Should I Answer A Job Posting Right Away Or Find Someone To Refer Me?

Normally [when applying for a job], I’d try to find someone within the organization so I could write a cover letter that was a better fit. But I’ve sometimes been burned doing that because it took so long to talk to someone that the job got taken down. What would you suggest? – Events Director

Should I Answer A Job Posting Right Away Or Find Someone To Refer Me?

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Kudos to this job seeker for recognizing two factors that are critical in a job search – speed and customization. Unfortunately, these factors are at odds with each other. It takes time to customize a cover letter, resume or other aspect of your job search material. Yet, responding quickly when a job is posted gets your application in the queue early – or before it’s closed for good. Since you don’t know how long the posting will stay advertised, or how long your customization will take if you’re waiting for sources to respond, the safest course of action is to do both.

Respond online AND look for an insider to help you

Not all applications require a cover letter, though if you have the option to submit one, take it! The cover letter is distinct from your resume and an additional way to market yourself for the job. You can write a cover letter in seven easy steps, and you can customize it by researching the company website, if you don’t have any other inside information. Once the application is sent, you can turn your focus into finding someone inside the company to promote your job search efforts.

This company insider might provide information that can help you identify and reach the decision-makers directly. Or, if your inside contact knows the hiring team, they might provide an introduction. If you get to the interview process, an insider can help you customize your message to match what a company really needs and wants, improving your chances at getting the job.

Set limits — doubling your approach doesn’t mean doubling your job search time

If you set limits on your online applications, you won’t necessarily double your job search time by both applying online and networking to find live connections. For example, set a time limit for how long you are going to review a company website. Pick a maximum number of LinkedIn profiles of current employees to look at. Decide in advance to review press releases from just the past year, or just news items featured on the website, or just the first X mentions from an Internet search. Set up research rules so you don’t go down a rabbit hole looking for more and more information. The time you save can be dedicated to finding those important live connections and nurturing your network to help you on your job search.

Remember to pursue jobs that aren’t posted

Even as you get more efficient about applying to job postings, don’t forget to pursue jobs that aren’t posted – i.e., the hidden job market. Circle back to employers who didn’t hire you. They might not be happy with the person they picked instead of you. Rekindle contact with former managers, colleagues and direct reports. They already know, like and trust you from previous collaborations. Don’t forget personal connections, even if your friends and family are not in your same line of work. You never know 100% who or what other people know – people may have connections or information that can help if you just remind them of what you’re looking for.

Job search is a numbers game

Any one job lead can fall through even if you are a great candidate doing great job search work. A potential job gets pulled for a hiring freeze. A job that matches you perfectly gets redrafted and no longer fits. A management reshuffle means that the hiring manager who loved you no longer oversees that role. Therefore, wherever you can increase your job numbers – say, by applying online AND still networking for an introduction – you improve your chances.