How to Find the Hiring Manager for a Job

I got this question today:

I am a recent graduate and have done a Master's in Telecommunication and Networking.I am actively looking for full-time position and have some questions on how to approach for the positions posted online.

To be precise:

How can I reach out to a recruiter or hiring manager if I do not know who has posted the position?

For example, I have strong interest in "Network Engineer-Campus LAN"position available at Apple.Inc. I believe my experience and past accomplishments make me an excellent candidate for this position. But, I am not able to reach out to the hiring manager. I tried to get connected with many people in the company but can't locate the actual recruiter.

Can you please give me some tips? I do not want to miss out this wonderful opportunity.

Applying Online is a (Very) Long Shot

First, I like that this person knows to even get a shot at this job, she will have to go around the online process and connect with someone who can refer her to the hiring manager or recruiter. 8 out of 10 applications submitted online are never seen by a human eye. That's because the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that companies use to process your resume and cover letter often screen you out based on lack of experience or keywords that match their criteria.

Start With an Internet Search

I suggest this person set up a "Google Alert" for the job she wants and see what info she can find on the Internet using the keywords, "Network Engineer-Campus LAN position available at Apple.Inc." The job may be getting circulated on social media by co-workers, or even the hiring manager or recruiter as a way to attract candidates. Identify the individuals posting it and see if you can't connect with them via Linkedin, Twitter, or whatever tool they used to post it. This could fast-track you to the right person.

Reach Out to Your Network & Be Specific

Next, I suggest she search for anyone who works at Apple currently in her network and ask them directly for help. She claims she's tried to connect, but in my experience, people tend to be to soft about their request. There is a way to be polite and ask for the help without being pushy. Something like, "I'm very interested in the Network Engineer-Campus LAN position available at Apple.Inc. and trying to locate the hiring manger. Do you have any tips or could you guide me on how to track the person's name down?" While some may not want to help, all it takes is one person to be willing to give you the name so you can reach out.

Create a New Network

Lastly, I would find every person who currently has a job at Apple that is similar in title to the one listed and invite them to connect. Again, use a non-pushy but clear in your intentions approach. Say something like this, "We've never met, but your profile came up when I was doing research on the Network Engineer-Campus LAN position available at Apple.Inc. Given your background and success at getting hired by Apple, I was wondering if you might be willing to share with me any insights on the best way to get connected to a hiring manager for this type of role? Any guidance you could provide would be greatly appreciated." Some, perhaps even most of the people you try this with won't bother to connect with you, but all it takes is one person to pass you the information along that could help you connect with the hiring manager or recruiter.

Last Thought: Think Like a Business-of-One!

The above may seem like a lot of work to go through in order to get connected with the hiring manager or recruiter, but let's remember this: you are a business-of-one who wants the customer (the employer) to make a big purchase - a/k/a hire you! That doesn't come easily. You need to invest time and energy into finding as many people as you can to reach out to in hopes of landing that coveted connection. It's a numbers game. The more effort you put in, the more likely you will get the chance to put your resume and cover letter directly in the hands of the recruiter or hiring manager.

What other tips can you share? I'd love to hear from readers their tips for finding out who posted the job, and more importantly, how to get your application in the right hands!

If you want to read more of what I've written, check out my articles on Inc.com.

P.S. - First time reading my posts? Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Not only do I write for Linkedin, but I'm also founder of a popular career advice site,CAREEREALISM,and currently run the career coaching program,CareerHMO. I hope you'll check them both out!

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CAREEREALISM’s Founder, J.T. O’Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert and workplace consultant who helps American workers of all ages find greater professional satisfaction. Her book, CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career, outlines her highly successful career-coaching methodology. Purchase her e-book of CAREEREALISM for only $9.95 by clicking here !

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