Moving Beyond Small Talk to Unleash the Power of Genuine Connection in Networking
This post is part of a ten-part series on Mastering Your Job Search in 10 Essential Steps.
Today, we’re diving into a topic many find daunting: Networking. But fear not, we’re not talking about awkward meet-and-greets. Instead, I’ll guide you through authentic networking strategies that align with who you are.
Networking is one tool in your job search toolbox. Jobs are often found through multiple strategies, not just a single strategy. Be sure to visit the previous steps in Mastering Your Job Search in 10 Essential Steps.
Watch Video: Step Four: Networking Effectively (deep dive)
Tune in to learn how to network authentically and leverage connections to achieve your professional aspirations. Don’t miss out on unlocking doors to new opportunities and forging genuine connections that matter. Hit play now and take your networking game to the next level!
Listen to this episode on your favorite podcast player:
What Networking Isn’t
Over the years you may have seen the stat that 85% of jobs are found through networking or “the hidden job market.” This is a term we used 20 years ago.
Recently I found a great post on LinkedIn that debunks this widely-held myth that
networking = job offer. In his LinkedIn post, “No, 85% of All Jobs Are Not Filled Via Networking,” by Ed Herzog outlines why this stat doesn’t give the full story. He does, however, tout the benefits of networking in that it MAY lead to a request for you to apply for a position.
Preparing to Network
Setting goals for career networking can help you stay focused and make the most of your networking efforts.
Take a moment to think about what your networking goals might be.
Networking for your job search might include:
- Learning about career fields, organizations, or specific position openings
- Making professional connections
- Seeking guidance on your job search
Networking Worksheet
Use this worksheet to help you develop your networking plan.
Creating Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a concise and compelling summary to share with new connections, typically delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator (around 30-60 seconds).
Having an elevator pitch is important for several reasons:
First Impressions: It provides a way to make a strong and memorable first impression when you meet new people, whether at networking events, job interviews, or social gatherings.
Opportunity Seizing: You never know when you’ll encounter a potential opportunity. Having an elevator pitch ready allows you to seize these opportunities quickly and effectively.
Clarity and Focus: Crafting an elevator pitch requires you to clarify your goals, strengths, and value proposition. This clarity not only helps others understand what you do but also helps you stay focused on your objectives.
Networking Effectiveness: In networking situations, time is often limited, and attention spans can be short. An elevator pitch ensures that you can communicate your message clearly and succinctly, making it more likely that others will remember you and what you have to offer.
Confidence Building: Knowing that you have a well-crafted elevator pitch ready to go can boost your confidence in various professional and social settings. It allows you to approach interactions with a clear sense of purpose and direction.
Conversation Starter: An elevator pitch can serve as a natural conversation starter, leading to further discussions and opportunities to build relationships with others.
Covering Where To Network
Identifying places to network allows you to be intentional in your networking, make more targeted connections, and increase your visibility.
Don’t overlook the places you frequent as valuable opportunities for networking. They provide a comfortable, familiar environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals, build trust and rapport, and cultivate long-lasting relationships based on shared interests and experiences.
- Family Members
- Friends of Family
- Family of Friends
- Community Service Groups
- Church, Clubs, Teams
If stepping out of your regular routine makes you nervous, pick one or two new experiences that might help you in your networking journey.
- Networking Events
- Contacting School Alumni
- Career Fairs and Career Events
- Professional Associations
- Affinity/ Diversity Groups
- Chambers of Commerce events
Networking in Action
I often run into people I know in the most unpredictable places. Depending on your daily routines, you may frequent the same coffee shop or grocery store throughout a week. Can you remember the last time you ran into someone you know outside of the place you usually see them?
The next time this happens, consider how this might be a networking opportunity.
Imagine that next week you run into an acquaintance while waiting in line. Could you have a conversation that looks something like this:
“Hey, Chris, how have you been? It’s been ages since we last caught up.”
“I know, it’s great to see you again. I’ve been doing alright, but I’ve been thinking about exploring new job opportunities.”
“Really? That sounds exciting. What kind of roles are you interested in?”
At this point, you can confidently deliver your elevator pitch, expressing your career goals and what you’re looking for in your next role.
“I’m so happy you asked. I’m just finishing my fourth year in curriculum design. I love the educational aspect but need a more competitive environment.
I don’t know if you know this but before I got my master’s degree I worked in sales and I really miss it. I’ve been exploring how my education and design background might fit into sales.
Right now I’m seeking opportunities in educational technology sales. Do you know anyone in that field who might be helpful for me to talk with?”
Navigating Career Conversations
Having a successful networking conversation involves a combination of preparation, active listening, genuine interest, and effective communication.
Begin the conversation with a friendly greeting and introduction. You can mention something relevant that you have in common or refer to a recent event or topic of interest to establish rapport.
Listen Actively by paying close attention to what the other person is saying and show genuine interest in their experiences, opinions, and insights. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more and actively listen to their responses without interrupting.
- That sounds like an interesting job,
- Tell me more about the work you do
- Tell me more about the company you work for
- Tell me how you got into that line of work
Share Your Story by briefly introducing yourself and sharing relevant aspects of your background, experience, and goals. Focus on highlighting your unique skills, achievements, and interests relevant to the conversation.
Find Common Ground by listening for common interests, experiences, or goals you share with the other person and use them as a basis for further conversation. Finding common ground helps establish a connection and build rapport.
Be Authentic by being yourself and communicating authentically. Avoid trying to impress or oversell yourself, as genuine connections are built on authenticity and mutual respect.
Offer Value by looking for ways to add value to the conversation by sharing relevant insights, resources, or experiences. Offer help or support if you can, and be generous with your knowledge and expertise.
Exit Gracefully, when it’s time to end the conversation, thank the other person for their time and insights. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to connect and suggest staying in touch or meeting again in the future if appropriate.
Reflect and Follow up by taking time to reflect on what you learned and any potential next steps. Follow up with a personalized message or email to express your gratitude, reinforce the connection, and suggest ways to continue the conversation or collaboration.
Parting Thoughts
By simply sharing your ambitions and seeking support from your network, you can open doors to new opportunities and connections that can propel your career forward.
Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships and leveraging them to achieve your professional goals. It is ONE step of many in a successful job search.
Stay tuned for the next installment in our series on Mastering Your Job Search, where we’ll delve into another essential aspect of navigating the job market with confidence.
Until then, keep honing your skills, adapting to industry trends, and seizing every opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications. Your next career milestone could be just a resume away.
Resources for Effective Networking
- Articles
- Herzog, E. (2023, March 13). 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/85-all-jobs-filled-via-networking-ed-herzog/?trackingId=eD9aBgc%2FTEbMQK7oG84snQ%3D%3D
- Networking Worksheet
- Watch Video:
- Listen to the Podcast:
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