Our M.O. as job seekers is usually to apply to whatever fits the basics of what we’re looking for from a role and from a company. But what if I told you that in getting hired there are benefits to applying directly to your dream company? According to Real Life Career Advice, these are some of the benefits of applying based on your dream company rather than just applying for what’s available:
- Most roles aren’t advertised, so you’re opening up a whole new avenue of career possibilities
- There’s not as much competition when you’re applying for roles that aren’t advertised
- You bypass applicant tracking systems that may mark you as unqualified for a job you could actually do
It’s important not to rule out anything on your job search – especially something as important as working for a company you’re passionate about. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to get hired at your DREAM company.
D: Do your research. Getting hired takes homework
Like most big decisions in life, applying to your dream company takes some investigation. When starting the process, it’s important to look at:
- What is the kind of company you’d like to work for?
- What industries would you like to work in?
- Which companies’ values align with yours?
- Which companies will help build your skillset and help you achieve your career goals?
- Who are the important decision makers in the company?
- Are there any problematic elements or scandals tied to the company?
- Does the company have a good reputation with their previous employees? (you can use Glassdoor for this)
- Do they already have open vacancies?
Things aren’t always what they seem on the surface. By doing your research ahead of time, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. And if you don’t come across any issues that’s a bonus. You’re at least able to make decisions with more information than you had before.
R: Reach out. Getting hired takes networking
Once you’re sure that this is a company you would like to work for, try building connections within the company. Search on LinkedIn for employees and decision makers to connect with. If you can’t find anyone from the company to connect with, try connecting with someone with connections to the company. Keep an eye out for any webinars, seminars, conferences, or trade shows the company is attending and make sure that you connect with fellow attendees. If there are question and answer opportunities, speak up. The more of a connection you build in this step, the easier it will be to market yourself later.
E: Eyes on social media. Get to know your dream company
Social Media is a great way for brands to communicate what they’re about. It’s important that you follow any and all social media accounts your dream company has. And don’t just follow silently – interact with their accounts. This not only does this help their posts in the minefield that is social media algorithms, but also gets your name out there. If brands advertise effectively through consistent exposure to their name, why shouldn’t you do the same? The more active you are on their accounts, the more the company will notice you.
A: Approach politely, without expectations. You’re not guaranteed a role
It’s important to remember that applying for an unadvertised role is very different from applying for an advertised one. You’re applying with the knowledge that there might not be any open vacancies. It’s important, therefore, to be polite and courteous in your interactions. You aren’t marketing yourself on how well your skillset matches a job description, but rather on your passion for the company itself, your career abilities in general, and how it would benefit the company to hire you. Part of this is avoiding arrogance, accepting clear “NO”s, and making it clear that you’re not reaching out from a place of expectation, but rather because you really want to work for the company. Don’t burn bridges in this step. Keep open communications so that even if they don’t have anything available now, they’ll consider you for future roles. After all, who doesn’t want an employee who’s as passionate about the brand as the company is?
M: Market yourself like you mean it – getting hired takes motivation
You’re applying for a role that’s not directly advertised, so keep in mind that marketing yourself is different. As stated above, your focus isn’t on how your skills and experience match what they’re looking for in a particular role, but rather on your passion for their brand and what you could bring to the company. Make sure that you have a compelling cover letter, a winning CV, and that your social media profiles are up-to-date and show you in your best light. Motivate the reasons you would like to work for their company in particular, how your values overlap, and your previous career successes. Advertising yourself well is key, and even if you’re unsuccessful this time, if you make a good impression, that’s a foot in the door for future opportunities.
Remember:
There’s no right or wrong way to go about applying directly to your dream company, but there are things that are wiser to do than others. By making sure you know what you’re doing ahead of time, being respectful at all times, and making sure that you take the time to market yourself as best as you can, you give yourself the best chance at success possible.
