GETTING AN INTERVIEW
Getting an interview can be done in a variety of ways, as there’s many ways to do it.
- Applying
- Networking at the company
- Networking in the industry
- Networking with family & friends
- Working with an External Recruiter/Headhunter
The keys to networking are the same as sales, so put yourself in their shoes.
- Contact the individual when you think they’ll be in a business mindset, and when the timing may be right to read your message / connection request
- i.e. Before their day, just after lunch, the afternoon
- Sending a message after work or on the weekends may be seen, but could fall through the cracks and be forgotten by the next business day
- Don’t pester someone. Be casual and confident. No one wants to work or help a nag, so don’t be one. Give at least 3 days or for slower cycles, a weekend in between.
Applying
Solely applying for a job is the hardest way to get an interview, whether it’s for an experienced-hire or entry-level job
- For an experienced-hire job, not only does it require that your expertise matches the job, but that you also use title and job description keywords that the recruiter understands that you’re a match
- Additionally, you’ll have to have a job tenure that doesn’t disqualify you (if that’s important to the company)
- Further, you’re assuming that the job poster goes through the job applications, sees your resume, and likes you enough to contact you
- It’s still possible, but a harder path
Networking at the Company (you’re interested in working at)
HR
Networking with individuals at the company you’re interested in working at is a good route.
- After you’ve applied, go on LinkedIn and look up 1-3 Senior Recruiters or Recruiting Manager / Director, send them a connection request, and upon connecting let them know that you are interested in a specific role with your qualifications, and do they think you’d be a good fit?
- Alternatively you could ask for their consideration in reviewing your resume to bring attention to your candidacy.
Same Line of Business (LOB)
- Prior to applying, go on LinkedIn (or other professional social media sites) and look up other individuals in similar roles (same level or one above).
- Send them a connection request (i.e. I’m interested in expanding my professional network in your Industry/Function and would like to add you to my network).
- Once connected, you can message them and say that you’re interested in working at their company and saw a job post.
- Share a few sentences, 1-3 bullet points, a link to a portfolio, etc. (keep it short) about your skill set, experience, job-specific passion.
- Let them know you’re curious to know what it’s like to work, the and the pros and cons, and would they recommend it.
- If they would recommend working there, if they get a referral bonus, would they mind forwarding your resume to the hiring manager or who you could connect with?
That’s it. Referrals are already entrusted, so that’s what makes this a strong strategy.
Networking with a Hiring Manager
(CXO, VP of …, Director of …, Possibly Manager of your Function or HR)
(Regardless if there’s a job posting or not)
Use the same formula as above.
- Connect by letting them know that you’re interested in expanding your professional network in your Industry/Function.
- Let them know you’re interested in their company
- Share a few quick reasons why they would want you on their team
- Ask them if they are doing x, y, z (your expertise) or ever look for someone with your expertise/traits.
- You should get insight into if they do and if they’re hiring now or possibly in the future.
Networking in the Industry
(i.e. Private Equity Firm)
Similar to networking in a company
- Connect on LinkedIn by letting them know that you’re interested in expanding your professional network
- Let them know you’re expertise and value-add (or a compelling reason why they would want to add you to their team)
- Ask them if they are doing x, y, z (your expertise) or ever look for someone with your expertise/traits for their portfolio companies
- You should get insight into if they are responsible for hiring someone like yourself, when they would consider someone like yourself, and if they have an immediate or future need
Networking with Family & Friends
This one is common sense, but is still worth mentioning
- Networking with family and friends is similar to all of the ways mentioned above
- Whether you are messaging them online or meeting with them in person, you simply let them know that you are actively looking for a new job or are open to a new job, do you know anyone / or know anyone that’s hiring?
If they do, make sure that you do what you say you will i.e. Send them your resume, email they’re referral in a timely matter, etc.
- People can only help you if they know
- Just like the other methods, you already have an entrusted connection, so you are more likely to be received in a positive way
Working with an External Recruiter / Headhunter
Networking with Recruiters / Headhunters from recruiting agencies only works if you have subject matter / domain expertise for a position and a company is willing to pay an additional fee for your full-time hire.
- Additionally, you’ll most likely need a good job tenure, as companies don’t like to pay an additional fee for someone that is job-hopper.
- For a contract or very tough-to-fill position (that might be centered around the completion of a project), this can be overlooked.
- Lastly, if you’ve applied to a company within the last 3-12 months, a recruiter will most likely not get credit for your placement and won’t compete with themselves to refer you.
This route is easier if your profile is optimized and you receive inbound requests from recruiters who specialize in recruiting for your expertise.
