Let’s face it – networking is not a skill we’re born with. Like anything else, we have to PRACTICE! For some people, this comes very naturally. Not me!! People are often surprised to hear I’m actually very introverted! I’ve had to really work hard over the years to figure out a style that worked for me when making connections.
If you’re interested in more content about networking, check out my blog post “How To Network With Recruiters” I also made a video about it for my visual folks – check it out here – “How To Network With Recruiters (YouTube)“
The key to successful networking is tapping into the other person’s emotional currency. Most professionals genuinely want to help. Whether it’s responding to an open role, or trying to make a connection for a future opportunity, it’s important to tap into what matters to your audience. For recruiters, it’s connecting with potential talent. For peers, it’s maybe an opportunity to help build their team(s) with people they know and like. For hiring managers and leaders, it’s probably going to be forging connections that can turn into future hires.
It is IMPERATIVE that you write messages that deserve a response.
Not every message will GET a response. My friend Laura Mazzullo talks about that in this 3 minute video on Introductory Notes. Don’t let a lack of response stop you from sending targeted, quality messages! Good networking should never look like spam.
One of the most confusing aspects of this is recruiters talk a good game about transparency and wanting to help job seekers, but then reality kicks in. Despite our best intentions, we simply don’t have enough time to talk to every single job seeker who wants to connect.
Let’s help you connect more strategically.
Recruiters
Fact is, most recruiters are open networkers. We’ll accept just about anybody on LinkedIn. Feel free to connect, but if you’re looking for something more, try this – Find recruiters who (as best you can tell) recruit for your specific industry and roles you are qualified for – Send a targeted message like this:
Hi (recruiter name),
I am a (job title) working with (company) and am interested in learning more about how (company) hires (titles). I have applied online to (position), and found your profile which said you hire (titles).
I’m not sure if my application has made it to your desk, but I wanted to express my interest directly. You can learn more about me here (LinkedIn profile, personal blog, link to resume, WHATEVER). If I am a fit for any (title) roles you’re working on, I’d be happy to set up a call to discuss further. You can reach me directly at (email) or (phone).
If I may be a better fit for another (role/team/recruiter), please feel free to forward this email to the appropriate contact – I’d really appreciate it!
Thank you,
(you)
Peer Networking
Find people who do what you want to do! These could be current/former interns, professionals who work on teams you’re interested in, or someone who’s career trajectory you admire. – The goal is to learn about their career path (how did they get where you want to be) and hopefully build a mutually beneficial professional friendship! – Send a targeted message like this:
Hi (name),
I am an aspiring (title) looking to get into a company like (company they work at). I have applied online and reached out to recruiters, but I’d love to hear any words of wisdom you might have as you’ve successfully landed at (company)! Since we have similar backgrounds, I was hoping to learn something from your success.
Do you have any advice or tips you’d be willing to share? I would greatly appreciate it. If I can ever return the favor please let me know!
Thanks, (you)
Leadership Networking
Let’s face it – nobody feels the pain of an open position quite like a hiring manager does. If there’s a gap on their team, THEY are often the ones picking up the slack or are forced to work their (short handed) team harder and longer, risking unhappiness in the ranks. With very few exceptions, THEY WANT TO HIRE! Tap into that pain. – Send a targeted message like this:
Hi (name),
I am an aspiring (title) looking to get into (company they work at). I have applied online and contacted recruiters at your company, but I wanted to reach out directly in case you have any open positions I could be considered for. I’m really interested in (company) after learning about/because of (key thing you’ve learned about them/read in the news etc)
My experience is in (1-2 things you’re great at) and I’m looking for a role where I can (1-2 things you really want to do in your next gig). Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated! If not for your team, I would be grateful if you could share my (LinkedIn profile, resume, personal blog, etc) with anyone else you know who may be interested in my background.
Thanks for taking the time to read this! Hopefully our paths will cross in the future.
Sincerely,
(you)
Now this is in no way intended to be a quick copy/paste exercise. Be thoughtful in your outreach and make sure you’re using YOUR voice – not just my words. However, hopefully these templates give you a starting point. The idea is to provide enough information that the prospect can take action, respond, or forward – but also leaves an “out” if they are not the right contact or are otherwise uncomfortable with the request. (This shouldn’t be the case, but everyone is different! Be kind!)
I know this is going to feel kind of weird and uncomfortable at first. If you’d like a critique of your outreach before sending, shoot it over! Put “CRITIQUE” in the subject line so I don’t miss it. Happy Connecting!
