Alina shares her tips on how to reach out to employers directly on their career websites and LinkedIn profiles – and why you should do it!
What are the benefits of speaking to employers directly?
As a candidate, it might be daunting to speak to employers directly via email (like when you email them through their career websites) or on LinkedIn. I have been through this kind of nerve-wracking feeling myself when approaching employers for the first time. However, there are several benefits of speaking to employees directly, which can help you shape your job search or career pathway. I want to talk about the two main benefits of speaking to employers directly and tips on how to reach out to employers.
It provides you with an insider’s insight into a business
Suppose you are unsure about a particular business or a sector and how this is aligned to your skills and attributes. When you reach out to an employer, you can get to know the nature of a specific industry and see how you can fit in.
There are companies which cater to values and attributes rather than experience, which can help you as a young candidate fit in with the business.
Additionally, you also get an insight into how the company is performing during adverse times such as COVID-19. You can get a feel for their change of hiring practices, business practices and adaptation to change. Are they stepping up to challenges in a way you’d like to be a part of?
You get a chance to build a new connection
Building a connection is quite important during these challenging times.
Meeting different professionals either through LinkedIn or email can help you diversify your job search by providing you with new contacts who may be able to find you opportunities based on your personality and your skills. This can help your job searching process if your connection has a potential vacancy in mind or if a volunteering opportunity is available, which match your skills or personality.
Tips on how to reach out directly to employers
Be clear from the start
It’s important to remember to note that many employers during this crisis may not have the time to sift through each response. Therefore, it’s vital to make sure that the intent of your response is clearly stated within your direct message or email. For emails, it is essential to include a short introduction about yourself and how you have heard about the company. If this is for a role, attach your CV and cover letter, if required by the employer.
Reply to messages quickly
For apps such as LinkedIn or CV-Library, it is crucial to respond to your direct messages quickly and to make sure that your messages are concise and brief. It is important to use the app for it’s intended purpose, which is job hunting and networking. For professional reasons, I highly discourage using these apps as another extension of the personal information which you may share on social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook.
Speak with respect – they could be paying your salary one day
Remember that you are speaking with someone who might be your future employer or line manager. Speak to them the way you wish to be spoken to. Common etiquette and mutual respect are key to develop a good professional relationship.
Good luck!
