You should stop applying for jobs online.
I’ve never talked publicly about these, but here’s what I used to get hired by 3 multi-billion $ companies. (Beating out 1000’s of applicants.)
The last 2 are the most important.
Build a Groundswell
Multi-thread the team you want to join. So the hiring manager hears “the buzz” about you before you even reach out.
Ask for their advice in a SHORT note:
“Would value your advice on XYZ company. I’m thinking of applying & would love to hear about your experience there. Have 2 specific questions for you.”
If they agree, you can ask:
“It looks like skills A,B & C are important in this role. In the past, I’ve done things like (relevant success metrics 1&2). It also seems like ____ (skill/experience I have) would add value. To what extent have you found it to be impactful?”
“What’s the 1 thing you’d fix about XYZ company if you had a magic wand?”
> send a Thank You note. They’re busy & they made time.
Be Instantly Memorable Pattern Interrupts are what people remember.
Our brains are conditioned to gloss over things that are always the same. (It’s how we got home from the store, but don’t remember the drive.)
One way to stand out is to use a “secret weapon” I learned from a mentor who’s now SVP Sales at a Fortune500.
It won’t all fit in a LinkedIn post, but you can see it & get a template with the details below.
Come with a Point of View
95% of candidates won’t put in the work on this.
Bad for them – great for you.
Using a POV is one of the best pattern interrupts when reaching out to a hiring manager to get an interview. Or in the interview itself. Or both.
It sounds like:
“Taylor, I’m excited about this role. It looks like your org announced earlier this year they’re focused on (company news 1) and (company news 2).
I think that probably means you’re looking for folks with ______ experience. People who are comfortable with __________ conversations, and who know their way around ________.
That’s what many companies in the space seem to be prioritizing, but what did I miss that you’re focused on? Would love to connect to go deeper into this.”
These days, we have to stand out to even get an interview.
Applying online has an 80% failure rate (Forbes).
Get a ‘secret weapon’ you can instantly use (free today) plus VIP access to multiple resources – including strategies for building a groundswell AND how to build a Point of View – right here.
Using these techniques made a big difference for every single student in my recent career coaching group.
Hopefully you use them to stand out and get closer to the role you deserve.