September 28, 2011

How to break into big-league businesses

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Q: What is the best way to get my foot in the door at Boeing or Microsoft?
— T.D., Boise

Kristen says: The most effective way into any organization is via an employee referral, preferably someone you have worked with who can give the hiring manager insight into your work style and skill set.

If you don’t know anyone who works for either company, use LinkedIn’s advanced search to identify hiring managers and recruiters. This will enable you to connect with them directly to ask about openings in your field. Under “title,” put “manager” or “recruiter” and select “current.” If you are looking for managers, add a keyword from your industry.

Both Boeing and Microsoft are subject to strict federal-compliance guidelines, which means that you will be asked to apply online for any open positions you are interested in and qualified for. Make sure that your résumé meets the minimum requirements, and that it includes as many of the keywords in the job description as possible — preferably multiple times.

If you are able to provide your own relocation, another way to get a foot in the door, especially with Microsoft, is via an agency for a contract or vendor role. In this case, use “Microsoft” or “Boeing” as your keyword and look for a “current” title of “recruiter” on LinkedIn. I’d also recommend using the “postal code” feature. The ZIP code for Microsoft’s main campus is 98052, and for Boeing it is 98057 or 98204 (Renton and Everett, respectively). Specify at least a 25-mile radius to include off-site locations.

You could contact the companies’ procurement departments to ask what staffing agencies place temporary contractors on site in specific disciplines. Another tactic is to look on sites such as NWjobs.com for agencies that mention Microsoft or Boeing (Microsoft positions will often say “World’s Largest Software Company” in their ads). Both companies have made good use of contractors in the past 10 years, and earning a good reputation with hiring managers is always a positive step toward exploring full-time options.

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