Networking to Find Your Next Job

The average person knows, connects with, and/or affiliates with about 600 people. Each of them knows, connects with, and affiliates with 600 people. While your immediate network may not have a job waiting for you, they may know someone who does. Exposing yourself to 600 people may seem insignificant. But if those 600 can spread the news to their 600, that is 360,000 possibilities.

 Of course, not all your 600 contacts and connections will be spreading the news on your behalf – and they will not be hitting up all of their 600 people. However, currently, you are working on this alone. That is you (1) X the number of contacts you make on your own.

 What if you had even 10 of your contacts who were able to reach out to 10 others in their networks? That’s 100 new contacts that you didn’t have to make! That saves you hours of time and may get you access to the right people.

 How NOT to Network

Picking up the phone, texting, writing your email, or posting through your LinkedIn messaging that you are desperately looking for a job and asking if they can help you find one is not the right option. I even have mixed feelings about posting on LinkedIn in your headline that you are looking for work. It feels desperate.

Instead, I find better results when you appear to be someone who is in demand vs. something that is “on the shelf” asking to be purchased. It's good to be something that is wanted...not in need of being purchased.

Best Practices for Effective Networking

Remember that your goal is just like any other sales strategy. You want your future employer contacts to know, like, and trust you. It's not just about what's in the resume...it's the whole package. That starts with getting in front of the right people. Networking is about finding those people who either are the right contacts or who can get you in touch with the right contacts.

If you want the best opportunities, become a networking pro with these tips.

•  Seek out the best opportunities. As they say, “Fish where the fish are.” This applies to both in-person and virtual networking.  Don't expect them to come to you (e.g., if you post something on LinkedIn, they will come asking for you). You need to reach out.
• Do your homework. Network with those who will help you get closer to your goal. Find out who can help the most – that will take research. Don't miss out on opportunities to make legitimate and sincere connections with other people - you never know where one conversation or connection will lead you. Never ignore others. However, when actively pursuing new connections, it makes sense to go fishing in the pond that has the best chance of catching something.
•  Quality over quantity. Job hunting will feel like a numbers game to some degree. However, it’s not random. You must focus on those resources that will get you results. 10 focused contacts are better than 100 random ones.
•  Commit yourself to networking. If you are new to networking, this will take practice stepping into this new world. If you are an introvert, you will not be naturally comfortable doing this. However, there is no excuse or substitute for good networking to get you connected to the right job. Step in, go through the reps, get better at it, and you’ll start to see results.
•  Make friends, not just contacts. If you are working on your current network, great. If you are building new contacts, remember to make new friendships – not just resources. To do that, find out what you can do for them (sincerely) so you can serve their needs before ever asking for help.
• Smile and be authentic. Tell your story – your real story – of who you are, your background, how you got here, and where you are headed. Don’t tell them what you think they want to hear. Package your story succinctly, powerfully, and clearly so they can know you (the real you). Remember – they need to know, like, and trust you (the real you).
• Let them talk. Be sure to listen – actually listen – to what they have to tell you. Most people do not. Instead, they want to be heard and they wait their turn to talk rather than listening to the advice of others (e.g., where to go look for the next lead of who is hiring or who to go talk to).
• Ask thoughtful open-ended questions. They’ll know if you’re making small talk. Ask them real questions. Then shut up and listen.
• Ask for an introduction. If your contacts know someone, don’t be afraid to ask for an introduction. If they know someone, just ask.
• Keep your word. If you ask for a favor and they give it to you, follow through. For example, if you ask for an introduction, show up (early). Never change the meeting for any reason. If you ask if you can help them out, always deliver on what you promise. Show them that you are legit. Give them a reason to believe in your reputation.

There is never an exact recipe or a one-size-fits-all approach to networking that works for everyone. You'll need to figure out what works for you. But networking is definitely a gamechanger! It's typically not what you know, but who you know that will get you in the door to the best opportunities. Broaden your network and you will increase the opportunities to find your dream job!

Here's to your success!

Dr. Wade Larson - Optimal Talent Dynamics

www.OptimalTalentDynamics.com / [email protected]

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