Does this sound familiar? You find a handful of job postings online, upload your resume to each, then wait. And wait. And wait.
You’re highly qualified. Your resume is polished. You know you’d be a great fit for any of the advertised positions. So why aren’t the hiring managers getting back to you?
Nona Haller, senior counselor in the Capella University Career Center, has the answer. The reality, she says, is that jobs often go to people who have received a referral from someone inside the company, or to a candidate who’s built a professional relationship with the organization over time. Candidates who are known to the hiring manager have a leg up on anonymous applicants. In fact, Steve Dalton, author of The 2-Hour Job Search, claims that candidates who are referred are 5 times more likely to get an interview and 12 times more likely to get the job.
Want to learn more? Read further tips on conquering the “hidden” job market.
So how can you get on the inside track? Here are three smart strategies to help you lay the foundation for success in your chosen field.
1. Build your professional network.
People often get hired through personal referrals, or because they chatted with the boss at a networking happy hour. If you don’t already belong to a professional organization that’s aligned with your career field, join one now. Attend events where you’ll have the chance to meet peers and potential employers.
At a networking event, don’t approach people with your business card outstretched. First, say hello and offer a brief, 1-2 sentence introduction about yourself. For example: “Hi, I’m Janine Jones. I recently graduated with my bachelor’s in marketing from Capella University and I’m interested in learning more about digital marketing.” Prepare your introduction in advance, and practice it so your delivery sounds natural.
Next, ask what the other person does. If your professional interests align and there’s a personality click, ask if you can exchange business cards and continue the conversation another time. Before you say goodbye, ask these two final questions: Who else do you know that I should talk with? Can I mention that you suggested I get in touch?
Pro networking tip for introverts: Volunteer for the committee that handles the registration table at events. As you help check people in, you’ll meet almost everyone and be able to figure out who you might like to talk to further. Later in the event, it’s easier to approach someone and strike up a conversation (because you’ve already met!).
2. Hand-pick job opportunities and customize your approach.
As you get to know people and organizations in your field, create a list of companies you’d like to work for. Which organizations align with your values and ambitions?
If a company you’re interested in has a job opening, customize your resume to reflect the skills and experience listed in the job posting (while being honest). Highlight what you’ve accomplished that will have value in the role. Tailor your cover letter to fit the job opportunity, too, and if you’ve met the hiring manager, remind him or her of the connection. Customized resumes and cover letters show that you’ve done your homework, and set you apart from generic applications.
Once you send off your resume and cover letter, wait two weeks. If you haven’t heard anything by then, follow up by email or a phone call. A polite, brief message inquiring about the position shows that you’re a proactive, engaged job candidate.
If a company you’re interested in does not have any current openings, request an informational interview with someone in the organization who aligns with your dream job. This could be a hiring manager, or someone you met at a networking event. An informational interview allows you to learn more about an organization and the industry as a whole. And it gives people within the company a chance to get to know you, so when a job does open up, you’ll be top of mind.
3. Think long term.
To be more successful in your job search, stop calling it a job search. Instead, think of it as “career building.” You’re laying the foundation for your long-term professional success. Networking isn’t something you do for a just few weeks, then never again. It’s important to continually strengthen your network. Get used to meeting new people and building connections now—you’ll need this skill for the rest of your professional life!
The Capella University Career Center’s mission is to empower students and alumni to proactively manage their careers and make meaningful and effective career decisions.
