The majority of people apply through the ‘front door’ for jobs. This typically means applying for a posted online application. In fact, over 96% of job seekers mass apply to jobs on Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn using the one-click apply buttons. These features are incredibly convenient and can work, which is why everyone is doing it. The competition, though, for these jobs (and the masses applying) can be extremely high.
This is why we always recommend trying to find a ‘back door’ through which to apply. These back door options can be hard to find and they usually take some effort on your part, but that is precisely why they are effective. You are maximizing your chances of getting an interview by being creative in your application approach.
What are some typical ‘back doors’?
Your first ‘back door’ approach should be NETWORKING. You set up an informational interview with someone who works where you have applied. This doesn’t mean you have to try to get an informational interview with the hiring manager or recruiter. Sometimes talking to a peer-level connection can be the most fruitful. They can often offer tips and bits of helpful advice and occasionally, they may even be able to refer you for the position. You should always be upfront when having an info interview at a company where you have applied to a position.
Another ‘back door’ could be doing your best internet searching and locating the hiring manager for the role. Then, you follow up with them and note that you applied through the online system, but also wanted to pass along your application to them directly.
While not necessarily a backdoor, you might also want to try locating niche job boards instead of mass sites like Indeed, etc. Sometimes a simple google search can help you locate new sites to use. Many trainees we’ve worked with have recommended informational interviews to find this type of information. Other sites that might help include:
-Glassdoor
-Twitter
-Biotech startup blogs
-Companies with 4 day work weeks
-SimplyHired
-BioPharmGuy
-Labiotech (for European searches)
This advice was inspired by the book, The Third Door, by Alex Banayan.
