In previous posts we showed you how to conduct a proactive job search by identifying and researching companies you would like to join. Now that you have culled that list to a manageable size, you need to get your story to the correct people at these companies.

More on ITJob Search: IT Job Search Home Developing Your Elevator Pitch LinkedIn for IT Professionals 5 Ways to Optimize Keywords for a More Powerful LinkedIn Profile 4 Effective LinkedIn "Ice Breakers" Proactive Job Search Part 1: How to Identify Potential Employers with LinkedIn Proactive Job Search Part 2: How to Research Potential Employers Proactive Job Search Part 3: How to Contact Potential Employers Secrets of a Great IT Project Manager Resume Key Elements of a Great IT Executive Resume Critical Resume Tips to Launch New IT Professionals Cover Letter Tips for IT Professionals New Ways to Leverage IT Job Boards Effectively How to Quickly Build an Online Presence How to Work with Recruiters How to Use Twitter for IT Job Search How to Succeed at Phone Interviews How to Get the Most Out of Job Fairs How to Find Part-Time or Project Work IT Job Search Expert: Don Goodman, IT Job Search Expert More Resources: Computers and Technology Job Boards Professional and Industry Associations for Computers and Technology

Before You Start

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is outstanding.

The purpose of contacting someone is to get him or her to check you out; so if your LinkedIn Profile is not professional, you are sabotaging your own effort.  Most employers (more than 80% according to some research) use LinkedIn to validate the resume they receive and to learn more about the applicant.  If nothing is there, or if it is incomplete, an opportunity to make a good impression is lost.  Worse, the job opportunity may be lost, too.

Be a Smart Detective

The following section will show you some successful techniques:

1. Identify the hiring manager and staff in the area you wish to join.

For IT folks, the CIO is the top dog, but not necessarily the one you wish to contact. Look for people who would be your peers and their managers.

2. Try to identify a hiring trend:

Are a lot of people new hires?

This tells you that the company is growing.

Are a lot of people coming from the same or similar companies?

This could indicate they have a preference for people with similar backgrounds.

Have people been there for a number of years? Do they show multiple positions?

This can indicate that people like working there and see a growth path.

3. What LinkedIn Groups have they joined?

This is critical because one of the nice things about LinkedIn is that if you join the same group, you can now communicate with them for free without updating your LinkedIn account.

4. What LinkedIn discussions do they participate in?

Check out their activity section and see if they have participated in any group discussions. This is a GREAT way to enter the conversation and start showcasing your expertise. And remember to keep your comments upbeat, positive, and professional.

5. Do they have a Twitter account

Select the contact button under their profile and see if they have a Twitter handle. Follow them and see what kinds of tweets they have put out. Again, a terrific way to join the conversation.

6. Are you connected to them?

Do you have people in your LinkedIn contacts that can provide an introduction to them? There are a couple of things you can do here:

• Ask your contacts what they know about the company and do they recommend it as a potential employer? You may find negative information that you couldn’t find elsewhere that may sway your decision.
  
• Ask them what they think is the best way to get introduced.

NOTE that you did not ask them to introduce you, but rather you asked them for advice on how to get introduced.

People respond much better when they are asked for advice versus being asked to help you get a job.

7. Do you have any areas of commonality?

Do you share the same alma mater, fraternity, or former employer? Do they have a military background like you? Do they have common interests outside of their profession?

Making Contact Work for You

Now that you have identified your targets, it’s time to make contact. You can build presence and credibility by participating in discussions and tweets, but at some time, you need to break the ice.

Joshua Waldman suggests four essentials for reaching out to strangers on LinkedIn:

1. Lead with something in common
   
2. Get to the point, fast
   
3. What makes you qualified?
   
4. What do you want from me?

Make sure you have a good elevator pitch.

We showed you how to do that in a previous post here at Job-Hunt.org, Developing Your Elevator Pitch.

Remember too that when you speak to people, you also want to ask their advice regarding other people and companies you should check out. This is another way to build your network.

More:

Part 1 of Proactive Job Search - How to Identify Potential Employers with LinkedIn
Part 2 of Proactive Job Search - How to Research Potential Employers

© Copyright, 2012, Don Goodman. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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About This Author:

Don Goodman, Job-Hunt’s IT Job Search Expert, is a triple-certified career professional (Expert Resume Writer, Certified Career Coach and Job Search Strategist) with over 15 years of experience helping thousands of people quickly land their next job. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business and Stanford University’s Executive Program, he has over 30 years of IT experience. Connect with Don at his website IT-Resume.com or his blog about IT resumes, or for non-IT professionals see GotTheJob.com. You can find Don on LinkedIn, and follow him on Twitter @JobExpert. Contact Don directly at DGoodman@IT-Resume.com or call 800-909-0109.

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