HOW TO: Get a Job at a LinkedIn Connection’s Company

Research has shown that the fastest way to find a new job is to target companies where your friends work.

Great. How do you do that?

On LinkedIn, take these steps:

1. From LinkedIn’s home page, click on “Contacts/My Connections.”
2. In the left hand column, click on “Companies.”

For me, this yielded a list of companies where two or more of my connections work. It’s a start. A good start.

What to do with this information?

1. Visit the companies’ employment websites.
2. Search for job openings. I did and found two positions where I meet the specs — really closely. Who knew?
3. Call your contacts. Tell them you found a job you seem to be perfect for and that you want to learn more about it. Get the scoop. While you’re at it, ask about jobs that haven’t hit the company’s website. Brainstorm on how to get your resume in front of the hiring manager(s).
4. Customize your resume to fit the position specification and the information you collected from your contacts. See here too.
5. Apply for relevant jobs through the company’s website and through alternative routes suggested by your contacts.
6. No relevant jobs? Sigh. Go ahead and enter yourself in the company’s applicant tracking system, if there is one, so you will hear about relevant jobs. Maybe.
7. Let your contacts know you’re interested in their company and that you would love to hear about opportunities and events you might attend.

To hear about, or discern, opportunities beyond a company’s website and employees:

1. Reach out to company alumni, customers, and vendors. Beyond current employees, these people are major sources of hire. More here.
2. Track the company with a Google Alert. More here.
3. Track the company on the major job boards. More here.
4. Track the company on the major social media platforms. More here.