How to Get Around Online Job Applications, Guerrilla Style

Readers write (and sometimes, I answer).

Dear Kevin,

If you apply for a position with a company’s online app. system, is it ok to look up the senior manager on LinkedIn (or wherever) and send them a personal message? And if so, what would one say in the message?

Tracy

Dear Tracy,

It’s ALWAYS a good idea to make sure a human on the inside of your target employer sees your resume, after applying online. (Before you apply is better.) The more people who know about you, the better.

Should that person be the senior manager or hiring authority? It depends.

If your message adds value to their day, while also saying, “By the way, I’ve applied to your company,” that can work. Find useful info, news, etc. to send in your message. Then, put yourself in their shoes. Ask yourself: “Would I be happy to get this message?”

Better: You’re on LinkedIn, right? Whom can you suggest they contact among your LinkedIn network to help their business? Example: Who do you know who might be clients, vendors, or resources for them? Then, mentioning that you’re applying to their company can come almost as an afterthought, but one that should be well received.

Like shaking hands with a maitre d’ and passing him a $20 bill, an ordinary communication becomes extraordinary when it comes with something valuable.

Stated differently, nobody likes to get an email or call like this: “I just applied to your company. Could you look at my resume right now?”

But most people will accept this message: “Hello, I’ve researched your company, talked to 3 of your employees, 5 of your clients, and 3 of your competitors. Based on what I’ve done before, I thought you might find the following information/contacts useful: __________________. By the way, my resume should be in your database today. Could we meet for coffee or by phone for 10 minutes to discuss how I can help you?”

Finally, I’ve written before on the topic of making live contacts at an employer, here.

I hope that helps!

Note: If you know anyone looking for a job in the Detroit area, please tell them to come meet David Perry and me in person on Sept. 17, at the Guerrilla Job Search Secrets Revealed event, in Troy.

Otherwise, grab your free Guerrilla Job Search audio here.

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This entry was posted on Friday, August 28th, 2009 at 9:44 am and is filed under job search tips, networking. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.