How to Connect with a Hiring Manager

My Mentor: So you want to know how to connect with a hiring manager.

Me: Very much so. Some of the job ads say NO Phone Calls and I don’t how to reach a hiring manager.

My Mentor: Last week I talked to you about the importance of fit and how important it is for a manager to have a few conversations with you. This week, I’ll explain a few ways this can be done.

First, you need to have a target list. Find 3 or 4 companies that you would like to work for. They may have openings, or they may not.

Second, do some research. Answer the following questions:
What is their primary business?
Who are their subcontractors?
Who are their competition?
Are they a company that issues tenders or are they a company that bids on tenders, either way find out what the latest ones are.

Third,

Me: Wait. How can I find out all these things? They would never be published on Google.

My Mentor: You are correct. You must talk to people to find these things out.

Third, find people to talk to.
Look on LinkedIN, social media, call the company, go to networking events, find a new hire, make a list of potential people to talk to. This takes focus, but it is easier than you think.

Once you have a goal and you want to find out these things, people are more open to talk to you than if you are looking for work.

Fourth, once you have a list of people, CONNECT with them and ask them if you could interview them about their job and about the company. You need to connect with at least 10 people in each company, hopefully 2 people will be happy to do an interview with you where you can ask them questions.

Fifth, you have the time and date booked for the interview, start with easy questions, like where they are from, ask them to tell you about their job, what they like the most, and what are the most challenging things. Then, ask questions about the company.

The reason is not everyone is going to be open about confidential tenders at first, but there is a point where most tenders become public and then they can be talked about. Your job is to listen.

Sixth, after the interview, record everything and highlight something that you can follow-up with them in a few weeks. That is your second conversation.

Me: So by the end of this process, I should have talked to 2 people in 4 companies and collected very detailed information.

My Mentor: Yes, and you will have had conversations with the manager and with team members, like I mentioned last week.

Me: What then?

My Mentor: Those people are then part of your network. Keep in touch with them every month, let them know what you are doing. Then if a job opening comes up, you can reach out to them and say you are interested.

You are receiving this email as a Career Guide to Advance your career. People who read and talk about success progress in their career.

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