Grow and use your network.

Most jobs come through a referral of some type. But it may be surprising to realize, many come through what’s known as a soft contact – not someone in your main circle.

Over 80% of recruiters note referrals are the best way to find quality hires.  More jobs come from soft connects than hard connects – which is the closeness of that person to you.

Who’s on your team?

Literally everyone. Do a quick check – social media followers, gym members, church friends, school mates, parents/parents of friends, team mates, the guy standing in line with you at the coffee shop…. What’s that number look like?

Did you know that approximately 80% of jobs are never posted. Hiring managers and recruiters agree getting a referral ups your odds tremendously of receiving an interview. Statistics show, only 7% of applicants get internal referrals (from current employees), yet those make up 40% of the hires.

Grow your LinkedIn presence

Make sure you are utilizing LinkedIn as much as possible. It’s the largest professional network and it’s totally free to use. It’s a great way to grow your network and make contacts in organizations you’d like to work. It’s also a great way to reconnect with previous co-workers, classmates and others who can help you along on this journey.

You’ll find a checklist in the download area on how you can optimize your LinkedIn for career success.

Don’t do it alone.

Job searching should be a team sport. You need people encouraging you, sharing ideas with you, practicing interviewing. and more. This is especially true if you are re-entering the workforce or wanting to pivot careers.

Sit down with people you trust to be real with you. Lay out your skills and what you enjoy and simply ask what they feel you’d be good at. They may have ideas you’ve never thought of. We become focused on titles and fields and forget to look at the big picture sometimes.

How to network

You’ve probably been encouraged to join the right groups and go to the right meetings since college. However, I’d urge you to look at these events in a little different light. And by that, I mean what if you thought of each day as a networking event?

What if you took on the idea that every time you meet someone new, you’re networking? You are given a brand-new opportunity to make that first impression. When you think about it like this, every social interaction – whether it’s stopping for your morning coffee, your new workout group, or a volunteer activity – becomes a chance for you to make a connection.

When you go about these activities, the difference becomes you projecting you. Your attitude is relaxed. You’ve dressed in a way you are comfortable with every day. There’s no pressure to come away with a new client or business project. You’re focused solely on making a connection with another person.

Make sure your manners are showing. Don’t interrupt people. Take the opportunity to introduce people you already know to new people you just meet. It’s not a competition. When we all learn that helping each other out gets us farther than trying to hold someone back, we’ll be so much better off.

Compliment people. If you’ve heard something great about their work, let them know. Say thank you if someone acknowledges you for the work you’ve done. Don’t play it off like “it was nothing.” Be the real you. Don’t try and use words or corporate speak that doesn’t come natural. People will know when you are authentic or not.  Be confident in you.

Most importantly, pay attention. Don’t let your phone be a distraction. Don’t be so worried about your next hashtag you stop paying attention to the people around you. Use active listening. Don’t make someone else feel like what they are saying isn’t important enough to hold your attention.

Finally, reach out online, send an email, or better yet – drop them a personal note. Follow up with the people you meet. Thank them for the opportunity to get to know them. Relate a nugget from the conversation you had. Maybe you ran across an article their comment reminded you of – share it with them.  Expressions of gratitude will go a long way in opening a door to a bright future.

Keep building your team even after you are hired

One of the best things you can do once hired is find a mentor inside the organization or industry. That relationship can really set you for success as your career grows. To make the most of that relationship, you’ve got to pick the right person first. I suggest that you come up with a set of goals and ideas you can share with that person during your initial meeting. It’s important that you both have a clear idea of the expectations and outcomes you are seeking.

Make sure the person has time for you. A mentor/mentee relationships require an investment of time. If either of you are not going to commit to the process, it won’t be fruitful. These relationships need to be open and honest. Part of the expectations is not only sharing successes, but also failures. These discussions can help you grow. Are you both comfortable in being a little vulnerable?

Do they seem to be enthusiastic about the process? You need someone who is excited to share the journey with you. Someone who is willing to answer questions and share your journey. They need to be a resource and help you set goals that will lead you closer to your ultimate path.

You also owe them a few things. You need to be on time for your meetings. You need to be fully engaged in the process.  That means not checking your phone every 5 minutes. It means you are willing to put their advice into action

Follow Through

I’ve included a worksheet in the download area called “Begin Connecting.” Use it to help identify people who can help you along this journey. Maybe it’s people who can put you in contact with other, or  maybe it’s someone already working at the company you’d love to be a part of. If you’re missing a part of the puzzle, this sheet can help you identify that as well. One final note, you’ll see a column called “What Can I Offer.” Before you start asking for things, make a note of something you can give in return. Maybe it’s nothing more than buying them a cup of coffee for agreeing to meet with you and chat about career options. Maybe you know they love chocolate chip cookies and you can bake them a dozen for proofreading your resume. Most people are just genuinely happy to help, but think about the impression you will make and how much more willing they’ll be to help down the road if you can do something nice and considerate to show you value their time as well.

Downloads: Begin Connecting  |  LinkedIn Checklist