Sometimes when looking through the job pages and websites, there is nothing that appeals to your career ambitions. You know your dream job is out there, but it’s not showing up in the listings. So what do you do?
This is the point where you take the matter into your own hands. Think of companies where you want to work and where you see yourself being happy. Now make a plan to get yourself there.
Here are some ideas on getting your foot in the door at a company of your choice:
Write a Letter
As email is now the preferred method of communication, employers rarely receive any letters. Find out who is in charge of recruitment or the particular department you want to work for and mark an envelope for their attention. Expressing interest in their organisation and explaining why you want to work for them in a well written letter could make you stand out from the crowd.
Email
Email is the quickest way to get in touch with someone, but you need to make sure your email is read when it is received. Keep it direct and concise and straight to the point. Timing is everything so don’t send it on a Friday evening or first thing Monday morning; aim for a time midweek in the afternoon when they may have more time to read their emails.
Networking
Networking is crucial in a job hunt and especially in this regard. Make sure to approach the company at career and industry events, if they are in attendance. This way, you may get to meet someone from the company and to make an impression in person.
LinkedIn
Take a look at the company’s LinkedIn page and check if you are connected to any employees. A mutual connection in the company may be able to advise you on who to contact there, upcoming positions or could possibly set up an introduction with those in charge of recruitment.
Social Media
There have been some great examples recently of innovative jobseekers using social media to their advantage when trying to get hired. Get creative – there are plenty of ways to promote yourself and your skills online. You can also show an interest and passion for the work that they do, either through a comment on Facebook or a Tweet at their company page. Get the conversation started and see how far social media can take you.
Which Company to Target
- Companies you are interested in working for
- Companies you feel could do with your expertise
- Expanding companies – keep an eye on industry news for developments, job announcements and expansions
- Up and coming businesses – smaller than competitors, but rising in importance in their industry
- Businesses in emerging sectors, e.g. technology, FMCG, etc.
- Suggestions from contacts in the industry
You Must Have:
Confidence: You are approaching companies that have not actively advertised a role, so you must be able to pitch yourself as a must-have employee for their business.
Communication: You will have to think on the spot and be able to articulate why you want to work for them and what you can bring to their business.
Research: You must know the company inside out, so do your research. Find out what strategies they have been using, what has and hasn’t worked for them and the areas in which you feel your expertise will help.
Examples: Having proof of work you have done to improve a previous employer’s performance will further enhance your job prospects with the company.
By Kay Kinsella, CPA Ireland
