6 Tips for Successful Job Search Networking
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Have you ever wondered why some people are successful at finding jobs and others are not? Or maybe you’re not sure how you should start your job search. Even if you don’t know exactly what you need to do to land your next gig, you’re probably aware that there are likely many steps you can take to improve your job search and land a new job. If you’re reading this, you’re probably already aware that networking is one of the most effective and underutilized ways you can find a job. The problem is, not many people know how to do it. Follow these 6 tips for job search networking so you can learn how to meet people, build your network and get leads for your professional search.
Using Small Town Networking For Getting Hired In Big Cities
Be proactive
The first thing you should do is to be proactive. In other words, take charge of your job search by actively seeking out opportunities to meet people who may have connections to hiring managers. The best way to build a job search network is by being proactive. Before you head out to a networking event, create a job search plan for yourself. Think about what you want to accomplish and what you want to learn from the people you meet. You can then use this plan to help guide your networking. This kind of planning will help you stay focused and avoid going off on tangents. If you’re attending a networking event and wondering what to talk about, think about what you want to learn. What do you want to learn that you don’t already know? That way, you can focus your networking on topics relevant to you.
Have a goal
You need to have a goal in mind when networking. The goal could be a specific skill you’re looking to build on, an experience you wish to have, a company you want to work for or a job that you want. Whatever the goal is, make it a target for you so that you can stay focused. Having a goal will help you stay motivated throughout your networking sessions. You may even find that you meet people who have connections to hiring managers that can help you meet your goal.
Be honest
Being honest during your networking conversations will help you build your network faster. When people ask what you want in a job, it’s okay to be honest. Don’t lie to people, but don’t be too specific either. You don’t want to scare people off, but you also don’t want to be overly specific either. You also want to be careful about sharing too much information about your salary requirements. While you should be honest about what you want and what you’re willing to accept, you don’t want to scare off potential employers with salary requirements.
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want
If you want a mentor or coaching program to help you through your job search, don’t be afraid to ask. While you don’t want to be pushy, you also don’t want to be shy about asking for what you want. You want to be assertive without being aggressive or obnoxious. If you’re at a networking event and you’re not sure what to ask or chat about, arrive with 2 or 3 conversation starters in your hip pocket to help you begin conversations. You can use them as ways to open conversations with people.
Meet people who can help you
The best way to make connections is by meeting people. You may not know who these people are when you walk into a networking event or contact someone you don’t know online, but if you stay focused, you can meet them and connect with them. When you walk into a networking event, look around and notice people who seem to be networking or “working the room.” Who are they? What are they doing? What are they wearing? What are they saying? You want to look for people who seem to be active. They won’t be the majority at the event, but it could be a great start for you. It may sound simple, but this is one of the most important tips for networking. You want to be present in the moment and be present in the room. Before you walk in, write down a few notes on what you want to accomplish during the session. This way, you’ll have something to focus on while you’re there.
Don’t be afraid to defer or say no to an opportunity
One of the best networking tips you can follow is to rebuff an offer. This could mean saying no thank you to a networking offer. You may be at a networking event where someone offers you a job or a job opportunity. If this person wants you to take an offer, the best thing you could do is say “let’s talk about this tomorrow. Do you have time at about . . . and offer them a time to speak. If the person seems pushy, you can simply say, “I appreciate your offer, but I’m looking for a position at a higher level than the one you’re proposing. If I misheard you or if I’m wrong, let’s speak tomorrow.” This way, you’re not giving a full-blown no, but you’re also not saying yes either. You’re letting the person know that you open to hearing more and you’re not sure you’re ready to make a commitment.
Conclusion
Not networking is one of the most common job search mistakes people make, but, if you do actually do it, it is easily one of the most effective things you can do to land a new position and plant seeds for your professional, and sometimes, personal future. By consistently meeting new people and building genuine connections, you can create a powerful network of potential employers and opportunities that could change your life. Success in your job search comes down to being proactive, having a goal, being honest, not being afraid to ask for what you want, and rebuffing and deferring the wrong opportunities.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2022
Looking for a Job As a New Arrival in the US
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a coach who worked as a recruiter for what seems like one hundred years. His work involves career coaching, as well as executive job search coaching, job coaching, and interview coaching. He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2300 episodes.
Are you interested in 1:1 coaching, interview coaching, advice about networking more effectively, how to negotiate your offer or leadership coaching? Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
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