Land Your Dream Job By Acting Like A Recruiter

People often ask me, "How should I use LinkedIn to get a job?" There are lots of great posts on the topic, like this one from J.T. O'Donnell, and this one from Daniel Ayele. I spend most of my time working with recruiters, so I like to think I know a thing or two on the subject. My best advice: Act like a recruiter.

The best recruiters out there don't simply reach out saying, "Hey, interested in this job?" They do their homework to determine what makes the prospect tick professionally, and then they identify people in their network who know the prospect and ask them to make a warm introduction.

Anyone pursuing a new job should do the same thing. In addition to applying for the job, you should also identify who in your network works at the company, or is connected to someone who works at the company, and ask them to introduce you to the hiring manager or recruiter.

Brendan Browne, who heads up talent acquisition at LinkedIn, recently told U.S. News & World Report that this approach significantly improves your chances of getting the job. "If you navigate your way to a warm path, your efficiency rate goes way up," he said. Why? There are three reasons: 1) few people do it, 2) it demonstrates you're willing to go the extra mile, and 3) it signals to the recruiter that you're good at your job (otherwise the person making the introduction likely wouldn't be making the introduction).

Good luck with your job hunt!