Have you been struggling to land a job interview, even though you’ve submitted countless applications? It could be because your job search strategy could be missing one crucial piece: networking. You might have heard that it’s important, but could still be wondering how to start networking.
There are 4 essential steps to take when you first start networking. Before we dive in, let’s define what networking actually is and why it’s so important.
It’s important to understand these 2 facts on networking:
- It’s about making connections with & for other people using effective, purposeful communication
- It’s also a series of mutually beneficial, successful transactions
As you’re networking, keep in mind that it’s mutually beneficial- aka, you’re not burdening someone by reaching out to them.
You might feel like you don’t have anything to provide when you’re learning how to start networking for a job, but you definitely do. You either become an incredible employee at their company or a valuable connection with them for the future.
Don’t let your entry-level status make you feel like you don’t have any value to provide the people in your network- you totally do!
Next, let’s quickly go over a little bit about why networking is important.
The biggest thing you need to know is that only 20% of jobs are advertised on the open market- like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Google. That means a full 80% of positions are on the hidden market aka, they’re only found through networking.
That’s why it’s crucial you start exploring new ways to network, so you’re tapping into ALL of the opportunities out there- not just the ones on the open market!
Still not convinced? Check out Why Networking is Essential & What it Really Means to learn more about the importance of networking!
Now that we know why we’re doing it, let’s move onto how to start networking!
How to start networking: define your goal
The first step to start networking is, pretty much, the first step for doing anything new: figure out your goal.
Think about what you want to get out of networking:
- Are you networking to find a job?
- Do you want to meet people in your industry in a new city?
- Are you hoping to learn more about a field you’re interested in?
- Do you want to make new connections at work?
It’s much easier to get serious about networking once you’ve clearly defined your goal.
From there, you can figure out the direction your networking should take- like whether you reach out to an alum from your school living in your city or a manager of another department at your company.
Once you’ve defined your goal, it’s time to make your resume match it!
Does networking totally terrifying you? Watch my FREE training on escaping the toxic job search cycle & reclaiming your career with networking!
80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!
Refine your resume
Now that you know what you want to get out of networking, you can customize your resume around that goal.
One of my biggest resume tips is to divide it into “Related Experience” and “Additional Experience.” Put the relevant section at the top and fill it with the experiences that best fit your networking goal.
So, if your goal is to meet people in your industry, then put your industry-specific experiences at the top. If your goal is to learn more about becoming a manager, then put your leadership experiences at the top.
After you’ve altered your resume to fit your networking goal, it’ll be way easier for you to send it out when it’s requested.
Create your elevator pitch
I know- this sounds like one of those annoying assignments from an intro college class, but I promise it’s better than that (mostly because I won’t grade you).
The purpose of your personal elevator pitch is, essentially, to avoid looking like a deer in headlights when someone says that horrible phrase, “Tell me about yourself.”
We (me included) have all been there, but now your elevator pitch is going to make sure it doesn’t happen again. It also comes in handy when you’re writing an email requesting an informational interview.
Since you’re going to use it casually when you start networking, it doesn’t have to be flashy or over the top. So, yes, you should have a “hook,” but it doesn’t have to be extreme. It can be as simple as a short background that ties into your goal.
For example, if your goal is to learn more about a new field- like education- you could start your elevator pitch with, “I’ve always been a curious, excited learner, so when I graduated from college I explored several fields until I discovered my passion for education…”
Find an interesting way to start your elevator pitch, while keeping it casual enough to say naturally during a convo!
Ready to dive deeper into networking? Watch my FREE webinar on How to Reclaim your Career with Networking!
80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!
Google yourself
It’s almost guaranteed when you start networking that someone is going to Google you. Maybe they’ll dive deep into your LinkedIn and social media pages, or maybe they’ll just quickly see there aren’t any major red flags popping up.
Regardless of what their intention will be, you want to make sure everything looks good when they Google you.
So, Google yourself, see what comes up, and click the first few links. If you notice your LinkedIn picture is outdated, then put up a new headshot. If you discover your Facebook settings are too public, then switch your profile over to private.
Make sure everything that comes up shows them what you want them to see. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to start exploring ways to network!
Ways to network
Wondering what to do next now that you know how to start networking? Check out these must-read guides:
- The 7 Professional Networking Tips & Tricks you Need to Know!
- Professional Networking Resources to Accelerate your Career
- How to Start Networking Online when you’re Stuck at Home
Remember, when you’re ready to start networking, you have to define your goal, refine your resume, create your elevator pitch, and clean up your Google results. Once you’ve done those, you can start networking like a pro!
Still need a major networking confidence boost? Sign up below to watch my FREE webinar on How to Escape the Toxic Job Search Cycle & Reclaim your Career with Networking!