Day 9: Take Your Target Company Research Beyond LinkedIn


LinkedIn can be an easy way to find connections within your target companies, but it has its limitations. Often, the individuals you need to connect with – the hiring managers, the department heads, the C-suite executives – are either not active on the platform or difficult to identify within large organizations.

Yesterday, we explored potential networking targets on LinkedIn based on our target company list. Today, we are going to go beyond LinkedIn to make sure we cover all our bases. Tools like Hunter.io and Crunchbase help bridge this gap. Used strategically, they can unlock hidden connections and provide valuable company insights. Taking time to do this research will give you an edge above other job seekers.

Let’s look at how to best use each platform.


Hunter.io: Finding the Right Contact

Hunter.io is a powerful tool for finding email addresses associated with a specific company. It allows you to search for email addresses in several ways. The most common method is the domain search.

Sample of Hunter.io search results.

Simply enter the company’s website domain (e.g., example.com) and Hunter.io will generate a list of email addresses associated with that domain. You can also search by name, if you know the individual’s first and last name. Hunter.io often provides a confidence score for each email address, helping you prioritize your outreach.

Hunter.io offers a built-in email verification tool. Once you’ve found a potential email address, be sure to verify its accuracy. With a verified email address, write a personalized outreach email that clearly demonstrates the value you bring. (See examples of outreach emails below.) Remember, these emails should be concise, professional, and tailored to the specific individual and company.


Crunchbase: Uncovering Company Insights

Crunchbase is a treasure trove of information about companies, from startups to Fortune 500 giants. It provides details on company financials, leadership teams, funding rounds, recent news, and more. This information is invaluable for your job search. Crunchbase does not offer a free version, but for serious job seekers, a short term subscription could prove very valuable.

Sample of Crunchbase search results.

For example, if you’re targeting a company that recently secured funding, you know they are likely expanding and hiring. If you’re interviewing for a leadership role, understanding the company’s financial performance and strategic direction will help you ask informed questions and demonstrate your business acumen.

Crunchbase also provides insights into a company’s culture, values, and competitive landscape. This information allows you to tailor your outreach emails and interview responses to better demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. Understanding a company’s mission and values will also help you determine if it’s a good fit for your own career goals and aspirations.


Example Outreach Emails

Example 1: Connecting with a Potential Mentor/Advisor

Subject: Exploring Opportunities in [Industry] at [Company]

Dear [Name],

I’ve been impressed by your work in [Area of Expertise] at [Company], particularly [Specific Achievement/Project]. As a [Your Current Role] with [Number] years of experience in [Your Area of Expertise], I’m currently exploring opportunities to [Your Goal – e.g., transition into a leadership role, specialize in X].

I admire [Company]’s commitment to [Company Value/Mission] and believe my skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] could be a valuable asset. I’d be grateful for the opportunity to connect briefly and learn more about your experience at [Company] and gain any advice you might have regarding my career trajectory.

Would you be open to a short virtual coffee chat sometime next week?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL]

Example 2: Reaching out to a Hiring Manager (with mutual connection)

Subject: Introduction from [Mutual Connection] – [Your Name] – [Your Area of Expertise]

Dear [Name],

[Mutual Connection] suggested I reach out to you. They mentioned your team at [Company] is doing some exciting work in [Area of Interest], which aligns perfectly with my experience in [Your Area of Expertise].

I’m a [Your Current Role] with a proven track record of [Quantifiable Achievement 1] and [Quantifiable Achievement 2]. I’m particularly interested in [Specific Role/Area within the Company] and believe my skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] would be a strong fit for your team’s needs.

I’ve attached my resume for your review and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications could benefit [Company]. Are you available for a brief call next week?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL]

Example 3: Direct Outreach to a Hiring Manager (Cold Contact)

Subject: [Your Name] – Experienced [Your Area of Expertise] Professional

Dear [Name],

I’m writing to you today because I’ve been following [Company]’s work in [Area of Interest] with great interest, particularly [Recent Company News/Project]. As a [Your Current Role] with [Number] years of experience in [Your Area of Expertise], I believe my skills and experience align well with your team’s focus on [Team’s Focus Area].

In my current role at [Current Company], I’ve been responsible for [Key Responsibility 1] and have successfully [Quantifiable Achievement]. I’m confident I can bring similar success to [Company] by [How you can contribute].

I’ve attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to [Company]’s continued success. Would you be open to a brief introductory call?  

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL]

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