How To Use Your Network to Find a Job

In times of career transitions and job layoffs, leaning on others may feel uncomfortable. One of the resources we suggest as coaches is networking. An act that may seem daunting and hard, but with the help of experts Marie Zimneoff and Kymberli Speight from Career Thought Leaders networking can be what you need to help you land your next job. 

Change Your Mindset

When we think of networking, our first thought may be what can this person do for me? What can I get out of this? We think of the final result, but ultimately networking is about building relationships. Kymberli Speight recommended changing the narrative and asking “how can I help someone else?” It helps foster mindfulness and authentic relationships to networking. 

At times of unemployment, we may feel helpless but everyone has something to contribute. Whether it’s an article, your time, or just an ear to listen, everyone has something to contribute. 

Journal prompt: reflect on who you are and what you have to offer. 

“Network yesterday, today, and tomorrow” - Speight 

Who should I reach out to first?

It seems obvious, but the first people to reach out to are the ones you know. From there examine who is in their network, and if there is anyone who stands out to you ask for an introduction. Zimneoff makes a point that the best person to refer you to future positions are people who have already worked with you, because they know you in a work setting best. To start, write down a list of everyone you know. This will start jogging your memory of who you know and contact. 

The 3 C’s

Zimneoff and Speight break down our power circle into 3 C’s to think about who we can write down on our list. 

C - colleagues 

C - confidants; these people include family, close friends, church members etc..

C - connectors; the people who have a super power in connecting with others, these can be in your close circle or a few degrees away. 
What is your goal? 

Similar to reframing your mindset, ask yourself what your goal is in nurturing the relationship. Sometimes it can be as simple as having a conversation. It can go beyond the attainable goals you have set for the job search. When networking with the intention of finding a goal, the only person can sense that and make the relationship uncomfortable. 

Cold Outreaches 

At times we don’t want to go through our network to connect us with others, so we reach out to others directly. What are the people you see on a regular basis? Are they at your child’s soccer games, or next to you at your place of worship. Ask them what they are working on at work, and share what you have done in the past. Speight recommended what to bring forward your interest and what you want to do, and ask if they know anyone in their network who may be able to help. 

When planning on who you are going to speak with, think of questions beforehand. Instead of trying to sell yourself, be prepared with questions the other person can answer and start a conversation with you. This will help the conversation not feel like a sales pitch. 

Let’s Talk LinkedIn

It’s inevitable to not think of LinkedIn when talking about networking. Speight shares her tips and best practices for LinkedIn. Her first tip is to be present. Treat conversations on LinkedIn as you would in person, and engage with your network. Give your thoughts on the conversations they are having. Her second tip is to use LinkedIn as a research tool. Do research on the companies, jobs, and recruiters you want to apply for. Actively seek out those who are active on LinkedIn. 

Would you like extra support in engaging with your network? Fill out our contact form and we will match you with one of our career coaches.