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How do I leverage my network to land my first/next job?
This is part of our professionals series, where we ask professionals what they think students should know
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11 answers
Mark Howard
Billing-related Contract Management
25
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Mark’s Answer
There is a great line from an 80's tv show where an acting student, speaking about how to 'break into show business' says "it's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know". There is a certain amount of truth to that - it can help you get your foot in the door, but usually you will have to show the "what" to keep the door from slamming on your foot.
This saying can work for you, too. Here's a way to make that happen:
* You've figured out the kind of function you want to perform so you decide to reach out to your network to advertise yourself.
* Let people in your personal net know what you are looking for. Be specific in the field or industry you are seeking out, your interests and things you have done that are similar to the job/position you want.
What is going to happen is the folks who have ties to that industry or field will either know who has openings or know people who may know people. What is important is to check in with your contacts regularly (give it a week at a time) to 1) let them know you appreciate anything they pass your way (critically important step!) and 2) to remind them that you are still in the market. Keeping in contact also allows you to possibly perform the same function you are asking of them. As you talk to your web of folks, often, folks in your network will be told of openings, so you can connect your network to others' networks, thereby expanding your reach.
If you know who your network is, then go appreciate them and work them.
If you aren't sure who is in your network, it's these people: friends, acquaintances and teachers from school, people from interest groups (religious, activity groups, volunteer events, neighbors, regular patrons of restaurants that you interact with - this is often overlooked, but can be a great resource, employees from your favorite hangout place that you interact with regularly, the list is a lot more than you realize).
Any of these people can be the key to finding your next favorite gig.
The really important thing is to strike up the contact and be open if they approach you. Be sincere in your conversations and be appreciative for any help given, even if it doesn't pan out. Your network not only can help you learn about what positions are open, but they can also put in a good word for you with people on the inside, in some instances.
A great example I have is a job I worked 16 years ago led to an encounter with an employee I hadn't worked with before. During the course of our business conversation, we got to talking about non-business things. I didn't think too much of it then and left for 'greener pastures". When I came back 5 years later, I had another encounter with that person. In catching up, I mentioned the work I had done when I left and it triggered something in my coworker. Turns out, he had been informed he was being "right-sized" and didn't know what to do. In talking about what I had done, which ended up being similar to his role, he changed his job search to include the title I had just left. 3 weeks later, he called to tell me he had gotten a job with the corporation I had been in (I knew the hiring manager and told her to pull his resume out of the stack and talk to him). Did it help me out? Not immediately, but if I ever call him up for job recommendations, I know he won't hesitate to create for me a list...and give a personal recommendation himself. All of that, from one conversation.
This saying can work for you, too. Here's a way to make that happen:
* You've figured out the kind of function you want to perform so you decide to reach out to your network to advertise yourself.
* Let people in your personal net know what you are looking for. Be specific in the field or industry you are seeking out, your interests and things you have done that are similar to the job/position you want.
What is going to happen is the folks who have ties to that industry or field will either know who has openings or know people who may know people. What is important is to check in with your contacts regularly (give it a week at a time) to 1) let them know you appreciate anything they pass your way (critically important step!) and 2) to remind them that you are still in the market. Keeping in contact also allows you to possibly perform the same function you are asking of them. As you talk to your web of folks, often, folks in your network will be told of openings, so you can connect your network to others' networks, thereby expanding your reach.
If you know who your network is, then go appreciate them and work them.
If you aren't sure who is in your network, it's these people: friends, acquaintances and teachers from school, people from interest groups (religious, activity groups, volunteer events, neighbors, regular patrons of restaurants that you interact with - this is often overlooked, but can be a great resource, employees from your favorite hangout place that you interact with regularly, the list is a lot more than you realize).
Any of these people can be the key to finding your next favorite gig.
The really important thing is to strike up the contact and be open if they approach you. Be sincere in your conversations and be appreciative for any help given, even if it doesn't pan out. Your network not only can help you learn about what positions are open, but they can also put in a good word for you with people on the inside, in some instances.
A great example I have is a job I worked 16 years ago led to an encounter with an employee I hadn't worked with before. During the course of our business conversation, we got to talking about non-business things. I didn't think too much of it then and left for 'greener pastures". When I came back 5 years later, I had another encounter with that person. In catching up, I mentioned the work I had done when I left and it triggered something in my coworker. Turns out, he had been informed he was being "right-sized" and didn't know what to do. In talking about what I had done, which ended up being similar to his role, he changed his job search to include the title I had just left. 3 weeks later, he called to tell me he had gotten a job with the corporation I had been in (I knew the hiring manager and told her to pull his resume out of the stack and talk to him). Did it help me out? Not immediately, but if I ever call him up for job recommendations, I know he won't hesitate to create for me a list...and give a personal recommendation himself. All of that, from one conversation.
