Struggling to Get Noticed? 3 Ways to Get Your Connection Story in Front of Hiring Managers
At Work It DAILY, we hear from job seekers all the time who are struggling to stand out in a crowded job market. With so much competition, it can be tough to get your foot in the door and land that coveted interview. But that’s why we’re here! Last week, we talked about the three stories you should tell during a job interview to impress recruiters and hiring managers. One of those stories was your connection story. Today, I want to talk about how to get your connection story in front of hiring managers BEFORE you even have an interview.
Your Connection Story Is Key
One piece of job search advice our CEO and head career coach, J.T. O'Donnell, always emphasizes is the importance of your "connection story." For those who are unfamiliar with the term, this is where you share how you feel connected to the company, its products/services, and its mission. Showing that you truly "get" the organization is what will make you stand out from the hundreds of other applicants.
Your skills and experience may be similar to other candidates, but your connection story is what will set you apart. It demonstrates your intrinsic motivation—the driving force that will get you excited to wake up and crush the job every day.
3 Ways to Get Your Story in Front of Hiring Managers
So how can you make sure your connection story gets in front of the right people? J.T. shares three effective strategies:
1. The Disruptive Cover Letter A traditional cover letter just doesn't cut it anymore. Instead, craft a "disruptive" cover letter that tells your story in a compelling, almost narrative format. Use bold section titles to grab the reader's attention. This format allows you to really showcase your connection to the company and why you're the perfect fit.
2. The LinkedIn Back-Channel If the application process doesn't give you an opportunity to include your cover letter, try back-channeling on LinkedIn. Find employees in the department you're applying to, send them a personalized connection request mentioning your story, and then follow up with the full cover letter PDF. This personal outreach can help get your application noticed.
3. The Social Media Testimonial For companies you're particularly passionate about, consider posting a LinkedIn or social media testimonial. Praise the company, explain why you're a fan, and mention that you recently applied to one of their open roles. Tag the company so their social media manager is sure to see it. This can lead to the post being shared internally, potentially catching the eye of a hiring manager.
Putting Yourself Out There
I know putting yourself out there like this can feel uncomfortable, even risky. But if you want to land a job in today’s market, these are the things you need to do. This is the time to lean in and get creative. The more you put yourself out there, the closer you'll get to that elusive "yes."
It only takes one person to see your story and think, "We have to interview this candidate." All the "no's" will fade away in the face of that one life-changing "yes." So don't be afraid to go the extra mile. Your dream job could be just one connection story away.
Be sure to check out all our free job search resources at the bottom of this newsletter. And let me know what you want to see more of in this newsletter by replying to this email.
You’ve got this!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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