I often work with people who tell me all about their efforts to connect with hiring managers and other key decision makers when they’re applying for a job. Unfortunately, this effort is largely a waste time and energy because a) hiring managers aren’t willing or able to pay attention to every person who reaches out to them, and b) at the point of application is honestly too late.
Building relationships with people is actually a long game. It doesn’t start when you need a job. And it should never be all one way.
Think of the process as building and nurturing relationships with people you find interesting. Be responsive to requests people make of you so that they’re ready to do the same for you. Share relevant information with them. Reach out occasionally just to see how they’re doing. This is the bedrock of a solid network.
Once you have these relationships solidified, you’ll be pleased by how much help and support people are willing to offer you. At this point, months or years into a relationship, you can tap into the resources of your network. Let people know you’re looking for something new or you’ve gotten an additional piece of education. Tell them you’re having a hard time finding a job or identifying good-fit companies. These are now the people in your circle, not people you’ve just met. Now your network is truly a network!