Gerard Saydah
Account Support Manager
2
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Gerard’s Answer
Great question! I find it useful to use social media such as LinkedIn to message people who work for the company(s) you are interested in, attend job fairs whenever possible. It's always good to reach out to people in the same profession for guidance, leverage your professors/teachers for their advice. Finally, it's also valuable to pursue internships in your desired field.
Gerard Saydah
Account Support Manager
2
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Gerard’s Answer
Great question! I find it useful to use social media such as LinkedIn to message people who work for the company(s) you are interested in, attend job fairs whenever possible. It's always good to reach out to people in the same profession for guidance, leverage your professors/teachers for their advice. Finally, it's also valuable to pursue internships in your desired field.
(This advice was "written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE")
(This advice was "written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE")
Giselle Che
HR Operations Advisor
3
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Giselle’s Answer
Exposing yourself and be sure to be present and let people know you're eager to find a place where you can grow and become a professional. Actively networking showing up to business meetings, and getting involved in community activities and groups.
Searching for what employers are looking for in the field and making sure to align.
Searching for what employers are looking for in the field and making sure to align.
Leïla Oualha Hansen, MBA
Delivery Manager
6
Answers
Tunis, Tunisia
Updated
Leïla’s Answer
The career center in your high school or college, LinkedIn
If you know anyone in the industry, who is your extended network, anybody in your linkage can be a good connexion
Career fares
Get involved in activities such as non profit to show the values you care about and get connected to people with similar values, take an unpaid internship,
Do some research about the field you are interested in, the companies etc.
Stay up to date with trends of the industries you want to work in.
Never give up, this is a numbers game. you can apply to multiple jobs, until you land one. Join a group for a career affiliation.
written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE
If you know anyone in the industry, who is your extended network, anybody in your linkage can be a good connexion
Career fares
Get involved in activities such as non profit to show the values you care about and get connected to people with similar values, take an unpaid internship,
Do some research about the field you are interested in, the companies etc.
Stay up to date with trends of the industries you want to work in.
Never give up, this is a numbers game. you can apply to multiple jobs, until you land one. Join a group for a career affiliation.
written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE
Pavan Sridhar
Software Engineer
4
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Pavan’s Answer
The following message comes from a team of dedicated volunteers at HPE.
Understanding the career and technology opportunities within your company or even in other companies is crucial. It's essential to get detailed insights about what a specific job role entails and whether it aligns with your personal skills and interests.
The company's culture also influences your job decisions. By being part of our people network groups, you'll stay updated on the latest industry trends. You'll also have the chance to attend conferences and knowledge sessions that can propel your career forward.
Having casual conversations with others is a great way to exchange ideas and assess your current skill level. These discussions could even pave the way to your next exciting job opportunity.
Understanding the career and technology opportunities within your company or even in other companies is crucial. It's essential to get detailed insights about what a specific job role entails and whether it aligns with your personal skills and interests.
The company's culture also influences your job decisions. By being part of our people network groups, you'll stay updated on the latest industry trends. You'll also have the chance to attend conferences and knowledge sessions that can propel your career forward.
Having casual conversations with others is a great way to exchange ideas and assess your current skill level. These discussions could even pave the way to your next exciting job opportunity.
Pau Calleja
HRPB
1
Answer
Guadalajara
Updated
Pau’s Answer
This advice was "written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE".
Our first suggestion is join a professional network as LinkedIn. Set up a profile, put a professional picture. Separate your professional profile from your personal one.
A good tip is also to Google your name and read the information you get back. Try to keep consistent all the information that people can find in Google about you.
Once you set up your LinkedIn account send invites to connect with friends, teachers or other people you know. Ask them for recommendations through LinkedIn.
Join professional groups that are aligned with your professional interests.
Maintain your networks and reach-out regularly. React on news or updates from your direct network so you give yourself visibility.
Follow and try to connect with people that are already on the professional path you desire. Connect through a personal note that mentions why you are interested in connecting.
Good Luck!
Our first suggestion is join a professional network as LinkedIn. Set up a profile, put a professional picture. Separate your professional profile from your personal one.
A good tip is also to Google your name and read the information you get back. Try to keep consistent all the information that people can find in Google about you.
Once you set up your LinkedIn account send invites to connect with friends, teachers or other people you know. Ask them for recommendations through LinkedIn.
