Have you been waiting for a role to open up at your dream company? Does it seem like they are never hiring and like an opportunity may never come? No problem! They say, “Good things come to those who wait.” At Style Nine to Five we say, “Good things come to those who are proactive!”

There are so many, many opportunities out there, so don’t sit back and wait to stumble upon your dream job. Design your own perfect job, pitch it to the company of your choice and make your own dreams come true!

Research

The first thing you want to do is your research. Before you approach a company with a great idea or fantastic new role, you want to make sure you can present them with something they don’t already have. Have a look at the target company’s “About Us”, or “Our People” section on their website, to see how the team is currently structured. You can also check out the “People” tab of the company LinkedIn, if they don’t have roles listed on their website.

Secondly, research similar companies, what kind of roles do they have that are missing at the company you are targeting? Do any of these new roles align with your skill set, that you could use as inspiration to pitch to your dream workplace?

Consider up and coming trends that you foresee being the next big shift in your field. For example, just over 10 ago the term “Social Media Manager” was but a mythical pipe dream for those of us posting our Valencia-filtered OOTDs. But in 2022, it’s almost unheard of for a company of any size to not have some form of social media presence. So, get creative, think of innovative ways to apply your skill set, the world as a whole and how, how it’s changing and how we will all be required adapt in the near future. This is what is so exciting about pitching your own role, you get to be the designer and creator.

Your research should also include who you will reach out to. If possible, it is ideal to address your pitch to a specific person. Typically, this would be the team lead of the department you want to work in. If you can’t find a name, or email on the website, or through LinkedIn, try reaching out to the “info@“ email most companies have, or the HR email to inquire about the appropriate email address and name to reach out to.

Prepare

Hiring managers love metrics – hard facts they can sink their teeth into. When preparing your pitch, make sure you compile some compelling facts and numbers to back up your convictions. This could include statistics about job roles from reputable websites, as well as your own personal achievements. For example, perhaps you noticed that the company you want to apply to has a Marketing Manager, who is currently wearing all the hats on the team, including social media management. You consider yourself a social wiz and want to pitch yourself as the company’s brand-new Social Media Manager. You will want to include some numbers that reflect your personal achievements, that prove your worth as a Social Media Manager. This could include high engagement averages on posts you’ve worked on, or how much you grew your own personal account or a previous professional account.

You’ll also want to spruce up your resume and LinkedIn profile. One of the first things a hiring manager is going to do when they receive your email is check out your LinkedIn profile. Just like when you have guests coming over, you want to make sure the place looks nice. Ensure that your experience and job history is up to date and accurate, update your photo to a new professional headshot, double-check the grammar on your posts, etc. Same with your resume – if you pique the interest of your hiring manager, they will likely want to go through a more formal interviewing process with you, so get a head start and make sure your application is in tip-top shape.

Pitch

Finally, The Pitch.

Start off with an email. Your first paragraph should include an introduction to yourself, how you know about the company and why you want to work for them. The second paragraph should outline the role you’re pitching and your fit for the role. Start by explaining why they need the role and follow that with the skills and experience you bring and the qualities that make you the perfect candidate for this new role. This is also where you will include the impressive achievements and compelling statistics you compiled during your preparation stage. Your final paragraph should wrap things up, thank them for their time, and offer to make yourself available for a call, or in-person meeting to speak further about why this role is necessary for the success of the company and why you’re the perfect person to fill it.

Remember, don’t get discouraged. Not everyone is going to get back to you. You can use the above template over and over until you find the right fit. You also never know what other opportunities might present themselves, maybe a hiring manager will see your pitch and know the perfect company to put you in touch with who is looking for your skill set! Lastly, don’t be afraid to follow up – emails can get buried and forgotten and sending a polite and respectful follow up could be the door that opens you up to your dream company!

Do you have your dream job picked out, but worried your LinkedIn profile could use a makeover before you start reaching out to potential future connections? Book a LinkedIn Profile Refresh with Style Nine to Five founder Christie Lohr.

Sheila O’Neill is a creative, innovative and inspiring storyteller with a background in fashion.

Feature Image: Adobe Stock