Is your dream company never hiring? It can look that way if you only search job boards, but they usually don’t have the whole picture. This is because of the best-kept secret in the job-hunting game. Positions become available internally before they are posted to job boards. Also, some companies only select a few job boards to post to. So, how are you supposed to know when your company of interest is hiring?
Read below for the top five tips on asking companies if they’re hiring so that you can be first in line for their consideration. Check out the templates at the end of the article on how to professionally ask, “can I please work for you?”
1. Find the Right Person
Suppose you email the general contact email posted on the company’s website. In that case, there is a meagre chance you will get a response. Instead, you need to do a little investigating to find someone at the company who is either in charge of hiring or the head of the department you’re interested in. An excellent place to look is on the company directory on their website or LinkedIn. See if you can find the contact information of any talent acquisition partners at the company or any HR specialists recruiting in the specific department. Then, look to the internet to see if any lead generation websites have their contact information. You would be amazed at how easily you can find direct emails for people just by doing a little internet sleuthing!
If not, go one step beyond the general email and find contact information for an entire department like Marketing, Technology, etc., and then reach out to employees in that department. Spending a little time now to find a targeted contact will significantly improve your chances of getting in front of the right person.
2. Pitch Yourself
An attached resume will most likely not be opened out of the hundreds of resumes on the hiring manager’s desk. Instead, summarize your interest in the company and explain your background as to why they should be considering you. These summaries should be in the body of your email or explained over the phone. Think of this as your 30-second or 150-character elevator pitch about why they should talk to you. Focus on specific parts of the company that you love and how your skills can help them succeed. Remember to be extra polite and leave your contact information in your email signature or near the end of the phone call.
3. Get to the Point
Remember to keep your ask short, no matter how you reach out, whether it’s via email, social media, or over the phone. The first conversation you have should not be about summarizing your entire resume. Instead, include your elevator pitch, and then focus on what you are asking. You are an interested candidate who is reaching out to ask if they have any roles open that you may apply to. Be polite and to the point. The shorter your ask is, the more likely someone will respond regardless of how busy they are.
4. Try Again if No Success
Are you still waiting on a response, even after following up a few times? It’s time to find a new contact and reach out again. Try a different person in the department, one level higher or lower, and ask again. If you still have no luck, try a completely different department, and start from the top there, asking if they can refer you to the relevant person. Don’t be afraid to keep trying until you receive a response. If you are polite, your persistence will stay professional.
5. Get Creative, Get Social
The traditional ways of talking about business no longer apply. Almost every company has a social media presence, so take advantage of it! Reach out on social media and ask if they have any openings or connect you with someone in charge of hiring. Find a few people on LinkedIn within the company to connect with and ask as well. Check out the template at the end of this article on how to stay within the DM character limit.
Email Template:
Hello X,
My name is Y, and I’m reaching out to ask about open or upcoming positions within your company. I have a great interest in your company because of the specific practices, and I believe my experience in the field makes me a perfect candidate for your team.
Would you mind letting me know if you could provide me with any details about positions I may apply to? If you are not the right person to reach out to, could you please connect me with the person who is?
Thank you for your time! I’m looking forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Y
555-555-5555
Social Media Short Template:
Hi X, My name is Y. I am a recent graduate from XYZ University with experience in the field of Z. Would you be able to connect me with the person in charge of hiring? I’m looking to inquire about open positions within your company. Thanks so much!