How to use social networking sites to contact recruiters
People interested in working at Microsoft often contact me (and other recruiters, I’m sure) through LinkedIn. For me, this and other social networking sites are a great way for recruiters and candidates to connect, and I’ve made some great hires for Microsoft by using LinkedIn.
But when you reach out to recruiters online, it’s not the same as adding old high school friends on Facebook. Here are some tips for contacting recruiters on social networking sites:
- Do your research: Check the careers site first. If there is a specific position you’re interested in, apply online and then include the position number and product group you’ve applied for when you contact us. The more work you’ve done, the easier it is for us to help you out.
- Be professional and polite: Make sure you leave a good impression. Even if we’re not able to help you the first time around, we may keep you in mind for future opportunities.
- Know your audience: Each of us at Microsoft is aligned to a specific business group. For example, I focus on hiring technical individuals for the CRM and BI products and technologies within the Microsoft Business Division. If you are a finance candidate and you reach out to me, I’m less likely to be able to help you as that is not my area of focus. Try searching for a recruiter at Microsoft with keywords specific to your expertise and reach out to them.
- Be patient and understanding: Try your best to stay calm if a recruiter doesn’t get back to you right away. Some may not check their social networking site accounts often or could be out of the office when you try to contact them, so don’t take it personally.
Generally, if the candidate seems like a good fit for the company, I will forward his or her information on to either a resume distribution list within Microsoft or to a specific recruiter. The more clues you give us about your areas of interest and future goals, the better able we are to put your information in the right hands. And remember, even if you don’t hear back from a recruiter you’ve reached out to, you’re no worse off for trying.
Happy hunting!
-Ryan
11 Comments
How to use social networking sites to contact recruiters … | New Web 2.0 Magazine said:
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How to use social networking sites to contact recruiters … « Networking said:
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Social Networking Basics said:
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DAXGUY said:
Hi Ryan, Do you look into CRM Recruitment for Dynamics suite of Products?
BlogMS Weekly Articles Published – 30th March to 5th April said:
237 Microsoft Team blogs searched, 115 blogs have new articles in the past 7 days. 327 new articles found
Rithik said:
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for your golden advice. I will finish my research on jobs first and get back you in near future. I am big time fan of MS and its products. Love to work for MS. I will get in soon, I am sure. Have a nice day!
-Rithik
getjobs4u.com said:
thanks Ryan,this is very very usefull advise for me.Anyway thanks a lot
John said:
Did some Y2K stuff at MS, found it an interesting place to work.
Have to admit, I like wearing a shirt and tie to work, because when you go home you can change into casual clothes, at MS I was dressed smart casual so no need to change after work hence didn't have the psychological break.
John said:
Declan Fitzgerald at MS Ireland is doing something similar.
Camilo Sabogal said:
Ryan,
so I'll try to search Microsfot recruiters using the right keywords
Freelancer München said:
thx for the advice - please post more