What are some of the key traits you need to be successful in this position? What does the career progression look like? Trust me, these steps will benefit you. In my experience, hiring managers are looking for many qualities but two consistently stand out: why do you want to join their team/organization and what have you done to demonstrate this initiative. Having these conversations with internals ahead of time helps you prepare and tailor your answers. You will have an understanding of the company’s expectations and can interpret how your skills would benefit them.
Now that you’ve spent some time with a few employees, you should have a solid understanding of the role, what it takes to be successful and how you can fit into this model. Now, it’s time to formally apply. Here’s where your spirited approach pays off; you now have a few candid relationships that you can and should use to your advantage. Ask if they can personally refer or introduce you to the recruiter and/or hiring manager. The partnership you’ve developed is one you can leverage moving forward. Most employees will gladly help you navigate this process and get your resume into the right hands. Referrals are definitely on the upswing, as employers typically believe that “good people know good people.”
The volume of messages I receive requesting assistance in reviewing profiles, resumes, and so on is overwhelming. For the most part, many of these inquiries are not directed at my areas of expertise. This is a clear indicator to me that the job seeker is not doing his homework or taking a targeted approach to the search. Everyone using LinkedIn effectively has (or should have) built out his or her professional profile. Recruiters are no different and usually describe the roles they’re hiring for. Example: Right now, I support the Sales Engineering space – so if you’re in Marketing or Accounting, I am probably not the right contact for you here.
How you go about your job search is definitely something I (and my peers) take into account. Show us that you’re willing to go the extra mile. Make yourself stand out! We want to hire game-changers – prove that you are one. Whichever way you choose to approach this will tell the recruiter: what your work ethic looks like, whether you are business-savvy, your level of creativity and curiosity, as well as how detail-oriented you are. Think of how you want to be perceived.
I learned a long time ago that when you want something, don’t ever give up! It’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you are pursuing your dream job and for whatever reason are not selected; take some time to reflect. Did you meet the criteria? Was there anything you could have done differently to sell yourself? Did the recruiter share feedback that could benefit you moving forward? (If they didn’t, ask for it!)
Regardless of the outcome, you should take the time to send a follow up to all involved in your interview process. Be respectful of their decision but drive home the facts: you’re still interested and willing to work on the gaps. This checks off two competencies that any manager would tell you are invaluable: commitment and self-awareness. I have been fortunate enough to develop several working relationships with candidates that follow this model. They stay close to me, provide regular updates, check back in on opportunities and more often than not are eventually hired. Persistence pays off… providing you’re following the right framework! Build the appropriate relationships and nurture them until you see the results you’re looking for.
The moral of the story is: no one is going to “get you a job.” Where you start, how you carry yourself, and what the finish line looks like are all up to you. Hopefully, this outline gives you more confidence and guidance on how to tackle it. Good luck!
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” –Arthur Ashe
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