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How can I network with individuals at a dream company if they do not recruit at my university?

#networking #recruiting

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Sarah’s Answer

On top of relying on LinkedIn, you can also check and see if the company is hosting any events that are open to the public. Some companies will host meetups or events to try attract talent and attending can be a great way to get to know people in the company and other people in other companies that maybe you hadn't thought of.

Also keep an eye out for conferences or career fairs that the company might be attending. Some of them are free to the public. Others have a fee but some will also offer scholarships to people who can't afford to go so you can submit an application.

Most conferences also have a directory of attendees so before the conference you can scroll through and identify people you'd like to meet. You can reach out through the conference app and directory and offer to buy a coffee in exchange for time to talk at the conference at a meet-up point.

Attending these events with your LinkedIn app ready to go will be helpful. On the LinkedIn app you can scan another persons QR code so you can connect with them. Meeting in person and connecting on LinkedIn is gonna help you stand out in the person memory since you actually met IRL and you can use that connection later on once you start looking for opportunities/internships.

Helpful tip - bring a battery pack to keep your phone charged as using LinkedIn and conference apps heavily while networking can be draining on the battery.

Sarah recommends the following next steps:

Build out your LinkedIn profile
Research free conferences you can attend
Research relevant conferences where you may qualify for a scholarship to attend
Download the LinkedIn Mobile App - learn how to use "Find People Nearby" function and "QR code" function
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Austin’s Answer

Hi Inaara,

Really good question!! It is good that you are aware about recruiting and it is unfortunate that your desired company does not recruit from your university. Despite this little roadblock, there are still ways for you to network with and meet individuals from your dream company. I am not sure what year you are in college, but I recommend that you intern with your dream company if you still have time. Internships will provide you a way to directly work alongside with current employees and this can give you great insight into a possible future career. Also, companies often make full time offers to their interns which is good news for your (I was an intern that was offered a full time job with my past employer). This happens often enough where you should definitely do your best and be on your A game as you don't want to potentially squander a great opportunity like that.


Also, try and leverage who you know and your larger professional network. You'd be surprised regarding the number of people that you know who could provide you with a way "in". You may have a distant friend or a relative who knows someone who could set you up with a coffee meeting or something. It may seem like something small and inconsequential, but little meetings like that can often lead to establishing a professional relationship where they may be more willing and able to help you out. Everyone knows a surprisingly high amount of people, use who you know to your advantage!!


I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!!


Best,

Austin
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Robert’s Answer

I hope you are doing well! Make sure you have a very robust LinkedIn profile highlighting any accomplishments, achievements, etc. Run searches on LinkedIn regarding the company name and key words or titles - if sales is your goal: Sales Manager, Sales Director etc. Send invites to connect - most individuals on LinkedIn are very open to building their network and will accept. Once they do review their profile, find any commonalities, respond to them that you have done research on their company, have similar background, connections and would love the opportunity to connect with them about career opportunities with their company.
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Beata’s Answer

Using LinkedIn can be a great step with networking with individuals at your target/dream company. Start by connecting with individuals in the department you are most interesting in joining as well as the recruiting team. As you start to send invites/Inmails, include a brief note about about why you are looking to connect. As they accept your invites, you can then send a follow-up note asking if they would be open to providing you some advice/guidance. Be sure to always send a follow-up thank you after any discussion/connection (common courtesy is not so common anymore).
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Jo’s Answer

Hi Inaara,

I'm in graduate recruitment and I want to make sure you don't lose faith when the recruiters you are contacting based on the above advice people gave you aren't answering your needs to the fullest. Where in regular recruitment recruiters are indeed able to reach out to candidates on an individual basis to set-up informative calls, often in graduate recruitment the recruiters handle such big volumes that they don't necessarily have the bandwidth to introduce you to a company on a 1:1 basis.

I would suggest the following alternatives in addition to the above advice given:

Jo recommends the following next steps:

Research the different online platforms this company is using for its graduate recruitment (Graduateland etc.) and make sure you attend online career fairs on behalf of this platform (they often release the companies that are participating beforehand)
Follow the company on LinkedIn as well as follow some graduate recruiters to make sure you don't miss any recruiting events organised on their behalf
Contact a current graduate on LinkedIn and ask to give you more information (maybe he can even refer you on the position)
Make a personal account on their general career/jobs page and put alerts on it so you get an email send to you with their new positions
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Rod’s Answer

You can also try to find a contact in HR and recruitment (via website or just by calling in). You can call them or send them an email to let them know that you are interested in getting to know the company better because you are interested in working there in the future. Ask them directly of any opportunities to get to know people from the company and opportunities to get o know the company better.
Good luck
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Karen’s Answer

Hello Inaara,

I echo the previous comments on LinkedIn as well. That is a great way to start. Further to that though, many of these companies have employee referral programs so by connecting to someone in your dream company, you have an opportunity to showcase your skills so that they will want to refer you. Another way is to join the same groups that they are members of. For example, if you want to work in Human Resources at that company, join the local professional organization, or even follow the same LinkedIn groups that these employees follow. This could naturally get you some time with them. Finally, following the company on LinkedIn to stay up to date on their activities will also keep you in the know in case there are any opportunities available.

Good luck!
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Natalie’s Answer

Hi!


I would recommend connecting with individuals from your dream company via LinkedIn. Search for people in the specific department you'd like to work in or a recruiter. Once you connect with them, ask if they could connect for a brief call. Ask them advice on the best way to prepare to work at their company, qualities they are seeking or how to obtain an internship or job.


I'd also recommend going to a school fair that the company does attend. Check if they will allow you in to get some face time with the company you are interested in. Come prepared with your resume and questions.


Best of luck!
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Silas’s Answer

I would recommend connecting with them on Linkedin and trying to set up informational calls. Your network is your best friend so if you know people at your dream company you should reach out directly and learn about their experience. See if they can put you in touch with additional employees to answer your questions and provide guidance.
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Joe’s Answer

Hi Inaara, a great way to begin recruiting your dream company is to build a solid profile on LinkedIn and send brief invitations to connect with individuals who work for the company. Your invitations should be brief, not asking for anything, and stating some reasons why you love what they are doing at their company and that you would like to connect. People tend to enjoy reaching back and helping others as long as they don't feel a burden to do so. As your network list begins to grow you can humbly ask their advice from time to time via LinkedIn message industry related questions, and follow-up with examples of how their advice helped you in your school work, personal life, etc which can organically build relationships. Simple fact, people hire and refer people they like. This isn't easy and it's not a quick process, but it is simple and takes work.

All my best,

Joe
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Joel’s Answer

Hello Inaara, having experience with students from non-target schools and now recruiting for a company that focuses on specific schools, you'll need to be extra proactive to succeed. A proven approach involves connecting with alumni from your school who have successfully entered your dream company. They're more likely to connect with you on LinkedIn due to the shared school background. Additionally, they can offer tailored advice for your job search. Lastly, as others have pointed out, a referral from them (though not guaranteed) can be incredibly helpful in opening doors for you.
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