The job market continues to be competitive and job seekers looking for career information may find this tidbit helpful: do not wait for your dream company to contact you. If you wait for a company to contact you or post a job opening, you may be losing key opportunities. Still not sure that proactively reaching out to a company is in your best interest? Below are four reasons why it could help your job search efforts.
Demonstrates You’re A Self-Starter
Companies are looking for employees who seek out challenges and don’t need a manager to push them. By reaching out a company on your own, you’re demonstrating the work ethic you will bring to their team and that will help you stand out among other job seekers.
Proves You Are Passionate
Employers often complain about the template cover letters and communications they receive from job seekers. Companies want to know that you care about the mission and values of the organization, because invested employees are better at their job and contribute more to company goals. When you proactively reach out you are effectively saying, “out of all the companies out there, I want work for you.”
Quality Over Quantity
Reaching out to employers on your own also supports a healthy quality over quantity approach to job seeking. It can be tempting to simply blast out your resume and hope a company responds. But, career information experts often advise that job seekers should be more selective in their approach. By narrowing your job search you are more likely to end up in a career where you’re challenged and happy, rather than just a job.
Creates An Opportunity For An Informational Interview
Even if a company is not hiring, if you want to work for them you should contact them. Much of landing a job is networking and who better to network with then the people you want to hire you. Asking for an informational interview can be a great foot in the door as well as a way to learn about an industry. You can ask for resume help, their best career advice or talk about trends in the industry. Whatever you do, don’t flat out ask to be hired. Keep in mind that this is an informational interview and you don’t want the person you’re meeting with to feel like your after something more.
Being proactive in your job search will take more effort but you’ll experience a lot of benefits from that work. In terms of career management, you’ll be thankful that you put forth the extra time! If you’re looking for a career change or to advance your current career, check out the degrees offered by Bryant & Stratton College Online by calling 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.
