As we’ve been discussing, this job market is difficult and unpredictable. This week is my third tip for succeeding in this strange landscape.
Tip 3: Yes, you have to network
But why and how?
Let’s start with why it matters. As I’ve said, it’s not your imagination that the job market is a mess right now. There are fewer real job postings, people aren’t willingly leaving roles, and the whole application process is taking forever. But did you know that people who get referrals get hired faster than those who don’t? Or that those folks are also more likely to wind up getting an offer? Or that referred employees are more likely to grow within an organization? This means that it’s more important than ever to built your connections strategically.
This doesn’t mean you should just start pinging people you’ve met once and asking for referrals. It also doesn’t mean you should reach out to hiring managers at every single place you’re considering. Instead, you want to be thoughtful about who your referral partners will likely be. This means that you may have to spend a bit of time really establishing those relationships so that people know who you are and what you bring to the table. When you’re interested in a particular job, reach out to your connections within the organization and, rather than asking for referrals, ask for tips: what do your connections see as important? What advice can they offer you? Are there other people they recommend you reach out to?
When one of these people does offer to refer you, be sure it’s easy for them to do so. Have a quick overview of your background, as it relates to the role, prepared. Send that to your contact who has made the generous offer.
But what if you don’t already have connections in a particular place? It’s time to start building them! Find who works at your target employer or in a field you’d like to get into. Reach out with a request for an informational interview. Come up with a list of what you most want to know about the employer or role. Ask your interviewee questions about their career path. Be ready to discuss your background and how your skills translate. And ask for advice and additional connections! (Not for referrals—they barely know you just yet.)
And remember, this isn’t a one-time connection. Professional relationships, just like personal ones, are about giving as well as taking. Your work friends will sometimes be in situations you can help them with, just as you will sometimes be on the receiving end of that help.