Join professional groups that are aligned with your professional interests.
Maintain your networks and reach-out regularly. React on news or updates from your direct network so you give yourself visibility.
Follow and try to connect with people that are already on the professional path you desire. Connect through a personal note that mentions why you are interested in connecting.
Good Luck!
Bob Moore
Supply Chain, Energy. Oil & Gas, Leadership, Management, Careers Overseas
51
Answers
The Woodlands, Texas
Updated
Bob’s Answer
‘It’s not what you know it’s who you know’ - it’s as true to say as it was 100 or 50 years ago. Today however it’s an AND. You need great qualifications, skills, experiences, flexibility and a network to find a great job.
In some places and careers it can be the shoe-in you need - especially small practices and or forms - large companies rely more and more on recruitment processes and systems.
But back to the basics - your network is family, friends, school or college friends, college professors, teachers or coaches, and former work mates if applicable - and of course friends of friends where your connections pass the word on.
Keep a solid list of all your connections - connect or reconnect with them - work the relationships so that when you need to ask for their help it comes from a good place.
When you are ready to apply for a job map the job type to your network to see if they can help you open a door or make a connection.
Love ok to join organizations with similar interests - these groups can help you connect, May let you know of opportunities.
Lastly start building a list in LinkedIn - it’s the great network tool for professionals
In some places and careers it can be the shoe-in you need - especially small practices and or forms - large companies rely more and more on recruitment processes and systems.
But back to the basics - your network is family, friends, school or college friends, college professors, teachers or coaches, and former work mates if applicable - and of course friends of friends where your connections pass the word on.
Keep a solid list of all your connections - connect or reconnect with them - work the relationships so that when you need to ask for their help it comes from a good place.
When you are ready to apply for a job map the job type to your network to see if they can help you open a door or make a connection.
Love ok to join organizations with similar interests - these groups can help you connect, May let you know of opportunities.
Lastly start building a list in LinkedIn - it’s the great network tool for professionals
Angela Smith
Marketing
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Building on the feedback provided above by Mark and David -
One thing that I have done in the past that works well - Ask individuals in your network if you can schedule a 15-20 minute informational interview with them.
The purpose of an informational interview is to ask them for advice on your job search, learn more about their career path and/or current job (assuming it align with your interests), and share info about your skills, background and the job you are seeking. You can wrap up the conversation by asking the person if s/he can recommend any others in their network with who you should also connect for an informational interview. People LOVE to talk, especially about themselves. And they also enjoy giving advice.
Do your best to maintain a connection with these individuals. A few things you can do are as follows:
- Respond to their LinkedIn posts (just make sure your responses are adding value and relevance to the topic).
- Share articles with them that you know are relevant to their business field or personal interests.
- Email them an update on your job search when you have news to share. For example: when you land an interview, or if you met with contact that you met through them.
One thing that I have done in the past that works well - Ask individuals in your network if you can schedule a 15-20 minute informational interview with them.
The purpose of an informational interview is to ask them for advice on your job search, learn more about their career path and/or current job (assuming it align with your interests), and share info about your skills, background and the job you are seeking. You can wrap up the conversation by asking the person if s/he can recommend any others in their network with who you should also connect for an informational interview. People LOVE to talk, especially about themselves. And they also enjoy giving advice.
Do your best to maintain a connection with these individuals. A few things you can do are as follows:
- Respond to their LinkedIn posts (just make sure your responses are adding value and relevance to the topic).
- Share articles with them that you know are relevant to their business field or personal interests.
- Email them an update on your job search when you have news to share. For example: when you land an interview, or if you met with contact that you met through them.
David Butler
Application Development
2
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
David’s Answer
One of the biggest things that helped me in networking was adding every person I met in college and along the way on LinkedIn. It's a great opportunity to meet people in all different career fields, locations, and company types. Almost all of my professional communications and job searching was/is done through LinkedIn. It allows you to have a singular place where you can communicate with so many people and it allows your communications with them to be more personable. Leveraging your network also boils down to how you can make skills/interest align with someone else's goals/interest. Listening to someone else talk about their company/job can really help you to see how you could fit into their company. Knowing the keywords to listen to in a conversation is definitely a learned skill but it is so valuable.
Alice Jacobson
Learning Consultant
2
Answers
Milford, Massachusetts
Updated
Alice’s Answer
Try to connect to people via Linkedin (set up Linkedin account). Sign up for internships, coops, summer jobs. Talk to your classmates, family and friends if they have contacts in a company. Job fairs at colleges and public job fairs. Take contract jobs. Don't hesitate to join start up companies.