Networking: Getting Started

Networking

When you're looking for a job everyone tells you to network, but what does that mean? 

In the beginning, it's simply reaching out to people you know, then expanding that group to people you want to know. 

Your goals at the start might be to gather information and clarify your goals, and the more people you can chat with, the better. 

Your potential network is much bigger than you realize, and studies show that it's people who don't know you well (weak links) who can be the biggest help. 

 

Start with People You Know, Then Expand Your Circle

Current Connections

Start here with people who are good friends and close colleagues

  • This is a small group, and ironically the least likely to be able to help, but it's a good place to start. Be open and honest about your job search.
  • Make sure that friends who are Instagram/FB connections are also LinkedIn connections, so that you can see who they know!
  • Don't forget about professionals you interact with regularly, like accountants and hairdressers, who have vast networks.

Dormant Connections

These are folks you've lost touch with. These connections (and weaker ties in general) will provide warmer introductions to potential referrals.

Professional: Colleagues from a few years ago, people you connected with at a conference but lost touch with, vendors/suppliers you worked with.

Personal: People you knew in college (search LinkedIn or your alumni association for alumni), neighbors you haven't seen in a while, old soccer teammates.

These are weaker ties, but they all have connections that could potentially be a huge help. You'll never know unless your reach out. It may feel awkward, but wouldn't you feel good if someone from your past reached out to you? 

NEVER mention your job search until you've had a real conversation with them. Again, don't forget to add them as a LinkedIn connection (once you've reconnected) for visibility to their contacts. 

New Connections with a Shared Interest

Any type of shared interest is going to help you create a new connection more easily. 

Professional: People in a shared networking group including LinkedIn groups, alumni in the same role at any company, alumni who work for a target company.

Personal: People you share hobbies with like yoga or birding, people in a shared volunteer group or Meetup group.

Success! 

Your new and renewed connections will make it much easier to eventually score an informational interview with someone at a target company, which may lead to a referral. 

 

 

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Make a List and Track Your Efforts

Similar to a target list of companies, make a target list of networking contacts: 

  • Rank it from easiest to hardest -- start with the easy ones.
  • Use a spreadsheet or other tracker to keep you accountable and take notes about your interactions.
  • Set of goal of the number of outreach efforts per week. If you are feeling stuck, start small and work your way up. 

  • See our downloadable trackers linked below or create your own. 

     

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Reach Out with a Brief and Light Touch

This is easier than you might think! Don't overthink it. 

Phone: if you have their number, a quick text or phone call can be a lovely surprise. 

Email: often the better choice over LinkedIn messages

Write a short email to one dormant tie. It's low risk, easy, and often gets a response. Keeping it simple works best. The first re-connection is the spark that leads to more conversations, so keeping it very simple is best: 

"Hi Glen, It's been a while! How are you? I saw this article and thought of you. I'm curious about your take on it, you always had a unique perspective I appreciated."

"Hi Susan, I saw on LinkedIn you were promoted at MegaCorp. It reminded me that it has been way too long since we connected. How have you been?" 

If you’re hesitant, how would you feel if someone reached out to you? Most people are delighted to hear from an old colleague or friend.

Find emails using email finders like www.hunter.io

LinkedIn Comments

This has been called "networking from your kitchen table." It's a perfect way to ease in to making connections with people you don't know (yet) or reconnect with former colleagues. 

First, follow people you are interested in connecting with. 

Then, start reading and commenting on their LinkedIn posts. This strategy only works if they post on LinkedIn. 

Once you become more known to them, it's much less awkward to reach out for a brief meeting. 

Unsolicited LinkedIn Recommendation

Another way to reopen a connection is to give first. Consider writing a short LinkedIn recommendation, which can trigger a thank you and often leads to a natural conversation.

DON'T ask for anything at this point. Save that for later. 

For those that respond, nurture that connection by having a chat on the phone or in person. In a conversation, you can both catch up and share information about your job search. You can never predict who will have helpful advice or useful contacts. 

 

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Maintain the Momentum

Keep Them Warm

Once you get into a rhythm, you'll have many contacts in your growing network. That leads to more clarity and an even bigger network. Don't let those valuable contacts go cold. A brief note (in which you don't ask, but give) can make a world of difference keeping your contact warm: 

Hi Helen,

I hope the New Year is treating you well. I wanted to thank you again for the lovely happy hour back in November. You were incredibly generous with your time and insights, and I truly appreciated the conversation.

Thank you as well for the introduction to Vanessa—what a gem. We had a really helpful phone chat, and I’m grateful for the connection.

Please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can ever return the favor to you or anyone in your orbit.

With gratitude,
Sarah

Make a calendar note to reach out again in a couple of months. Tend to your garden and watch it grow!

Give More Than You Take

Research shows that following up 2 times with a "give" and not an "ask" is a great way to nurture contacts who last and will truly help you.  

Make an unsolicited LinkedIn recommendation or skill endorsement, send an article, send a thank you note detailing how you USED their advice, buy them coffee. 

 

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Network from Your Kitchen Table: LinkedIn Comments

This is a perfect strategy for introverts. Consistent commenting on LinkedIn posts takes just a few minutes a day and is a much more effective use of your time than shooting off another application into the black hole. 

Read the full list of benefits and see a list of comment ideas in this document

 

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Tools and Resources to Help You

Skill Builder Workshops

  • Networking 101: Start connecting with confidence (and even enjoy it!).
  • Networking 201: Expand your efforts with more intention
  • LinkedIn 101: Optimize your Settings and Profile; be found more easily.
  • LinkedIn 201: Use LI to find potential contacts at your target companies.

AI Prompts

Other Tools

Online Resources

Books

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