Jobs almost never fall in your lap—finding one takes work, usually a lot of work. Networking is a critical part, arguably the most critical part, of the process.
In networking, your goal is to meet people who can provide industry/company insights, advise you on how to best position yourself for a role, introduce you to people who work at places that interest you and if you’re really lucky, who can champion you to hiring managers.
1. Don’t be shy.
The thought of networking with the goal of finding a job makes most people cringe. Get over it. Generally, people want to help—they have been in your situation a number of times in their own careers and they are empathetic to what you’re going through. So make it a bit of a game with daily or weekly targets and rewards. Your success will give you momentum.
2. Find a networking support group.
Often career transition firms have open networking groups—sometimes with speakers or panels followed by breakout rooms for discussion and networking. Look for one where participants get to make “asks” of the group such as “does anyone have any contacts at a not for profit focused on education?” or “does anyone have experience financing small tech start ups?” Don’t be shy with your asks and don’t be shy about offering help to others, either.
3. Keep your networking focused yet very open at the same time.
Of course stay in touch with former bosses, colleagues and people in your industry and let them know you are looking. Of course make a list of companies/organizations where you’d like to work and research the people in the departments/roles of interest to you. But also be ready at any time with your “elevator pitch”—that brief synopsis of what you’re looking for and what makes you special. You never know when someone in your running club or a fellow hockey mom you chat with at the rink works at that firm that’s just posted your dream job. Networking can be a game of chance—you just don’t know who is going to help you get closer to your goal.
4. Do your homework and have a mental agenda for your networking meetings.
Research the person you’ll be meeting to know as much as you can about their career journey and current role. Have specific questions to ask re the industry and how you might best prepare for the kind of role you have in mind should one become available, etc. Be respectful of their time—personal pleasantries are nice but gently drive the meeting so you get out of it what you want while simultaneously trying to be of help to them. Don’t count on more than 20-30 minutes of their time. And, very importantly, be sure to ask if they could recommend some other people you might meet with.
5. Be organized and disciplined in your approach.
Keep track of these contacts, how you know them, what you discussed, key points they made, if they introduced you to other people and any follow up steps. And write thank you notes!
Circle back with people, especially the ones who seem most genuinely willing and able to help you. Let them know that you enjoyed meeting the people they suggested. Send them an article relevant to your discussion or simply a periodic update on your search. Stay on their radars so that if that perfect role opens up at their organization or if they hear of anything through their network, you will come to mind. They may even be able to help you cut through the resume clutter and champion you to the hiring manager.
