How do I land possible dream job?

[Anonymous]

I've been told by the hiring manager that a job may open up in a few months in her division, one that I think has the potential to be a great fit for me. She told me about this when I contacted her about another job in the organization - so she knows I'm looking and interested in the company. I sent a resume (in conjunction with asking about the other job, which turns out wasn't a great fit for me), and asked her to please let me know if the job in her division opens up. I don't know her very well - we've been on a handful of calls and email exchanges together on a joint project, and she's seen a bit of my work, but we've never met in person.

I tend to not be as aggressive as others in going after jobs, but as I mention this may be a great opportunity, so I need a plan. Should I check in again? When and how often? By email or phone? Should I ask to meet for coffee now, or after I learn there will be an opening? If we meet by chance at a professional event (with the holidays, there are several coming up), what do I say?

Yes, I know this sounds a bit naive, but my parents are not professionals and I was never taught how to negotiate these types of things, so I'm still learning and could use advice from those of you who manage this stuff so well.

[Anonymous]

Bump - anyone? Am I being too vague?

[Anonymous]

Yes, you should follow up and express your interest. I would send an email and then in a week or so, you could follow up with a call. Make sure to keep track of the accomplishments of the division.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I know this sounds a bit naive, but my parents are not professionals and I was never taught how to negotiate these types of things, so I'm still learning and could use advice from those of you who manage this stuff so well.

Yes, you should follow up, and it should be meaningful. Look for articles/events/news that are related to that function and pass them on to the manager (not excessively). Include in your note and explanation of why you found that article/piece of news interesting and relevant, and what you think it means for the function being performed by your dream job.

Basically, you're trying to demonstrate that you are already thinking in the right mindset and that you understand the position and what it is trying to achieve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been told by the hiring manager that a job may open up in a few months in her division, one that I think has the potential to be a great fit for me. She told me about this when I contacted her about another job in the organization - so she knows I'm looking and interested in the company. I sent a resume (in conjunction with asking about the other job, which turns out wasn't a great fit for me), and asked her to please let me know if the job in her division opens up. I don't know her very well - we've been on a handful of calls and email exchanges together on a joint project, and she's seen a bit of my work, but we've never met in person.

I tend to not be as aggressive as others in going after jobs, but as I mention this may be a great opportunity, so I need a plan. Should I check in again? When and how often? By email or phone? Should I ask to meet for coffee now, or after I learn there will be an opening? If we meet by chance at a professional event (with the holidays, there are several coming up), what do I say?

Yes, I know this sounds a bit naive, but my parents are not professionals and I was never taught how to negotiate these types of things, so I'm still learning and could use advice from those of you who manage this stuff so well.

1. Send an email suggesting you can keep in contact and propose maybe you can grab coffee in January. Follow up with a meeting invite. 30 minutes.
2. Spend now to January learning what you can about her division, her org, her needs. Inform yourself.
3. In January, meet her in person, nothing pressure, just a coffee chat. Ask her how her organization is shaping up, see if she has any updates on the opportunity. Ask her what her challenges are and if you can be of any assistance even if you arent in her org yet. To the extent you can, broker connections for her. If she needs help with X and you know someone in X, after the meeting go talk to your contact in X and see if they can help put you - and subsequently her - in touch with the right people.
4. Follow up whenever you agreed on #3.

What I wouldnt do is send her articles. I would find that totally worthless and irritating. I have a guy outside my team who does that to me and 98% of the time its not relevant, interesting or that impactful.