Overview
Tips to use the latest technology to target potential employers and secure the first interview--no matter experience, education, or network
Notes
Networking is key to get internal referrals and that’s what recruiters are incentivized to hire by. Technology has made it so too many people now can apply to anything which makes the recruiters job harder to search through the platform
Apply Pareto principle of 80/20 to the job search. Focus on the 20% of things that will get you 80% if the results.
Instead of learning everything you know about one specific company (focusing on completing the 80%), focus on writing a list of all the companies you want to work for (20% of the work that will matter)
First step make a list of employers that you want to target and prioritize them (this list should be about 40 companies long)
Remember only 0.1% of recruiters have more than 500 employees. Build long lists of potential employers to be able to capture most of the market out there
Set default view on indeed.com and other jobs at the maximum results seen (eg. 10 vs 50) to avoid multiple clicks and being distracted. Our minds get easily distracted therefore try to avoid creating opportunities for it to get distracted (E.g. loading screens)
Utilize the “fan mail” approach for new leads: You can reach out to people based on the articles and media they are quoted in. Try reaching out to middle managers as they will be most likely to respond as they haven’t got much publicity and will be eager to speak to people about their work
Best informational interview email tips: Should NOT mention any jobs at the start. Should be less than 100 words. Should state connection up front and you should have control of next step like booking the calendar invite
Good way to end the email: “ I recognize this may be a busy time for you, if we are unable to connect via email, I’m happy to reach back out next week to see whether that is more convenient”
Key to stand out from the crowd is to send a follow up email 7 business days after if your intro email was not answered. 90%+ of job seekers do not send follow up emails and therefore you will stand out from the most easily this way.
Data360, market line and vault are good sources to research a company. Allows you to see a SWOT analysis of the company to help you have more tailored questions about the company in informational interviews
Update emails are important for informational interviews to help build rapport and a network. Follow up with a recap from your last call and then ask for any additional advice they may have.
"Thank you for x. Please do keep me in mind if you do come across any other suggestions in the x sector.”
Make it so easy for the people you are emailing to respond back.
Offer to book times for them by sending calendar invites
Work towards their time schedule and time zones – state this in the email
Let them know you will be following up, shows proactive and also them proves you are trusting when you do follow up
Use the TIARA Framework when prepping for informational interviews:
Trends:
What are the different jobs in this field / organization?
What does your typical day look like?
How is the economy affecting this industry?
Insights:
Why did this type of work interest you?
What gives you personal satisfaction from this job?
How is job progress in this field?
Advice:
How did you get this job?
What is the best way to enter this occupation?
Resources:
Any written materials you suggest I read?
Who should I speak to next to learn more and/or better position myself
Assignments:
What are the most helpful things you did to get this job?
What are the requirements for the job?
What experiences should I try and get for this job?
Also in information interviews, try and mirror their behaviour. If they are taking 60 seconds to answer then you take 60 seconds as well with your answers. Good questions to open up or ask is:
What are you working on right now?
If you were in my position is there anything specific you think I should be doing or people I should reach out to speak to?
What kind of trends are impacting or do you see impacting you in the future (ask this to someone who is showing a lot of energy and eager to talk to you on the call)?
Five Point Email:
Fewer than 100 words
No mention of jobs anywhere
Connection goes first
Generalize your interest
Maintain control and follow up
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