I just answered an email from a man who wants to work for a specific company. Let's call the man Rob and let's call the company XYZ (not very original I know). As Rob explained, he is "someone [who] is interested in more than just a job but a career" with XYZ. Well who wouldn't want a career with this company? It is well respected all around the world by other companies as well as by the bizillions of people who are customers. XYZ posts its job listings on its Web Site and that is where Ken has been looking for a suitable position. He tells me, in his email, that he's been very proactive. He has submitted his resume online and has called everywhere looking for more information about careers with XYZ, but has received the same answer over and over: ""All of our positions are listed online." Rob wanted to know if I had an advice for him since, as he put it, I "have more knowledge [than he does] on" XYZ. That's very flattering but I really don't know much more about this company than Rob, though based on the amount of email I get about this company, I could probably make a fortune if I had insider tips on getting a job there. I gave Rob the advice I would give to anyone who wants to work at a specific company. Here's what I said:

"Do you know anyone who knows anyone who knows anyone who works for XYZ? This could include family, friends, former colleagues, professors, etc. In other words, you need to use your network (see, Making Connections). That is often the best way to get the information you need. Try to set up a meeting with someone, not to ask for a job (did I say not to ask for a job?), but to find out how you can eventually get started on a career with the company. If you don't have anyone on your network who works for XYZ, try sending an email to someone in the company, perhaps in a department you might be interested in. Explain that you want to set up an informational interview just to learn what working at XYZ is like (remember, don't ask for a job). Don't mass email a whole bunch of people. Address your email specifically to that person. See my article Informational Interviews." Finally, I advised Rob, that while XYZ is a wonderful company, he shouldn't limit his options. There are other great companies to work for and he might have to build up his resume by working for one of them.

I sent a follow up email when I realized I hadn't told Rob how to find out to whom to send his email. I advised him to look at the company's corporate Web Site. He would probably find there a section about its management team. While a higher up probably wouldn't want to meet with him, he or she could, perhaps, refer Rob to someone on his or her team.