It's not every day you come across a really valuable tip for using your LinkedIn profile, but today is one of those days.
Ever started a new job only to realize you hated it shortly after? Whether it's because of a toxic culture, crappy boss, or annoying coworkers, sometimes, we just realize a little too late that the new workplace isn't a good fit.
Below is a step-by-step guide to doing some quick investigative work on your next employer.
Step 1:
Click the search bar and type in the name of the company you want to look up. As an example, we'll use 'Netflix'.
Step 2:
On the results page, click the 'People' button. This will show you a list of people that currently work for Netflix as well as those that have worked for them in the past.
Step 3:
Click the 'All Filters' button and scroll down to the bottom.
First, look for the 'Past Company' section and check off the box that says 'Netflix'.
Then continue scrolling until you see 'Keywords'. Here, you will need to type in the position title (it's best to find someone that is in the same role you're applying to). In our example, we'll use 'Developer'.
Step 4: Reach out and connect.
Boom! You now have list of developers that previously worked at Netflix. Once you find a few people, connect with them and ask them if they'd be willing to talk about their experience working at the company.
Step 5: Be honest an open about what you're looking for.
Don't beat around the bush here. It's important to fill the other person in on what's going on and why you're reaching out.
Try something like:
"Hey Brendan, I noticed that you previously worked for Netflix - that's really cool! I'm actually interviewing with them myself, and was wondering if you'd mind telling me about what it was like working for them. I promise to keep anything you share with me confidential - I just want to get an idea of what the company is like to work for".
Any information they then give you is likely to represent a real experience, even more so than what any recruiter or hiring manager will tell you, for obvious reasons. Have you ever met a hiring manager that told you working for their company would be anything but a dream?
And there you have it, a five-step guide to researching (almost) any company. Companies check your background and references before bring you on board, so there's no reason not to be checking their references to avoid regretting your decision later.
What can Final Draft Resumes do for you?
We offer tailor-made resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn content development services. All of our services are designed to align with your unique mix of work history, skills, successes, and career goals.
Check out the full suite of services we offer:
Entry to midlevel professionals with less than 10 years of experience
Established professionals with over 10 years of experience
Executive professionals such as CEOs, VPs, and directors
About the Author
James Cooper is a Professional Resume Writer, member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC) and has been in the recruiting, career coaching, and writing business for almost 14 years. He began his career recruiting for AECOM, a Canadian engineering firm, and he's gone on to work with and help professionals land roles at top Fortune 500 companies.
Have questions about resume writing? Reach out at jc@finaldraftresumes.com.
Haven't been getting the results you want with your current resume? Check out the Resume Writer's Handbook, an A to Z guide to writing a compelling resume.
Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to James weekly newsletter.