Networking matters
When you hear the word "networking," do you feel your level of anxiety increasing? If yes, you're not alone. So many of my clients — often in our first meeting — divulge how much they dislike the idea of networking. But, they know it matters in the job search. It especially matters if you are battling ageism, have taken a career break of more than a year, or are making a career pivot.
There's bad news and good news. The bad news: there's not a magic one-size-fits-all way to make networking comfortable. The good news: networking effectively may not be what you think it is, and there are ways to break it down and make it manageable and *less* uncomfortable.
Here are some tips on how to network effectively:
Second level contacts are the best links, but to get them you need to reinforce your first level connections. What's a "second level" contact? Someone a friend or co-worker knows well, but you don't. (Check out Dawn Graham's helpful book "Switchers" for more on this topic. )
Connect with everyone you know on LinkedIn. Family, co-workers, college friends. It's their connections ("second level" to you) who may help you. In turn, you may be able to help your family and friends with your connections. Generally, people who already know and like us are willing to connect on LI, especially if you send a personal message with your request — something like "I realized we weren't connected here already and wanted to do that."
Let those close friends and family know you are looking for new opportunities. Don't be shy about your skills, interests, and hopes. This might be challenging for you, but once you tell one person, it will be easier to tell the second.
Two real life examples on how second level contacts can help.
When I was newly married, my husband and I had a long-distance (read: 1400 miles) marriage. Not ideal, and we only did it for eighteen months. Since I moved to his location eventually, I needed to find work. And it was in rural Iowa! Luckily, a friend from the job I was leaving knew a high-level person at the educational nonprofit and testing company, ACT. This person met with me and interviewed me for a job — which I did not get. But, she kept me in mind. When another job opened up that was a better match, I was hired.
A client I worked with relocated to Maine for her spouse's job. She holds multiple professional degrees and a great deal of experience. If I believed there's such a thing as "over-qualified" (there isn't), she'd appear that way to some hiring managers. We started her informational interview process, and she connected with a friend of mine in a nonprofit she admired. After hitting it off with him, a job came up at his organization. She applied, and she was excited about the role. But, she didn't get hired. It felt like a big setback. A few weeks later, another employer (who had learned about her from the company who didn't hire her) contacted her regarding a similar role in his organization. She's working there now.
A final tip: Keep realistic goals. I will attend a networking event and meet one new person. Not ten, not everyone. It's okay to stand in the corner and read the room. It's okay to talk to an old friend. A small step is a good step and networking well is a slow and steady process. Be kind to yourself.
