Appropriateness of contacting workers for a job you are phone interviewing for?

Question

Is it appropriate to contact programmers who work for a company you are applying to?

I am really excited about a certain programming job that I am interviewing for soon, and I am reading a few blogs by the guys who work there. Is it inappropriate to send them an email telling them I am having a phone interview with their company, telling them I'm excited about working for their company, and asking them for any advice?

Answer 1

I would not want to be contacted by someone I will be phone screening in a few days time. There is time for that contact during the interview. I might be impressed, however, if I find out during the phone screen that you have done your research and you know of my blog or of those of my coworkers.

Answer 2

Why would it be inappropriate? Beyond that, what a great way to get a leg up on the competition!

It can only help, especially since you're reading some programmer's blog. :-)

Answer 3

I would not do this. I don't think it can do any good, and there's some small chance that it might do harm - it might appear that you are trying to get sight of the "exam questions" before the exam.

Just be yourself in the interview. Good luck.

Answer 4

I would wait until the phone interview and then mention that you saw some good blog posts by people that work there. It is always good to look into a company before an interview. I always ask people what the found when researching the company. I have been contacted by people prior to an interview before and it has always put me off. I can't say I have ever rejected someone for it, but it was hard to go into the interview with an open mind. There is a time and a place to discuss your excitement and what you have found, and that is the interview.

Answer 5

In your situation, I would say that it isn't appropriate probably. As for when it would be appropriate to my mind:

• If you've been posting on the guys' blog for a few months and seem to have a rapport built.
• If you'd previously worked with one of the guys and still had regular contact with him.

The big takeaway is to not be a total stranger sending an e-mail. Posting a comment on the guys' blog may be a better solution than sending an e-mail that may be seen as being too eager to get the job.

Answer 6

You do want to show that your are interested and that you are willing to look further into a company. Maybe you could ask to talk to other employees or contractors if you get a second interview.