How I've Learned to Embrace Virtual Networking During Quarantine

Job hunting is stressful. Job hunting in the middle of a global pandemic and ailing economy with 1.2 million other people - it can feel like being caught in the middle of a snowstorm without a compass to guide you safely home, doubting every life decision you have ever made up to this overwhelming point.

*deep breath*

After powering through several rounds of applications, interviews, rejections, and ghosting it became harder to maintain confidence and trust in the process (no - not Chris Harrison's process). I will give credit to my husband for the renaissance I went through when he encouraged me to shift my strategy from sending cold email applications to warm networking requests. Instead of focusing on a singular role that 350 other applicants saw on LinkedIn I connected with contacts who were already in roles I was interested in pursuing. Suddenly it became less about obtaining the short term job and more about my long term career vision.

The four weeks I have spent having informational interviews and coffee chats has already resulted in far more personal fulfillment, inspiring conversations, and exciting contract work than I achieved in the 14 weeks of cold applying. What if I had started with this process from the beginning? Or what if I had been network-focused pre-pandemic? What heights would I have reached today? It has been a humbling reminder that we are all humans after all - not just text on a resume.

As much as companies are working to automate certain parts of society, human connections are still the most important and most beautiful part of life. Despite quarantine we have all proven that we can still overcome barriers to remain connected virtually - even if it requires a few painful texts to coordinate which platform everyone has installed (Are you Team Google Meet or Team Zoom?). As humans we are all going through an immense amount of grief right now - from political disagreements to financial struggles to work/life balance to everything in between. It has amazed me how despite all of this grief just how much compassion we still have available for each other. The number of people who have agreed to speak with me and then connect me with their network and even recommend me for job postings has been unbelievably heartening. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey - past, present, and future. I am honored to be human with all of you right now.

If you'd like to connect - even if we have never spoken before or have not spoken since college graduation - please reach out: mollysharrold [at] gmail.com.

Shout Out to My Favorite Networks:

She+ Geeks Out: I cannot say enough good things about the group of womxn who make up this amazing community. While I miss their in-person events they swiftly shifted to remote events that allow for small group networking, inspirational presentations, and their infamous raffles. More importantly - the conversations continue on a Slack group where people connect from across the country, sharing job postings, asking for introductions, inclusivity resources for the workplace, and more. Check out some of their upcoming events. Let me know if you'd like a virtual buddy!

Lunchclub: This invite-only group opened up my networking to a wide range of open-minded professionals who also see the benefit to connecting. You can choose your goals for connections - like "meet interesting people" or "brainstorm with peers". Each week you are sent a new introduction and together you schedule a video chat. If you'd like an invite, just let me know!

Alumni Network: I am very grateful for the Northwestern alumni network. The school has made it very easy for us to connect with each other through an internal database. But even on LinkedIn it is helpful to see when a fellow Wildcat already works at the company - or perhaps even founded it. Is your alumni network a bit decentralized? No worries - look for other network groups that could help expand your inner circle, like your national sorority/fraternity or a volunteer group you've participated in the past. Now is the time to reach out and ask for a conversation. Don't be shy!

LinkedIn: LinkedIn has been very valuable when it comes to researching a current company or reconnecting with a classmate working in an industry I am curious about. Premium membership has been helpful for sending InMail, as well, whether to meet someone outside of my current network or to follow up with a recruiter regarding a job posting. Again - don't be afraid to reach out to anyone that seems appropriate and may be interested in what you have to offer, too.

And of course, Friends & Family Group Chats: You keep me smiling through all of the ups and downs. I can't wait to embrace you all in the biggest hug.