What do you do if you want to tap into your network for new supervisory career prospects?

1 Assess Needs

Before reaching out to your network, it's crucial to assess your career needs. Reflect on your supervisory experience and determine what kind of role you're seeking. Consider the industry, company size, and the scope of responsibilities you're interested in. Understanding your career goals will help you communicate effectively with your network and identify the right contacts to approach. This clarity will also enable you to tailor your discussions to be more productive and focused, ensuring that you're seeking help that aligns with your career aspirations.

2 Update Resume

Your resume should reflect your latest achievements and supervisory skills. Before tapping into your network, update it to showcase your leadership experience, problem-solving capabilities, and any successful projects you've led. Highlighting these aspects will make it easier for your contacts to understand your strengths and recommend you for appropriate supervisory positions. A polished and updated resume also demonstrates professionalism and preparedness, qualities that are essential for a supervisor.

3 Engage Online

Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to engage with your professional network. Share updates about your career goals and actively participate in discussions related to supervisory roles. This increases your visibility and reminds your connections of your expertise and ambition. When you engage online, do so thoughtfully—comment on posts, share relevant articles, and congratulate others on their achievements. This helps to strengthen your relationships and keeps you top of mind among your peers.

4 Network Events

Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet new contacts and reconnect with existing ones. These gatherings are excellent opportunities to discuss your interest in supervisory roles. When attending these events, prepare an elevator pitch that succinctly outlines your experience and career objectives. Networking in person allows for more meaningful interactions and can leave a lasting impression, increasing the likelihood of your contacts remembering you when opportunities arise.

5 Seek Mentors

Identify potential mentors within your network who have experience in supervisory roles or the industry you're targeting. Reach out to them for advice and guidance. A mentor can provide valuable insights into advancing your career and may even introduce you to key individuals who can help you secure a new position. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street; be respectful of their time and be open to sharing your own experiences and knowledge in return.

6 Offer Value

While seeking assistance from your network, always consider how you can offer value in return. Perhaps you can provide insights into a project, assist with a problem they are facing, or offer to make introductions to other professionals in your network. By being helpful to others, you create a positive impression and foster a spirit of collaboration. This reciprocity makes others more inclined to support you in your career endeavors.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?