Types of Networking

Generally, there are three goals to networking, all of which may overlap at different points:

To get contacts (i.e., meet new professionals in your industry / at companies of interest);
To get information (i.e., informational interview)
To get an interview (i.e., job hunting)

Most people approach networking with a strong focus on job hunting, which is why it can feel...icky at times. Networking tends to get a bad reputation--it’s seen as sleazy, slimy, and self-promoting. And it is if you use networking only to get yourself ahead! Networking is not (and should not) be only about getting a job. First of all, we should all be networking all the time (few of us do), even if we have a job because it’s the number one way to get a new and better job.

Genuine Networking

We encourage clients to engage in genuine networking (i.e., making new friends with people who have jobs). We see networking as simply meeting people in your intended area of profession—that’s all. Our goal for our clients is just to meet other professionals, to tell them a bit about you, but mostly to ask THEM questions about their lives, work, and their career histories (to learn, and also to see if you actually like the person!) To be honest, when we ask clients to “network” it is our hope that clients are looking for genuine connections—people with whom they could actually befriend and build a relationship that lasts longer than just getting them to the next job.

Where to Network?

Everywhere! Scour your contact list in your phone, your friends’ contact lists in their phone, your former boss’ contacts, LinkedIn, Google searches, your college alumni resources (and your friends’ alumni resources).

College alumni resources are HUGE, especially if you (or a friend) went to a school with a well-known reputation or far-reaching network in your current city. Alumni services can include online resources, private job boards, databases with alumni, the companies at which they work, and their email addresses. You could get as specific as to search for “Marketing Managers” or search a company name, like Disney, in your alumni database, and then reach out to the individuals that match your search via email. Don’t be afraid to ask friends for their alumni login information for access to these resources--most friends will be happy to help, especially if they already have a job!

Non-Networking Networking

DON’T keep your job search a secret. Tell everyone, because you never know who knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone. Think of non-traditional “networking” and how you can find contacts in your day to day life — share your life with friends, family members, as it comes up organically. You never know where this could lead! Synchronicity is always a wonderful networking tool.

How to Network

Whatever format you’re most comfortable with—LinkedIn, text message, email, Instagram, parties, etc.—is the best way for you to network. We often work with people who feel afraid to burden a cold contact with meeting or speaking with them. This is not your problem to take on. If this person is not interested in meeting with you, they will let you know (“I’m really swamped right now, can you check in with me in two weeks?”) or they simply won’t reply. Having anxious feelings about reaching out to a stranger is totally understandable, but don’t let anticipating a luke-warm reaction from them keep you from reaching out! It’s also important not to take no’s or non-responses personally. It likely has nothing to do with you and everything to do with that person and what’s going on in their life at the moment you reached out to them. Again, follow up once if you are eager to speak with them. From there, if they don’t respond, let them go with grace.

Connect Electronically

The mass text/DM. Messaging everyone you know telling them you’re looking for new opportunities. Again, keep it short and sweet. Be clear and brief about your relevant background and say a bit about what you’re looking for. Similar to the rules of cover letter writing, you should spend a minute tweaking each message so that it’s personalized to the recipient. Feel free to use text, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit, etc. Most platforms are welcome and encouraged. Some platforms might be too casual, but it depends on the industry and your target network. Use your best judgment!

LinkedIn. It’s ok to cold “friend/connect with” or message a professional of interest on LinkedIn—that’s what it’s for! You may need to add the person as a connection before you can message them unless you have a paid account.

Email. It’s also ok to cold email a professional of interest! We will have a post on researching professionals and setting up informational job chats soon.

Connecting by Phone or In Person

Using lunch as bait. Offering to take a professional contact out for a coffee/drink/lunch is always a nice touch. They’re helping you by providing information that you likely couldn’t find on your own (and maybe providing an internal recommendation too!), so buying them a drink or a lunch as a thank you is the least we can do! In a COVID-19 world, it might mean setting up a Zoom meeting and sending them some food delivery of their choice to eat together while you chat virtually.

Not everyone has the time or is super social, so offering an in-person meeting (and treat!) as an option is best, while also giving them the option to just chat via email or phone. That is to say, do not only ask cold contacts out to lunch, also give them a wide range of ways of connecting with you so that you can meet them at their comfort level and availability.

Networking Message Examples:

Message to a known contact at a company of interest (Goal = to get contacts):

“Hey Chris, hope you’re doing well and still loving life at Amazon! I’m thinking about looking into positions there (I’ve been a product manager at XYZ for the past 3 years, and though it’s been great, it’s time for a change). Any thoughts about who I should talk to at Amazon regarding potentially taking my talents over there? Or any intel about general needs at the company right now? Let me know if you have any ideas or if talking on the phone would be easier, we need a catch up anyway!”

Message to a cold contact at a company of interest (Goal = to get information/ to set up an informal job chat):

Hey Sam,
After reviewing your LinkedIn it seems you and I have a lot in common with regard to our career histories. I’m looking to make a leap to a larger company and would love to hear about your experience at Facebook. Would you be open to chatting a bit about what you do, company culture, etc.? I’d be happy to take you out to coffee, or if phone or email is easier for you that works too! Looking forward to connecting!
Sincerley,
Chuka
Hi Guiliana,
I hope this note finds you well! I came across your profile on your company website and I was really impressed by your career trajectory this far, especially that you [say some things that impressed you]. I myself am thinking about a career change to XYZ. I was wondering, might you be willing to answer 2-3 questions via email or phone (whichever is easiest for you) about your career? It would be so helpful to hear about your experience. And, if I can be helpful to you in any way (e.g., x, y, z) please don’t hesitate to let me know. I know you are likely very busy, so please take your time in responding!
Best,
Maia

Mass text message to friends and family (Goal = to get contacts):

Hi! Just wanted to let you know that I left [company name] and am exploring new opportunities in [product management]. Can you think of any friends who are [product managers] who like their jobs or who work for interesting technology companies? I’d love it if you could connect with them to learn more about their work!

The Difference between reaching out to a cold contact and a warm contact

As you can see in the first example (the note to “Chris”), reaching out to a friend can be pretty casual and doesn’t necessarily have to result in talking on the phone or meeting up in person. Whereas with the latter example, the recipient is a cold contact (someone we don’t know) and thus we want to offer a wide range of options that they are most comfortable with (e.g., email, phone, or in-person).

Contact us to find out more about our services!

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