Dear Mike:

I’ve been on the job hunt for a while now, and I’m starting to notice that some of the best opportunities might never actually get posted online.

I’ve done my research and identified several companies I’m really excited about, but the problem is that they aren’t currently advertising any open positions that match my skills. I don’t want to just sit back and wait for the perfect job to pop up, so I’m thinking about reaching out to these companies directly.

What’s the best way to pitch myself to an employer when there isn’t an obvious opening available?

Thanks,

Patty

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Hi Patty,

You’re onto something important—many of the best job opportunities never make it to a job board. Tapping into the hidden job market by proactively pitching yourself can set you apart from other candidates who are just waiting for openings to be posted.

Here’s a step-by-step approach to effectively pitch yourself to an employer, even when they’re not actively hiring:

Research & Understand Their Needs: Start by digging deep into the companies you’re targeting. Beyond their website and LinkedIn page, look for recent news, press releases, and industry articles about them. Understanding their current challenges, projects, or expansion plans will give you insights into areas where they might need help. This research allows you to align your pitch with their needs, making your outreach more relevant and impactful.

Identify and Highlight Your Unique Value: Based on your research, identify specific ways you can contribute. Whether it’s improving processes, driving new initiatives, or filling a gap they might not realize they have, your value proposition should be crystal clear. For example, if you know they’re expanding into a new market, and you have experience in that area, highlight that. You’re not just selling your skills—you’re offering a solution to a potential problem.

Network Internally and Externally: Leverage your network to make connections within the company. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for this. Engage with their content, comment on posts, and try to connect with employees, especially those in the department you’re interested in. A personal introduction or referral can significantly boost the chances of your pitch being noticed. Even a warm connection can help you stand out from the cold emails flooding their inbox.

Craft a Tailored, Compelling Email: Your initial email should be brief, but packed with value. Use a subject line that grabs attention, like “Innovative Ideas for [Company Name]—Marketing Expertise to Boost Your Growth.” In the email, briefly introduce yourself, mention how your experience aligns with their current needs, and propose a conversation. Remember, you’re not just asking for a job—you’re offering to help them achieve their goals.

Be Prepared to Follow Up and Engage: If you don’t hear back right away, don’t be discouraged. Following up is crucial. Send a polite follow-up email after a week, reiterating your interest and offering additional insights or ideas. Consider sending a link to an article or a case study that’s relevant to their business—something that shows you’re engaged and thinking about their success.

Stay Flexible and Open to Possibilities: If they’re interested, you might get invited to an exploratory conversation or an informational interview. Be ready to discuss a range of possibilities, including roles or projects you hadn’t initially considered. Sometimes, the best opportunities are those you didn’t anticipate. Flexibility can lead to a custom-made position that perfectly suits your skills and interests.

Leverage Informational Interviews: Even if a formal job isn’t available right away, aim to schedule informational interviews with decision-makers or key employees. These conversations can help you build relationships within the company and position you as a go-to candidate when a suitable opportunity arises.

Proactively pitching yourself takes effort, but it’s a strategy that can uncover opportunities you wouldn’t find by passively browsing job boards. You’re showing initiative, creativity, and a genuine interest in helping the company succeed—traits that employers highly value.

Good luck, Patti! I’m sure your proactive approach will open doors.

Mike

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TNCR Community – what advice would you add to this thread? Have you successfully pitched yourself to an employer? Share your experience! And if you have a career question for me, don’t hesitate to reach out at mike.burgett@burgateglobal.com.