Networking is key for job hunters. Researchers say that 85% of critical positions are filled via networked applicants. The connection with an insider gave these job seekers an edge, which ultimately helped them land the job.
If networking doesn't come naturally to you, researching the topic can be a little frustrating. Most articles suggest vague solutions that are hard to act on.
Let's try something different.
In this article, we'll break down traditional networking suggestions into actionable step-by-step plans you can use. We'll cover:
Elevator pitches
Conversation starters
Active listening
Solving problems
Leveraging email
Using social media
Use Your Elevator Pitch
This is an incredibly common networking tip, and chances are, you've heard it before. An elevator pitch can be a lifesaver if you're asked, "Why did you come to this event?" or "Where do you work?" You know you need one, but you may have no idea how to come up with one.
A networking elevator pitch has five components:
Who: This one sentence encapsulates your current job title.
What: This sentence describes your tasks.
For: This section identifies your existing client base.
How: This portion describes what makes you different than anyone else.
Hook: This is the meat of your pitch. You're telling your listener why you're starting your networking journey.
Imagine that you work for a small health care company, but you'd like to switch positions and work for someone a little better. Your pitch might sound like this: "I'm a medical transcriptionist. I handle all the medical records for a small company in the Midwest. Our clients are typically older, and they have complex records that require a lot of manipulation. I love the work because I'm detail-oriented and passionate about patient care, but I'm hoping I can shift into work with a bigger organization in the future, as I have so much more to offer."
Perhaps you already have a job, and you're looking for mentors who can help you take the next step. You might say something like this: "I'm a regional sales consultant. My company produces some of the most sophisticated knitting needles in the country, and I head to small knitting circles to show them off. Our clients are hobby knitters, and they're passionate about the craft. I love helping them improve knitting accuracy and speed with our products. I'm hoping to find other sales professionals that I can swap ideas and techniques with, so more knitters know about our needles."
Write your pitch, and then try it out with trusted friends and family members. Your goal is a follow-up question. Keep writing until your listeners itch to respond to you when you're done speaking.
Then, practice, practice, practice. The words should flow from your lips naturally when you're asked crucial questions about who you are and what you want.
Strike Up a Conversation
You know you shouldn't hang back in the corners when you're presented with a networking opportunity. You may also know that you should leap into chats if no one is approaching you for story time. Here's how to do it without seeming pushy.
Spot someone near you who also has no one to talk with. Or if everyone is talking, you'll need to join a conversation already in progress. Set your target, and then:
Move in closer. It's never polite to yell, and if you're not within range, you'll have to raise your voice to be heard.
Smile. You're at a business event; you're not attending a funeral. Curl those lips into a smile, and you'll seem friendly and approachable.
Make introductions. Give your name, and hold your hand out for a handshake. Researchers say 72% of Americans believe the way a person shakes hands speaks volumes. Keep handkerchiefs or scarves on hand to wipe off damp palms, and use a firm grip. Shake up and down one time, and then let go.
Listen to the name. Just as you speak your name, someone else will do the same. Repeat it after it's spoken to help you remember. (For example. "It's nice to meet you, Mary.") If you must, you may use a mnemonic to help that name stick (such as Mary in the mustard dress.)
Option #1: Reflect on the last thing said. If you're joining a conversation, your opening line should be a reflection. What can you add to the discussion at hand? For example, if people are discussing the decline of bees in North America and you're a gardener, you could open with, "This discussion about bees intrigues me, as I'm an organic gardener. I've had good luck reducing black spots without pesticides by adding phosphorus fertilizer to the root ball midway through planting." Be specific, as this example demonstrates, and you're likely to spark conversation.
Option #2: Ask an elevator pitch question. If you're not joining a conversation, there's nothing to reflect on. Instead, ask your new friend a question made for an elevator pitch. "What brings you here?" or "Where do you work?" are good starters.
Let Others Talk About Themselves
When we're engaged in conversation, we're talking about ourselves about 60% of the time, researchers say. When you're networking, you need to bring this number down.
Get a reputation as a good listener, and you will be more memorable. You also have plenty of data you can use when you follow up on this conversation.
They listen to learn. Approach conversations as opportunities for you to pick up new skills, techniques, or ideas.
