How to Get on a Hiring Manager’s Radar—Before the Job Even Exists

“Dig your well before you’re thirsty.” – Harvey Mackay

If you’re thinking about growing your career at PetSmart—whether it’s moving to a new department, joining a different team, or exploring an entirely new path—the best time to start preparing isn’t when the job is posted. It’s long before that.

Some of the most successful internal moves happen because the hiring manager already knows your name, and they’ve seen you show up as a strong, collaborative associate who lives out our values every day.

That’s why Mackay’s quote rings true: waiting until you're desperate for a change (or until your dream job appears) can be too late. The time to start digging the well is now—when you’re simply exploring, growing, and thinking ahead.

So how do you get on a hiring manager’s radar early? Here are some practical ways to build connections across teams and set yourself up for future opportunities—without feeling like you’re “networking.”

1. Be Visible for the Right Reasons

Start by doing your current job well. Like, really well. Before most roles even open, hiring managers are already thinking about who they’d want to work with—and they’re asking around. If your name comes up as someone who delivers, uplifts your team, and brings pawsitive energy to projects, you’re already ahead.

Pro Tip: Celebrate your team’s wins and project milestones through internal forums, newsletters, or Workplace posts. Visibility isn't bragging—it's storytelling. And it helps others across the business understand the impact you’re making.

2. Reach Out with Curiosity—Not a Résumé

Instead of sending a message that says, “I want to work on your team,” lead with genuine curiosity about their work. Ask for a quick conversation to learn more about what they do, how their team operates, or a project that caught your eye.

Try this:

“Hi [Hiring Manager], I’ve been following the [X Project] your team is working on and would love to hear more about how you're approaching [specific challenge]. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat? I’m just exploring how different parts of PetSmart work and grow.”

This kind of message feels low-key, sincere, and focused on learning, rather than angling for a role.

3. Ask Thoughtful Questions

When you do get time with a hiring manager, be prepared. A few questions to consider:

• “What kinds of backgrounds or strengths tend to thrive on your team?”

• “What challenges are you focused on solving right now?”

• “If someone wanted to join your department eventually, what skills should they start building?”

Unless they bring up an opening, don’t try to pitch yourself. You’re not closing a deal—you’re starting a conversation.

4. Stay in Touch (Without Overdoing It)

After your chat, send a thank-you note. Reference something you learned or appreciated. Down the road, you might follow up with a relevant article, a quick update on something you’re working on, or just a friendly check-in.

This keeps you on their radar in a meaningful, non-transactional way.

5. Show Up Where They Are

Keep an eye out for cross-functional task forces, Belonging events, volunteer days, or ARG (Associate Resource Groups) meetups where you can connect organically with people from other teams. At PetSmart, we believe in community, and shared experiences are a great way to build familiarity and trust.

6. Build the Right Skills in Your Current Role

If you learned that their team values things like data storytelling, agile workflows, or customer empathy, don’t wait—start finding ways to build those muscles now. Apply them to your current work, then share what you're learning.

Even a quick update like, “I’ve been practicing [skill] and used it in [project]” goes a long way in showing your initiative.

Final Thought: Relationships Before Résumés

Internal mobility at PetSmart isn’t just about applying when a job opens. It’s about building relationships, understanding where you want to grow, and staying curious about the business.

So dig your well now. Show up. Learn. Connect. And by the time that dream job appears, you won’t be a stranger—you’ll already be part of the story by the time that dream job opens up—you’ll already be top of mind.