This Overlooked Job Search Tactic Will Give You an Edge Over Your Rivals.

      I have a friend who boasts an impressive resume. She's thriving in her career and holds a fantastic job, leading many to believe that her professional journey has unfolded seamlessly. So when she shared that she had applied to hundreds of positions and only received one interview, I was genuinely shocked. I was aware that the job market was tough and had heard similar accounts, but I never thought this would happen to her. Frustrated with the situation, she took the initiative to reach out directly to two companies and received responses from both... on the same day.

      With applicant tracking systems (ATS) automatically filtering out resumes before humans even review them, cold pitching might be the most effective strategy to get your qualifications in front of a real person. However, a successful cold pitch doesn't start with the request; it necessitates some groundwork and strategy, including enhancing your LinkedIn profile and engaging in some relationship-building. Keeping this in mind, I consulted a career coach on how to carry out a cold pitch from beginning to end, irrespective of whether there is an open role, so that exhausted job seekers can effectively gain entry. Below, I will provide detailed steps for cold pitching, templates to use, and additional insights.

      **MEET THE EXPERT**

      Linda Ta Yonemoto

      Having coached over 100 professionals and transitioned from a successful 14-year career in tech and agency work, Linda Ta Yonemoto retired from her corporate executive position at the age of 36 to live life on her own terms. Now the founder of Good For You Money, she empowers women to build confidence, navigate career advancement, and achieve financial independence by aligning their work with their values and wealth.

      **What to do before sending a cold pitch**

      Prior to reaching out, there are several steps you should take to ensure your cold pitch is successful. Since much cold pitching occurs on LinkedIn, it's essential to enhance your profile. Ensure all your experiences are up-to-date, include links or documents showcasing your best work, and revise your "About" section. According to Linda Ta Yonemoto, CFEI®, many candidates overlook this step, but it is vital for leaving a positive first impression.

      After that, conduct some research on the company. Discover who works there, what projects they might be handling, and spend time exploring their website. What values or traits do you share with the company? What initiatives could you assist with? What aspects of the company inspire you, and how do your skills align with theirs? This information will help you tailor your pitch to make it compelling and encourage them to want to learn more about you.

      Lastly, update your resume and adjust it based on the job or company you're interested in. For open roles, examine the job description and highlight the keywords that correspond with your experience throughout your resume, such as the desired software or skills. For instances without open roles, instead of focusing on keywords from job descriptions, highlight shared values, projects that might interest them, or any attributes that demonstrate your potential contribution to their team. This will enable you to confidently attach your resume to your cold pitch and illustrate your qualifications and alignment with the company.

      **How to cold pitch for an open role**

      Sending a cold pitch alongside your application can help you stand out from other candidates. "Cold pitching gives you visibility and helps you distinguish yourself as someone ambitious, proactive, and resourceful," explains Yonemoto. With that in mind, here is the precise method to follow when cold-pitching for an open role:

      1. **Identify the hiring manager**

      Yonemoto advises targeting the hiring manager if you are cold-pitching for an open position. How can you find them? "Most hiring managers will post on LinkedIn when their position becomes available," she notes. If you still can't find the hiring manager for the specific role, she suggests visiting the company's LinkedIn page and checking the "People" tab. From there, look for someone who likely holds the hiring manager role, typically someone with a senior title in the relevant department. For instance, you might approach the head of marketing for a social media editor position. While this method isn't foolproof, you're likely to reach the right contact or someone who can direct you to the right person.

      2. **Send your cold pitch**

      Now it’s time to present yourself! Here’s a template recommended by Yonemoto for reaching out to the hiring manager, whether through a LinkedIn message or an email found on their profile or the company’s website.

      “Hi [first name],

      I came across the [job title] role on your team and submitted my application. I believe my background in [technology, expertise] and [another technology, expertise] aligns well with the value I can bring. Over the past [# of years of experience], I have:

      [insert 2-3 bullet points about specific and measurable accomplishments that demonstrate relevant impact]

      Would you be open to a 15-minute call to discuss the role at