They focus. They don't think about what they should say next, and they don't let their minds wander. They hone in on what's being said.
They ask open-ended questions. During pauses in conversation, good listeners ask for more information with questions like, "What did you do next?" or "What other strategies did you try?"
They summarize. After a particularly important point, they say things like, "Let me make sure I'm understanding you," or "Tell me if this is the right interpretation," before restating the point.
They use positive body language. They nod, smile, and lean in to show they are listening. They also watch their tone, to ensure everyone is comfortable.
At the end of a conversation like this, you'll know a lot about the person you've been speaking with. Write down your notes, and pay special attention to any pain points your speaker brought up. You'll use those notes in later steps.
Solve Problems and Be Helpful
When you're networking for a job, you're hoping to demonstrate why you're a good hiring choice. One of the easiest ways to do that is to solve an issue plaguing your networking partner. It shows you're interested in getting results. How can you do that?
In the midst of a conversation, if a problem comes up, think about whether you can:
Solve it directly. Do you have the answer at your fingertips? For example, your networking partner might be looking for a gift for a loved one. You know your favorite market sells just what the person wants. Give an address, and you've helped that person prepare for an important event.
Connect the person with a solution. Does someone in your network have the skills and expertise to solve the issue? For example, if the speaker needs a freelance artist to complete a project and your coworker handles projects like that, an introduction could be incredibly helpful.
Research and return. Some problems are complex, and they require a bit of extra research. If you can't solve it on the spot, but you know just what your line of inquiry might be, ask if the person would be willing to hear from you in a few days with the answer.
It can be tempting to offer up your hire as the solution to all problems. Resist the temptation.
This portion of networking is about building a relationship and showing that you'd be a good asset and an exceptional coworker. You're highlighting your soft skills. Don't blow it with a hard push for a job.
Follow Up via Email, but Don't Be Creepy
Every day, more than 128 billion business email messages are sent, says Campaign Monitor. Every email represents a choice. Should the person open it? Or should it go right to spam? A follow-up email is an exceptional way to build on a networking relationship, but you'll have to do a little extra to ensure it's read.
Effective follow-up messages are:
Expected. Ask the person if you can follow up via email, and tell the person when your note is coming.
Personal. Don't send the same note to every single person you met in one day. Each one should be customized.
Thoughtful. Your letter should include a word about your conversation, just in case your name doesn't ring a bell.
Helpful. Solutions to problems, extra data to back up a point, or contacts that might be good additions are all helpful to include.
Conversational. Your note shouldn't be a one-way message. Your reader should be expected to do something with the data.
An email message might sound like this: "I enjoyed meeting you on Thursday, and as I mentioned, I wanted to send along some research that might be helpful. I know you've been searching for answers to the chicken-wing-hotness problem, and I think this study on paprika might spark interest to you. The data on hotness factors between organic and factory plants is particularly illuminating. I have my own personal chicken wing spot on Adams Avenue., and I'd love to show it to you and discuss this data. Does lunch next week work for you?"
Email messages like this are personal, but they add to a conversation you've already had. Keep that conversation going, and you could have an important ally in your job hunt.
Follow Up With Social Media
Social media accounts are quick and easy ways to chat with people you've met, but it's easy to get lost in the flood of likes and shares. If you're connected in name only, you aren't likely to build a lasting relationship.
Effective social media follow-ups are:
Anticipated. Ask the person whether it's appropriate to continue a talk via social media, and ask about which channels they use. Does the person have one specific platform (like LinkedIn) for networking? Is Facebook reserved for family and friends?
Professional. When you connect, your new friend will see everything you've shared. If your personal page is filled with NSFW content, that would make a horrible impression. Make sure you're ready for this conversation.
Appropriate. Answer a post with a solution, data point, or connection. Be as specific and thoughtful as you can, just as you were when you were talking.
Personal. Voting your approval for another person's words is not a connection. Skip the likes and shares and focus on conversation.
Start Your Search
Networking helps you get your foot in the door of a company you love, but what job openings are available at that company? We can help.
Search our website, and you'll find job listings for companies hiring right now. You may even find exactly what you're looking for.
