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The Secret Edge in Job Hunting: Making Contact Before Applying

Every swimmer looks for that distinct stroke to reach the shore ahead of the pack. With numerous contenders aiming for the same target, how do you ensure you're not just another ripple but a powerful wave that catches the eye? The secret may lie not only in the race itself but in the strategic moves made before the dive.

Let's delve into the tactic of making contact before submitting your application—a strategy that could prove to be your secret weapon in the competitive world of job hunting.
Frederik van Lierde - Oct 27, 2024
The Secret Edge in Job Hunting: Making Contact Before Applying

Key Takeaways

  1. Leverage Pre-Application Contact: Reaching out to potential employers before applying can give you a significant advantage by making you a familiar name, setting you apart from other candidates right from the start.
  2. Master the Art of Research: Identifying and connecting with the right person, such as the HR manager, through platforms like LinkedIn or company websites can enhance your chances of making a memorable impression.
  3. Utilize Direct Communication: In a digital age dominated by emails and instant messaging, a direct phone call can be a powerful tool to demonstrate your initiative and genuine interest in the position, making you stand out in the job hunting process.

Table of COntents

  • The Pre-emptive Strike in Job Hunting
  • Becoming the Detective: The Research Playbook
  • The Lost Art of Direct Communication
  • Crafting the Perfect Arrow: Tailoring Your Application
  • Conclusion: Dare to Be Different
Every swimmer looks for that distinct stroke to reach the shore ahead of the pack. With numerous contenders aiming for the same target, how do you ensure you're not just another ripple but a powerful wave that catches the eye? The secret may lie not only in the race itself but in the strategic moves made before the dive.

Let's delve into the tactic of making contact before submitting your application—a strategy that could prove to be your secret weapon in the competitive world of job hunting.

The Pre-emptive Strike in Job Hunting

Picture walking into a room where everyone already knows your name. It’s an undeniable advantage, right? That's exactly the benefit you gain when you proactively reach out to potential employers before dropping your application into the pile.

Even as the world moves swiftly towards digital interfaces, the timeless wisdom remains: it's not only what you know, but also who you know—and making sure they know you too.

Becoming the Detective: The Research Playbook

In the job application arena, the recruitment manager is your MVP. Your first task? Identify this key player. Sometimes, job ads will readily provide this information. But when they don’t, it’s time to don your detective hat.

Here’s how to uncover valuable contacts:
  • LinkedIn – The Modern Rolodex: A quick search like “Company Name HR Manager” can direct you to the gatekeeper of your desired position.
  • Company Websites – The Official Directory: Look past the marketing and find the directory that lists key personnel.
  • Google – The Trusty Sidekick: A simple search such as “[Company Name] HR Manager LinkedIn” can yield direct results.
  • The Direct Route: In an era of digital roundabouts, sometimes the straightest path—like a phone call—can get you information faster than any online search.
With the right name in hand, you’re set for the next step.

The Lost Art of Direct Communication

While DMs, emails, and instant messages flood our daily interactions, the humble phone call has regained its power. It’s direct, personal, and cuts through the noise.

Though the idea of making a cold call might be daunting, remember, it's just another person on the line—someone who might appreciate a real conversation in a sea of automated interactions.

Equipped with their name and your curiosity, use this call as a recon mission, gathering insights that could be crucial for your application.

Crafting the Perfect Arrow: Tailoring Your Application

Armed with the insights from your conversation, your application is no longer a shot in the dark but a guided missile designed to hit its mark.

Your resume and cover letter, now enriched with details from your interaction, transform into ongoing conversations, extending the dialogue you’ve already begun.

Conclusion: Dare to Be Different

In the vast theater of job hunting, often it’s the bold moves that capture attention. Reaching out before applying is more than a tactic—it's a bold statement.

It shows you’re proactive, engaged, and willing to explore less common paths to achieve your goals. In a crowded market, these are the qualities that can make you stand out as not just another applicant, but the candidate of choice.