Is my plan too bold?

Hello,

I have been staring at an opportunity to get into a corporate development role at 23 years old in a small sized mining company, and in Canada where such positions are scarce, so I am highly motivated to get it no matter what it takes.

I had an informational interview with the head of “corporate finance and strategy), he liked my profile, he said my lack of relevant experience was not a problem, the corporate culture matches that of my previous employer, but he insisted that I apply through the HR and say that he referred me as opposed to directly scheduling an interview.

That’s what I did. But I received no answer since a month and the job offer is still standing both on their website and LinkedIn. I do not understand why I did not get interviewed if my hypothetical boss thinks I would make a good fit.

Since being referred by him did not get me anywhere, I have been thinking about bypassing the guy and HR and instead going directly to the firm’s CFO/CEO mentioning the story and asking for an opportunity to prove my worth.

We are not talking about a multinational here, but the firm was valued at $1.5 Bn during their last round. So I am not sure as to what the right approach is.

Do you have any tactical advice for me?

Thank you in advance!

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5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tactical steps you can take:

  1. Follow Up with HR:

    • Send a polite follow-up email to HR, referencing your initial application and the referral from the head of corporate finance and strategy. Highlight your enthusiasm for the role and inquire about the status of your application.
  2. Reach Out to Your Contact:

    • Contact the head of corporate finance and strategy again. Express your continued interest in the position and ask if there is any additional information or steps you should take to move your application forward.
  3. Leverage LinkedIn:

    • Connect with other employees at the company on LinkedIn. This can help you gather more information about the hiring process and potentially get additional referrals.
  4. Consider the Direct Approach:

    • If you decide to bypass HR and go directly to the CFO/CEO, ensure your communication is professional and respectful. Clearly explain your situation, your qualifications, and your passion for the role. However, be cautious as this approach can be seen as bypassing protocol and may not always be well-received.
  5. Networking:

    • Attend industry events or webinars where you might meet other employees from the company. Networking can sometimes open doors that formal applications cannot.
  6. Patience and Persistence:

    • Sometimes, the hiring process can be slow. Continue to show your interest without being overly aggressive. Persistence can pay off, but it’s important to balance it with patience.

Remember, each company has its own hiring process, and while being proactive is good, it’s also important to respect the procedures in place. Good luck!

Sources: What's it like working in Corporate Strategy?, MBA Internship Recruiting - Corporate Development/Strategy Q&A, Q&A: Strategic Planner at F500 Industrial Company, Q&A and Yet Another Post On How To Break Into The Buy-side, Help! I think I hate consulting! What's next?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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