How can you use your network to land your dream job?

Networking can be the difference between a two month job search, and a 12 month job search. Ideally networking was done while gainfully employed, but it has to start somewhere. The more you network, the more people know who you are, and what you’re looking for. It can only benefit you. Even if you’re shy, it’s important to break out of your shell, and start networking as soon as possible, especially if you’re looking for a new job.

Don't approach someone, whether known or not, with a vague idea of what you think you want to do. The recipient shouldn't have to do that work for you. If you don't have a clear idea of what you want and the value you bring, then consider a career consultant/counsellor. It doesn't matter if you have 3 or 30 years of experience; it might be the answer. I was at a crossroads after 35 years and went through the career consultant process- it gave me clarity, direction, and targets. You can always do it yourself using online resources, it just takes time, honesty, and effort.

The most impactful messages I receive from folks in my network, marketing their profiles, give me all the information I may need up front. CV, current location and working models they are open to consider (remote, hybrid, onsite), salary expectation, greatest achievements and what they'd like from their next career move. Personally, as an External Recruiter who works with many clients on different job assignments, I find this highly efficient. I immediately know whether I can assist them now or in the future.

Finding a new job is, in many instances, a full time job in itself so it's important to be smart with your time because it is limited. Treat your job search like a sales cycle; 1. Prospect - who are the top 100 organisations you want to work for and who are the top 3 decision makers in this top 100? 2. Make contact - Make contact with all the decision makers of these organisations and ensure your initial reach out is short, sharp and to the point - you want to catch someone's eye, not bore them with detail. 3. Nurture the contact - it's a well known fact that most of us don't receive a response the first time we reach out to someone and research tells us that the 2nd or 3rd attempt/reach out is where you will see most value.

In my experience, one of the most critical steps in the process of having a career that excites, fulfills and challenges you is to first write down what a “dream job” looks like for you. Do not include the title but rather focus on the what you want to do in the role and how you want to feel in the role. Also include the kind of organization that would be your “dream company” to work with. This will become your roadmap. You can then begins to identify organizations and people who can help you in your quest. The roadmap will help you get a clear sense of who you are, what you want and most importantly, WHY you want it. This will be vital when you move on to the next step of activating and expanding your network.

I never realized how important my network was until my job was eliminated last spring. I maintained contact with my usual network and also reached out to a few people I hadn’t connected with in a while, as well as made a few new connections. I was encouraged and humbled by how many people were willing to take the time and talk to me, help me sharpen my focus, and ultimately lead me to finding my next career step. You know who you are, and thank you!

Que importante es dejar buenas relaciones con la empresa saliente. Buscar siempre una salida amigable, salvo que haya sido algo que rompe los principios o los valores, es fundamental para poder tener un feedback y una claridad meridiana sobre que puntos puedo mejorar. Es común que entre colegas de las empresas se pregunte por excolaboradores y es ahí donde puede o no estar abierta la puerta para crecer.

Networking is a two way street, be on the lookout for people in your network who are searching for their next role, it’s always worth a quick call or email to offer your help and perspective. People will remember those that helped in their time of need. Offer to make an introduction to a hiring manager or employee of their target company. It may provide them with insight that wouldn’t have been available to them during a normal hiring process.

A strategy for networking should be to identify super connectors. Super connectors are people with large networks who can connect you to resources. Super connectors like to connect people. Just be sure to pay it forward.

If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody. Helping others makes (most) people happy. Why is it relevant? Be bold and ask someone for help during a search. I assumed it was an impost on many of my connections and didn't want to distract them. I was asked- by a career counsellor -if I liked to help others - yes, I do - so why not allow others to help me? It worked; I asked for advice, direction, and feedback, and it was valuable. My current role came from a lead suggested by a close colleague. I did reach out to people not in my network and was surprised in many instances by the positive responses. Be prepared for silence in some instances, but tailor your approach to different targets.

Back to our job search cycle. 1. Prospect 2. Contact 3. Qualify 4. Nurture Nurturing relationships as part of your job search is incredibly important, never more so than in a difficult or tight market as we see now. Nurturing is easy but you need to be invested in the activity by: 1. Connect regularly and build a relationship built on open communication and trust. 2. Bring value to the conversation because like any relationship, it's a two way street. 3. Be authentic, be you because your next job has the potential to be the best career choice of your life, if you get it right.

Being authentic and genuine is key! Mutual contacts within your network tend to make mention of people they like, got on well with, could relate to and see themselves working with. Talk to your contacts about what you do and why you believe you do it well and make a difference. This could land you your dream job before any discussion of you being open to opportunities. Be your companies ambassador as well as your own genuine ambassador. Earning trust and building relationships with your network will take you further than expected.

People are often frightened of networking. There's a lot of pressure and formality attached to the word, but it's really just building friendships. 1) Show up. 2) Be genuine. 3) Think about how you can help them, rather than how they can help you.

Building rapport and trust on LinkedIn is crucial for effective networking. Here are some strategies to help you establish a strong connection with your LinkedIn network: -Personalized Connection Requests -Engage Thoughtfully -Be Genuine -Offer Value -Show Interest -Build Relationships Gradually -Seek and Offer Help -Maintain Professionalism -Attend and Promote Events -Follow Up -Recommend and Endorse

People often think that they must always add new content of their own to engage on social media. This is actually a mistake. Not only can you/should you repurpose and repost your own previous content, you should share other people’s content, like and comment on their posts, congratulate them on their accomplishments. Not only does this show you to be an engaged, giving, well-connected “team player,” but hyperlinking other people’s names in your posts and comments exposes you to their networks in addition to your own and extends your relationship-building/brand-building reach.

