Getting your player ready...
Navigating the world of online job postings generates understandable frustration for job seekers. While today’s wise job seeker employs smart networking and social media strategies, online application strategies need to be smart, too.
The benefits of being selective. One frequently overlooked strategy for managing online job postings is starting with a targeted approach. This means aligning your well-defined marketable skills with areas of demand by industry, job function or company. Resist the temptation to cast a “wide net.” Hiring managers are only open to considering candidates who meet all, or nearly all, of their stated requirements.
As frustrating as that may be, you waste time by applying to positions when you are not fully qualified.
Research has its rewards. Increase your chances of getting an interview by conducting meaningful research. Start with the company website. Once you have a grasp of the company’s products, review any executive biographies to learn about the career path, education, and industry expertise of each team member. What do you have in common? Perhaps you have a similar career progression or you went to the same school.
Continue your research by reading company press releases and articles in industry publications. Check out the LinkedIn profiles of team members. Consider integrating other resources to round out your knowledge, including online databases like Reference USA (free through public libraries). You can learn a lot, including insights into the competitive landscape and company culture.
Asking for help is now a strength. Now that you know more about the company, develop strategies for getting to know the decision-makers. Check your LinkedIn connections to see if anyone in your network could make an introduction. If you are confident you are a potential fit, then you are not so much asking for a favor as you are helping the hiring manager find the best candidate. If you don’t have natural connections to decision-makers through LinkedIn connections, it is time to think about next steps.
Get outside of your comfort zone. Here is your chance to get outside of your comfort zone and try some gutsy but effective approaches. Through your research you may be able to find common ground, such as a professional association or shared LinkedIn group. Try reaching out through these affiliations first.
The next step is finding phone or email contact information for one or more company managers. Compose an email or phone message (to leave after hours) that is brief and compelling. Indicate that you have applied online and that you would appreciate an opportunity to be considered.
Does the online posting say “no phone calls”? In this market, it is necessary to follow the rules (apply online) and break the rules. But in breaking the rules, be careful. Be on target for the position, be respectful, and only ask for reasonable consideration. Then move on to new opportunities, fill your job pipeline, and add new strategies.
Kathleen Winsor-Games is the principal of The Winsor Group, a Denver-based boutique firm offering career coaching and transition services for professionals and executives. Visit us online at www.thewinsorgroup.com
