Contacting Companies Where You Want to Work

Searching for a job often means looking for and identifying companies that are hiring. You can reach out to people in your network and browse through employment listings. However, you could also turn the process around and start looking at where you want to work regardless of any current openings.

Exploring these kinds of passive openings has advantages for you and your potential employer because you’re targeting opportunities where you would excel. You want to first review your experiences and identify your greatest achievements for each. Make note of any significant contributions you have made that can be valued in dollars and percents. These will be your talking points in any conversations you have with potential employers.

Find out how to identify organizations where you want to work, and how to communicate with them, using the following strategies.

Learning About Your Preferred Companies

1. Browse online. Gather information from the company website and LinkedIn. Introduce yourself on social media and strike up conversations. Check out Glassdoor to find out what current and former employees have to say.

2. Read the news. Local press and industry publications can also be revealing. Maybe your potential employer sponsors community programs or lost half its sales revenue.

3. Seek referrals. Ask around to see if you have contacts who know employees at the companies you’re researching. Personal introductions make it much easier to set up initial meetings.

4. Attend events. Networking sessions and business conferences are an efficient way to access lots of information and individual perspectives. Check calendar listings for upcoming events.

5. Volunteer your services. Do you want an inside look at the kind of #work you’re contemplating? Maybe you can intern or volunteer at the organization or a similar operation.

6. Identify decision-makers. Find out who you need to talk with. Calling the CEO directly could be the best route for senior #positions. Otherwise, you’ll probably start out with hiring managers and department heads.

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Reaching Out to Your Preferred Companies

1. Consider your contribution. Here again, is where knowing your greatest achievements and being able to articulate them will come in handy. Put the focus on what you can do for the company instead of talking about what you want. Talk about how you can add value and help them reach their goals. Be as specific as possible and hold off on sending your #resume for now.

2. Hone your pitch. You’ll need to capture their attention quickly once you make contact. After identifying your greatest achievements and placing a value on them using dollars and percentages, this becomes easier. Rehearse your #pitch until you can deliver it in about 15 to 20 seconds.

3. Send an email. Your first communication will usually be an email. Craft a subject line that will pique their interest. Say you want to talk about their marketing campaign or their accounting needs.

4. Ask to meet. Follow up with a request for a brief meeting. It’s often easier to reach people if you call early in the morning or late in the day in the middle of the week. Be sure to leave no more than one or two voice mails so they won’t feel harassed.

5. Build your qualifications. If you succeed at arranging a meeting, listen closely. Find out what would make you a more attractive candidate and work on those skills. Brush up on your high school Spanish or strengthen your social media presence.

6. Stay in touch. Remember that you’re making progress even if your preferred company is unable to hire you immediately. Check in occasionally to let them know you’re still interested.

7. Be patient. Landing your dream #job can take time. If one prospect fails to respond, move on to other options. Cultivate a strong support #network that will encourage you and give you constructive feedback. Believe in yourself and think positively about your future.

Finding a #position you love will enhance your quality of life, and probably make your new employer glad you joined them. Make contacting companies you want to work for a central strategy in your job hunting.

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About: Careerspresso was created to help advance the careers of Boomer & GenX women. Morganne Gervais will show you how to get Back to Work, get a raise, get a promotion and become the obvious choice for every opportunity. Follow to stay up on the latest and greatest in career coaching.

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