By Kevin Kimball
Networking. Did you just groan a little when you read that word?!? We get it.
We all know we need to network regularly, but for most of us, it’s often left out of our daily routines. That is, until we absolutely must do it; when we find ourselves as job seekers navigating a career transition.
We also know that it’s common for job seekers to spend countless hours applying to jobs online. After all, it seems like applying for more jobs should increase your chances of landing more jobs. However, research studies show that 70% of the jobs filled today are never even posted online! Additionally, up to 85% of successful career transitions happen through the network of the job seeker themselves.
So how does one go about building their network to increase their chances of career transition success? Check out these 5 top tips and choose one to start focusing on today!
Tip 1: If you’ve recently been laid off, connect on LinkedIn with all the colleagues in your former company if you have not already done so. Do it while the relationship is fresh. This may seem simple, but it can be easy to forget colleagues you have collaborated with at your previous employer. Also think of people you have met who share your interests and/or values, such as contacts in membership organizations, neighbors, volunteer groups, etc.
Tip 2: A measured and strategic approach with networking is key. Start a list with your tier-one contacts in order of priority and based on familiarity and trust. Here’s a sample script:
Hey (first name), I hope this note finds you well. I’m reaching out because I’m in career transition (or pursuing a new career) and I’m targeting your industry/company/function. I’ve always admired your insight and wisdom and wondering if you have 15 minutes to chat over coffee at a time convenient to you. I’ll buy! I’d certainly welcome your insights. Meantime, is there anything I can do for you?
As for the frequency to make outreach, give tier-one contacts up to three outreach attempts a week or so apart if you do not hear back after the first outreach. In the third outreach, give them an exit ramp, “I know you are really busy so if you don’t have time right now, I completely understand. Just let me know. Thanks.”
Tip 3: Networking is a two-way street. Always ask how you can support those in your network. The “Notifications” tab on LinkedIn presents many opportunities to support or “touch base” with contacts in your network. It notifies you when those in your network are celebrating a birthday, a work anniversary, have landed a new gig or have posted something of interest. In addition, an easy way to nourish your network and boost your own LinkedIn presence is to comment, like and share posts from your connections. The more active you are on LinkedIn the more your profile appears in the feeds of others, ultimately increasing your exposure and making you “top of mind” when you are job seeking.
Tip 4: Join or form a success team, which is a group of job seekers who meet periodically to strategize on their job search. It gives you strength in numbers and pulls your job search out of isolation. You can find “rules of engagement” on forming and running a success team via a Google search. Local EDD offices, friends/colleagues from your former company, community groups, industry associations, and college alumni are all avenues to build your success team.
Tip 5: Volunteering takes many forms—from one-time events to ongoing opportunities—and it typically puts you among groups of people whom you may or may not know. You may consider volunteering in an organization that taps into your skill set and/or functional knowledge. Websites like https://www.volunteermatch.org/ are helpful when looking for opportunities to volunteer in your local community. You can give back and grow your network at the same time!
There are many networking routes to take as you navigate your career transition. If you find yourself tempted to take a detour and go down the “rabbit hole” of applying to job postings online all day, remind yourself how the majority of jobs are found. In the end, it’s actually the people you know, or who you will meet or be introduced to, that will most likely lead you to your next opportunity. Focus your time on meeting and connecting with people by using LinkedIn to leverage and connect with all your professional contacts, and nurture your contacts even when you’ve landed your next job. The more you focus on networking the more opportunities come your way.