When I come across job descriptions that require a "track record of skill x", it often makes me giggle. Proving your skills and showcasing your actual value without working with your future team together on a project is nearly impossible. Or is it? What if there were public displays of your work? Think about engaging in Open Source projects and their communities, not only with code but with cultural contributions, leadership and empathy. When you're able to leave a track there, you'll have to a significant advantage over other applicants.

In my experience, contextualizing really works. The purpose here is to articulate: - how your past experience made you better fit for the role that you are applying. One has to do a bit of home work in terms of what is the job requirement and how the acquired skills makes him/ her a best fit. Experiences from similar scenarios helps is depicting how your approach will be able to bring in added value.

It’s also important to show your personality. Be yourself. My last two roles have come up through networking on LinkedIn where my potential employer clicked with me based on something on profile or a comment that I had made. Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit as a part of the hiring process. By demonstrating your personality, interests and attitude, you can stand out as a good fit for a potential employer.

Round about now I will be boring some of you with my "job search cycle" but bare with me. A recap: 1. Prospect 2. Contact 3. Qualify 4. Nurture And finally, stage 5 of your job search cycle is focused on bringing your whole self to the meeting and showing the true and authentic value you bring to the table that no other candidate/talent can offer. Easier said than done? Nope - you can keep it simply with some very simple exercises. 1. Take time to research the company so you can find synergy between their offering and your value. 2. Showcase your achievements throughout your life/professional career. 3. Demonstrate and communicate the link between your skills and the role itself.

In today's competitive job market, where each online posting attracts around 250 applications, LinkedIn is a powerful tool to showcase your unique value. By contributing to conversations, you demonstrate your expertise and insight, setting yourself apart from the crowd. Also sharing your own content is key. Whether it's industry insights, professional experiences, or thoughtful analysis, your posts can highlight your expertise and your unique perspective. Investing time in building your personal brand on LinkedIn turns you into a magnet for opportunities. By consistently showcasing your knowledge and engaging with your network, you make yourself visible to potential recruiters and employers.

It seems like a given, but it is the most overlooked part of the journey in my experience. Don't leave those who have helped you hanging; let them know how it's going, what is working well, and the outcomes (no guilt trips). A colleague gave me a lead, and as I progressed, I let them know how it was going and what stage I was at. When I was successful- after quite a few failures elsewhere- I thanked them for it. The "happiness is helping others" mindset was proven right; the reaction to letting them know I was successful was priceless. It takes a few minutes and not a lot of effort to follow-up.

Keeping in touch and doing what you say you'll do are crucial to getting a job. After an interview, send a thank-you email to show you're still interested. Regularly reaching out shows you're committed. If you promise something, like sending documents, make sure to do it on time. Being persistent shows employers that you're reliable and dedicated, qualities they really appreciate. Following up at the right time can turn a possible job into a real one. It makes sure the employer remembers you and sees that you're proactive and truly interested, giving you an advantage in the competitive job market.

My favorite phase of the process and the one people most likely never do. Honestly, if YOU are the person who follows up you will be highly regarded because most people don't take it this far! Also, please remember, following up can be sending a suggestion for an article to read, or a podcast episode to listen to. It can be taking their earlier suggestion and letting them know you did the thing- whether it was reading the industry book they told you to, or seeing the movie they thought was great! Following up is KEY to having your network look out for you, but it doesn't have to be DEEP. You are a person connecting to another person, so whether it's about business or just life, make sure to follow up with those you are connected to!

This is the stage we would call "the close" and it starts live in the conversation. Always ask for live feedback, some positives and areas of constructive feedback. Write these down and reflect on them. I would also be so bold as to ask what the next steps would be. Always take the initiative to send a note of gratitude 24-48 hours after the conversation, summarising the events of the meeting, providing your positive reflections on their feedback and refer back to the proposed next steps communicated in your meeting and suggest dates/times for that information or next step consideration.

Following up and following through are critical components of effective networking on LinkedIn. Here's a guide on how to do it: -Send Personalized Follow-Up Messages -Engage in Meaningful Conversations -Nurture Relationships Gradually -Schedule Periodic Check-Ins -Express Gratitude -Be Responsive

Network in 360. Everyone is important. I know a General Counsel who was referred for her role in a new company by a more junior mentee of hers who already worked in the legal department there. Spread good vibes everywhere like seeds on the wind: You never know on what fertile ground they might land, take root, and grow!

You never know who your next greatest ally will be. Keep your mind open! Surround yourself with people who see your value and will advocate for your success.

Pro tip for outreach when job searching: If your message to a recruiter says anything along the lines of "Review my profile and let me know where I am a fit..." I can almost guarantee you are getting no response, ignored, or possibly blocked if it's continuous. Be specific and intentional when reaching out. Help recruiters to help you. Show them you have put in effort to find a role that aligns with your qualifications (keyword qualifications). Let them know: What job number you have applied for (find it on the careers website) Why you are interested Why you could be a good fit Your contact info and availability

Above all else be proactive and thankful! When someone in your network offers assistance or makes a recommendation, be proactive in following up and expressing your gratitude. Building a strong network requires reciprocity and genuine appreciation. Remember, landing your dream job is not solely dependent on your network. It requires a combination of hard work, perseverance, and timing. If an opportunity doesn't come your way, it's not a reflection of your network but rather a sign that it may not be the right time or the perfect fit.

Being laid off isn’t a fun experience - but don’t underestimate how you show up the final few days or weeks as you depart. In person, virtually, through social media - the way you seize the opportunity to demonstrate how you handle adversity will further make your network confident in championing you for future roles.