General Job Applications -- Do you Apply?

MadisonS·Feb 26, 2021

When a company doesn't have a role that you want or are qualified for but they have a general application, do you apply for that? Does it better your chances down the road when a role you are qualified for opens? I've been seeing this a lot for small companies/startups and I'm curious what you all think and if it's worth filling out.

jaynadevani·Feb 26, 2021

I would highly recommend finding someone in the team on LinkedIn and sending them a friendly message asking them for a virtual coffee. It's much easier to get into smaller companies with an existing relationship with someone who works there, as they will most likely refer you directly, and I have found a lot of success going this route! You also get a good sense of what they are hiring for, and what the company is like. By all means do the general application as well, and just make sure your cover letter is very tailored to the type of role you would be looking for. Good luck! :)

teresaman·Feb 26, 2021

I would think so! It's always great to have your name in their radar. I would imagine their recruiters also go through their list of "general applicants" when they're hiring, plus, it shows extra eagerness and motivation from your end!PS. housekeeping note — I added "Job Hunting" as a community tag to your post!

Iynna·Feb 26, 2021

Before applying I absolutely make sure to find someone in the team I want to work with or role I want to have - the Internet will help you with that! :) Then before talking to them I throw in my application so that when I talk to them I can mention that I sent in a general app so they have me in their record + after I build a relationship. For early stage companies, feel free to reach out to a cofounder directly :-)

MadisonS·Mar 01, 2021

Thanks for the advice iynna! I reached out to the cofounder of the startup I applied for on LinkedIn. Hopefully I hear something back :)