Create a Top 20 List
This list can be made of:
• Companies you would like to work for and respect
• Companies that are geographically desirable
• Companies that you have identified an opening that fits your background
• Companies that can leverage your skill set
Network Network Network
Once you have your list of targets, work your network to find personal contacts at those companies. Linkedin, Facebook, WITI and other professional organizations,
friends, etc. are all great resources for this.
Ask for Recommendations
Reach out to people that may be able to recommend openings suitable for you. For example, if you are a Product Manager for software products, reach out to other product managers to see if they have any ideas for you. If you found them (via Google, an article they were quoted in, etc.), recruiters that are looking for people with similar backgrounds will find them too, and now they can pass along your information.%%page_break%%
Stay Positive
Just because you didn't get a response to a resume you sent in via Monster, WITI4Hire, Careerbuilder, etc. does not necessarily mean that company is not interested in you. Track down people in the department or that you would potentially report to and ask if they know of any openings available now or that are coming up. Remember, a lot of reqs open up only after a company identifies a person they want to hire.
Work with Your Recruiter, but Don't Put All of Your Eggs in One Basket
Independent recruiters can be a great resource, but they need your help as much as you need theirs. Set up weekly calls, send them info about openings you have heard about at companies you know they have relationships with, brainstorm with them on companies that should be approached on your behalf.
Research the Company Before You Reach Out
Read the last 10 press releases on their website. Get a full understanding of the business that they are in and be prepared to let them know how you can contribute. Have they made any recent acquisitions? Where is the R&D being done? What are the backgrounds of the executive teams?
Carolyn Leighton founded WITI in 1989 to help women advance by providing access to - and support from - other professional women working in all sectors of technology. With a global network of smart, talented women and a market reach exceeding 2 million, WITI has powerful programs and partnerships that provide connections, resources, opportunities and a supportive environment of women committed to helping each other.
Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of WITI.
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