Navigating the job market can be a daunting experience but targeting the right person within a company can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Decision makers are typically those who have the authority to make hiring decisions, such as hiring managers, department heads, or executives. Here is a step-by-step guide to identifying and reaching out to these key individuals.
First you must understand the Organization’s Structure. Before you can find the decision maker, you need to understand the company’s hierarchy. Several companies have information about their management team and organizational structure on their website. Look for an “About Us” section or a “Team” page.
Secondly, use LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for researching potential employers. Use the search feature to look up the company and view its employees. Pay attention to titles like “Hiring Manager,” “HR Manager,” “Department Head,” or “Recruiter.” Check who of your connections are connections in common with them.
Besides LinkedIn, you can explore other professional networking sites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and the company’s own website. Employee reviews and company insights often mention decision makers, which can be particularly useful.
It is important not to spam everywhere but identify the right decision maker. That is why you must narrow down your list. Once you have identified potential contacts, narrow your list to those most likely to be involved in hiring for the position you want. If you are applying for a marketing role, for instance, the Marketing Director or Head of Marketing would be your best bet.
Look at their job descriptions and recent activity to ensure they are making decisions and then indeed involved in recruitment. LinkedIn profiles often mention if someone is hiring, and you can find similar cues in their recent posts. Important is to get a picture of their team, also how large is it. Once I discussed with a Marketing Manager that did not have anyone in her team but still some people were asking to be hired.
How to find contact information? These days the easiest way is to use LinkedIn InMail.
Craft a concise and personalized message highlighting your interest in the company and the specific role. If you are unable to contact the decision maker via LinkedIn and it looks like the right e-mail address is not firstname.surname @company.com, use email lookup tools like Hunter.io or Voila Norbert to find their professional email address. These tools can scan the web for email addresses associated with specific domains.
Personalize Your Approach. Personalization is key. Mention something specific about their role or a recent company achievement that aligns with your skills or interests. This shows you have done your homework and are genuinely interested in their company.
Decision makers are busy people. Your message should be clear, direct, and to the point. Outline who you are, why you are reaching out, and a summary of your qualifications.
Include a Call to Action. End your message with a clear call to action. Request an informational interview, ask for advice on applying, or simply express your hope to discuss how you can contribute to their team.
If you do not receive a response within a week or two, do not be afraid to send a polite follow-up message. Reiterate your interest and briefly restate your qualifications.
Prepare for the Conversation. Before any conversation, make sure you are well-prepared. Homeworks must be done. Know the company’s up-to-date news, its culture, and specific challenges within the department you are targeting. Surprise the director how much you know about them. Be ready to give a quick elevator pitch about who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you are excited about the opportunity.
Show your engagement and curiosity by asking insightful questions about possible roles and the company’s vision. This can make a strong impression and set you apart from other candidates.
Finding and contacting the decision maker in your job hunt requires research, precision, and persistence. By understanding the company structure, identifying the right individual, crafting personalized and concise messages, and preparing thoroughly for any ensuing conversation, you put yourself in the best possible position to make a positive impression and secure the job you want. Happy hunting!