Dream Job Blog

Do you know what the single most difficult thing is for our clients? By far and away, it’s asking for help.

When we get to the strategic networking part of the job search, there’s a lot of “I’m not good at this,” “I don’t know who to reach out to,” and “I don’t know what to ask for.”

Let’s take a look at each one of these concerns.

Always be connecting

I’ve slightly modified the sales mantra of the “ABCs” to “always be connecting.” Networking should be part of your normal routine. It’s as easy as having lunch with former colleagues, grabbing drinks your current colleagues and going to coffee with new contacts. This is a great way to learn more about an industry or company, share best practices, brainstorm ideas and build stronger relationships.

Strategic networking

When you’re in job search mode, you want to maximize your efforts. Once you have a target company and role list, you can use LinkedIn to see if you have 1st degree connections. It’s unlikely that you’ll have 1st degree ones for all of your entries. The good news is that you’ll most likely have 2nd degree connections (as long as you have 500+ people)—which are incredibly valuable. 

Asking for something specific

When you network or have an informational meeting, you want to have a complete story: who you are, what you’re exceptional at and what you’re looking for. AND you need to have a specific ask that aligns with your story. If you’re in business intelligence, great at forecasting sales and looking for a BI role at a tech company, then you’re in alignment. If you’re making a career change, then focus on your transferable skills and explain why you’re making a transition. The goal is to align your story, your actions and your ask—so it’s a no-brainer for your contact.

Your ask needs to be specific. Are you looking for an internal referral (way more effective than a cold online application), or for them to pass along your resume to a hiring manager and/or recruiter, or an introduction to a leader?

They are much more likely to act if it’s a specific request. Asking for them to watch for future opportunities is too broad and open-ended. People love to help. Seriously. Think of all the times when you’ve helped people in your network. You felt good about your act of kindness. Now you’re giving someone else the chance to do and feel the same way. Don’t come from a place of guilt or embarrassment—that makes it awkward. When you come from a place of gratitude and appreciation, they will want to help. In fact, they may make an offer before you have to ask!

I hope this helps you network strategically by knowing who to contact, what to do and what to ask for!

If you’d like to learn more about how to gain quick and impactful traction and get the interviews and offers you want—then schedule time to talk with us.

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