Two Networking Strategies for Your Job Search

Let’s talk networking.

It’s the most effective way to land interviews, but most of us are uncomfortable reaching out to someone we’re not already close to. We feel like if we ask a favor we’ll sound annoying and spammy. But that’s a limiting belief — so here’s another perspective.

They’ll be HAPPY to hear from you. People like helping people they like, even if they’ve been out of touch for a while. At a minimum it’s an excuse to reconnect and do some catching up.

Here are two strategies to leverage your network today.

Strategy 1 — Network to find opportunities

Scour your LinkedIn, email and phone contacts, and social DMs. Add them to a spreadsheet to track next steps and hold yourself accountable. Include coworkers, friends, and family, whether they’re in your industry or not. This list should be long — don’t shorten it by making bad guesses about who will be most helpful.

Remember: people will be glad to hear from you because they know you already.

Send a personalized message over the channel each person is most likely to respond to. A sample template:

Hi, I’m currently looking for my next role and thought about you because [unique memory here]. I’d also love to hear how you’re doing and see what you’re up to these days. I’m looking for [this type of role]. It’s important to me that the role has [qualities A, B, C]. I believe I offer [strengths X, Y, Z]. Please let me know if you hear of any opportunities. And either way, I’d love to catch up — are you up for a call or a coffee?

Strategy 2 — Find opportunities, then network

Search for job listings — plus companies you want to work for even if they don’t have jobs posted. Then network to see if you can get a referral or get your application noticed by the hiring team.

Don’t apply to the job yet. You want to be open to someone making a referral, which might have its own process.

Now use LinkedIn company search to find 1st- and 2nd-degree connections who work there. Add to the spreadsheet. It’s OK if they’re not on the hiring team. It’s OK if they don’t even know what you do. They’ll know what it’s like to work at that company, and will probably know who to ask about getting your resume in front of the right people.

Template for 1st-degree connections:

Hey, I’m currently exploring other opportunities. I’m intrigued by your company. I’d love to learn what you think about working there to see if this is something I should pursue. Plus I’d enjoy the opportunity to reconnect and learn what you’re up to these days…

For 2nd-degree connections (those with mutual connections), either connect and message them directly, or ask a mutual connection for an intro. The template for that one is your homework for today. 🙂

What other strategies have you found to be effective?

And when you do get your next interview, give yourself an edge with my behavioral interview course — or book a 1-on-1 career coaching session if you want personalized help with your full search.