It is quite easy to get an interview with any company.
Recently, my close friend decided to move up to San Francisco and pursue a career change. In less than a week, I helped him get an interview with 3 fortune 500 companies located in San Francisco.
My friend does not go to networking events, does not have a vast connection list on LinkedIn, and does not have an actively read blog online; and yet, in less than a week, he has secured in-house interviews at 3 top companies.
Who should read this post: A young professional who is looking for a career change
What you will learn: How to get a job interview at your dream company
The secret to getting an interview is quite simple: a solid introduction.
Most people assume incorrectly that only people who love to network can get introductions to top tier companies. If you’re ready for a career change and you want that extra edge to get the interview, then take the following steps:
- Start an industry specific blog to build thought-knowledge, credibility, and demonstration of passion
- Connect with every acquaintance on LinkedIn
- Develop your Introduction Request email and email to every relevant person
- Take the right people out to lunch
- Email the hiring manager for the position you’re interested in
Start an Industry Specific Blog
You are not blogging to build traffic.
You are not blogging to sale ads or products online.
You are not blogging to build a community.
The sole purpose of blogging for recruiting is to demonstrate your thought-knowledge in the industry, establish credibility, and to demonstrate passion for the position.
How to easily start a blog
You have 2 easy options:
What to write about
If you are trying to get into finance, write about your opinions over recent mergers and acquisitions, the market downturn, stocks that you are invested in, and many other finance topics.
If you are trying to get into high fashion, write about this new fall season and what’s in style, your favorite designers, and how to wear a scarf with any outfit.
There are a million things that you can write about – so get to writing.
How much to write
Write a new post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until you get the job you want.
Connect with every acquaintance on LinkedIn
Here are the steps to connect with every relevant person you may know on LinkedIn:
- Go to LinkedIn.com and create an account if you haven’t already
- Go to Contacts -> Add Connections
- Enter your email and password to connect to everyone that you have ever emailed
- Wait a week to let everyone accept your connection request
- Go to Advanced Search and search for people that are in the company you are interested in
- Make a list of all of your first and 2nd degree connections (you will contact these people in step 3)
Email your connections for introductions
The following is an email template that I have used successfully to get an introduction to an interview. Before you send an email, make sure you know what position that you are applying for.
Hi Name,
How is everything going?
Things are terrific on my side. I’ve recently traveled to X, have spent time learning Y, and am taking Z classes to develop my proficiency in Z.
I’m emailing you today because I’ve recently discovered my passion for the A Industry and would love to work for Company Name. I noticed on LinkedIn that you work at Company Name and would greatly appreciate an introduction to Recruiting Manager. The opening that I’m interested in is Position Title.
I am fully committed to working at Company Name, and I currently write at Blog Name to demonstrate my knowledge and passion for the A Industry.
I have attached my resume and cover letter. Thank you so much in advance for passing my documents to the right person. Please let me know how I can help you in any way.
All the best,
Take the right people out to lunch
Everyone needs to eat lunch; everyone loves a free lunch.
Once you’re introduced to the right people at the company, you may offer to take them out to lunch. Yes, this is very forward, but if you do it respectfully, then the professional may take you up on your offer.
The following is the email template that I use to take professionals or even recruiters out to lunch.
Hi Name,
My name is Name and I was introduced to speak with you by Acquaintance Name.
I am deeply passionate about the A Industry and feel that the skills and assets that I have developed throughout my career can greatly compliment Company Name. Please take a look at my A Industry blog at Blog Name here to learn more about my thoughts, opinions, and analysis of the market.
I’d like to invite you to lunch next week to learn more about your company and to demonstrate why I’m the perfect fit for Position Title. I am available the following days and times next week for lunch:
Please let me know what days and times work best for you.
All the best,
Email the hiring manager with your job application
Once you have the right introduction, it’s time to email the recruiting manager with your job application. Here is my email template.
Hi Name,
My name is Name and I was introduced to speak with you by Acquaintance Name. I am interested in the Position Title at Company Name and have attached my resume accordingly.
I believe that I am perfect for Company Name because of my Quality 1, Quality 2, and Quality 3.
The next three paragraphs should highlight examples of your 3 qualities. Show tangible examples of how your qualities have create positive return for the companies you have worked for.
Take a look at my blog at Blog Name to learn more about my thoughts, opinions, and market analysis of the A Industry.
Thank you very much and I look forward to speaking with you.
All the best,
-
If you use the above techniques and templates, then you will get an interview at your dream company.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
This is so helpful!
I’m looking to get an interview with some companies in NY and I have no idea how to get the in. I’ll be reaching out to my LinkedIn network tonight.
Let you know how it goes!
Great! I look forward to hearing from you!
What subject line should I use?
I use the following:
Jun Loayza – Applicant for the Business Development Manager Position
Roger Hamilton
You know very well about social entrepreneurship, hu likes it.
You are great in it Of course, there is too much, but I think
you get the idea. I also hope that these topics do not
send negative messages completely, because the book thought
provoking as well as funny.
I am intrested for any job so pls contect me no. 9785971259
Remember, if you make a good impression at the school, you
may be able to ask for a reference to include in your application.
It is a good idea to look at your life as a whole for experience that may translate to your career.
Use your best qualities to your advantage, showcase your
strengths and accomplishments in your resume and cover, and you will
easily edge out your competition.
Hello there, You’ve done a great job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this web site.
Hey Jun, I am glad that I stumbled across your site. Your very smart. I found the name of the manager, and I really want to work for the xyz company. However, there is no opening. Should I send my cv and resume via email and snail mail at the same time? Also, what if I get a reply, saying they are not accepting anyone. Should I give up? Appreciate your advice.