Is LinkedIn-adding an IT firm’s staff how to get a tech job?

This question was fired to me recently, writes CV and work-winning expert Matt Craven, of the CV & Interview Advisors.

Or more specifically, the question was; “Is sending out LinkedIn invitations to staff at a tech company I want to work for how to land an IT job with them?”

LinkedIn is key for tapping into the hidden tech jobs market

Interestingly, using LinkedIn in this way -- sending the staff of a prospective employer LinkedIn connection requests -- is one of the core tactics we recommend to contractors.

It’s an overlooked way of how contractors and full-timers in IT can tap into the ‘hidden’ technology jobs market.

In short, the idea is that you almost ‘network’ your way into your dream tech role, using the power of LinkedIn!

Your network is your net worth

It’s obviously not as straightforward as that. But let’s start with the importance and power of networking.

I’m a big believer in the adage, “Your network is your net worth.”

My experience is that there’s often something strange about how the universe works, and it seems that the more people you know and interact with, the more opportunities come your way.

What the monks think…

There’s a great book called The Celestine Prophecy written by James Redfield. It goes down this rabbit hole in earnest.

It’s about an order of monks (The Celestine Monks) who have a strong belief in fate and the power of the universe.

James and the monks argue that people come into our lives for a reason -- and if we are open to these ‘connections’ (I use the word intentionally), opportunities can be abundant.

To me, this is the essence of networking and why it is such a powerful strategy for finding technology roles, full-time and temporary.

Almost half of successful candidates got referrals - Jobvite

And that’s not to mention some pretty compelling statistics!

It is mooted that up to 60% of jobs are unadvertised.

A LinkedIn survey shows that 70% of people were hired at a company where they had a connection.

And Jobvite reports that 45% of hires come from referrals.

That’s almost half. I’m sure you know your maths, but the significance bears repeating.

Leverage today’s LinkedIn connections for an IT job tomorrow

In other words, nearly one in every two who enjoy job market success did so via someone they knew, who referred them.

So, I would fully endorse the strategy of LinkedIn-connecting with professionals within your client’s business  -- and leveraging those “connections” to secure subsequent IT assignments.

This activity is a little different to the question posed at the top, but that doesn’t make it any less of a no-brainer as well!

Repeat business; why don’t more tech contractors partake?

Harvesting contacts at an end-client for a rainy day when the jobs market is lean and mean, deserves some airtime.

In my experience, some freelance tech workers have (unfounded) misgivings about going back to the same client again, or indeed, multiple times.

Perhaps it just feels too easy. We know freelance techies like a challenge!

But this aloofness to ‘repeat business’ is a somewhat strange phenomenon, given that for practically every other business I know, the existing portfolio is often the holy grail to sustainability and success.

Four tips to access the hidden technology jobs market

To access the ‘hidden’ technology jobs market, I recommend a multi-channel approach.

1. Get networking

Build and leverage relationships.

Networking expands your sphere of influence and increases the chances of being referred for opportunities.

It's key to stay connected with your online contacts and engage in active networking, both online and offline.

Yes, LinkedIn, but yes too to that developer meet-up in London which you keep putting off despite you soon coming to the end of your three-month developer contract!

2. Make speculative applications (AKA add people on LinkedIn)

Instead of waiting for job postings, create a list of ‘target organisations’. I’m thinking here of the “tech company I want to work for” which our questioner, at the top, had in mind.

Once you’ve found your ‘target organisations’, reach out directly to its key decision-makers in your specific area of expertise or interest.

Reach out to these key decision-makers through LinkedIn connections, emails, or even in-person meetings at industry events.

Even those people at the prospective employer whose roles you’d like for yourself -- once they have moved on of course -- is being advised by some!

3. Begin Thought Leadership

Establish yourself as an authority in your field by engaging in Thought Leadership activities, such as writing articles, giving talks, or creating other content that showcases your expertise.

Such marketing of your skills not only attracts potential clients but also helps position you as the ‘go-to’ professional in your niche.

4. Invest in proactive outreach

Consider using LinkedIn Business Premium or Sales Navigator to proactively search for tech contracts.

These tools allow you to identify and connect with decision-makers directly.

My tip? Send personalised messages to decision-makers but without directly pitching your skills or services.

Instead, focus on building relationships and adding value, which can later lead to meaningful conversations and opportunities.

5. Develop your personal brand

A strong personal brand, especially on LinkedIn, is essential.

As a technologist, your LinkedIn profile needs to be optimised with a clear value proposition, professional photo, and well-crafted content that aligns with the needs of your target market or target organisations.

Mastery of the hidden tech jobs market? I can show you how…

If you are interested in totally mastering these top 5 tips to access the hidden technology jobs market, you’ll need to get your LinkedIn profile whipped into shape.

Oh, and you’ll also need a one-page networking biography instead of a standard CV.

Curious? For the answers, and to delve a little deeper than your tech job competitors might, why not reach out for a free 1-2-1 review of your LinkedIn profile and CV? You can take advantage of this Free Work reader offer by emailing your CV to info@cvandinterviewadvisors.co.uk / using this page: https://cvandinterviewadvisors.co.uk/partners/free-work