Networking for Your Next Job
Jim Newcomb
Recruiter & Retiring to AI Solutions | Founder of VenBot – Website AI Agents for Small Businesses
If you’ve been on the job market for any length of time, someone has likely told you that you’ve got to network. And it’s true – the?‘multiplier effect’ ?of networking is a powerful tool to have to work for you. You tell three people, and each of them tells three people, and so on. Ultimately, that’s a lot of additional people who know you. Any one of them might just be the link to your next great job.
If you’re sold on the value of networking, there’s just one more problem. Networking isn’t a skill taught in school (although it certainly should be). So, it’s fine to accept that you?should?network, but how do you?do it?
It’s not magic or rocket science. There are just three steps to networking, and the key is to repeat them as often as you can.
Find members of your ‘tribe’
There are many directions in which to look when expanding your network.?LinkedIn ?is a rich source of connections, but I’ll talk more about that in a future blog. Many sectors and fields of work have professional associations and industry groups. Attending those meetings is a great way to meet new people in similar careers if they host meetings. Just about every community has a Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade, and these organizations also host regular networking events. The people you’ll find there will be more diverse in their careers and industry, but through them, you never know who may be only one degree of separation away.
Depending on the time you have available, groups like this are often looking for volunteers, and chipping in can be a great way of building deeper relationships with the people you meet. Lastly, don’t overlook the people you already know. Your friends and family may also know people who would be valuable connections for you; all you need to do is let them know you’d appreciate that connection.
Connect with clarity and intention
If you’re reaching out to someone to ask for a networking conversation, try contacting by phone rather than email. Just about everyone is suffering from email overload, and a phone call offers more of a human touch. Two things are essential for the first time you make contact. First, plan to introduce yourself in a way that’s compelling (sharing the most important key points about you and why you’re calling) and brief (less than a minute).
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Consider using a script to keep yourself on track. The second is to be clear on what you’re asking for. I don’t recommend asking if they’re hiring; showing more general interest is best. You might express an interest in learning more about their company if you’re already in the industry or about their career path. If you’re not in the industry, a conversation to learn how your skills might be transferable is a reasonable request. If they’re open to connecting, be open to how they’d prefer to do that. An in-person meeting is excellent, of course, but a phone conversation or?video meeting ?is the next best thing. At the close of every conversation, don’t forget to ask if there’s anyone else who they’re willing to connect you with, someone who could help you get closer to the goals you expressed earlier.
Show gratitude and focus on giving
Regardless of the outcome, always say thank you for their time or consideration. If you have their email, send them a note a little later to thank them again and keep your name fresh in their minds. You can follow up to ‘refresh’ your request, but not too frequently. You don’t want to become a source of irritation. A better approach is to stay fresh in their mind by offering value. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help and look for ways to do the same. As they say, sharing is caring, and you probably have more to share than you think. Share experiences, insights, and resources, share opportunities, and share connections. An occasional quick note saying, ‘I saw this and thought you might find it helpful’ is an excellent way to stay top-of-mind in a positive light.
If you’re new to networking, put these tips to use and give it a try. Set a target for the number of people you want to connect with next week and let me know how it goes!
Additional Resources About Networking
Take a deeper dive into?The Network Multiplier ?by?AIMatters.com