So you’re looking for a job. Maybe this will be your first “real” job after college. Everyone has been telling you to leverage your connections and “use your network” to find something. But how do you do that? The following advice will give you some insights and suggestions on how to take that very first step.
What is my “network”?
If you’re a new job seeker or leaving your first job, your professional network isn’t that big yet. But that doesn’t mean you don’t already have an extensive network in place.
Your immediate network is more obvious than you think. It can be composed of friends and family. We call these “1st Connections”. These 1st connections are Your parents, Aunts, Uncles, Siblings, friends, and classmates from school or even coworkers from summer jobs and internships. Also though you’ve known them in a different capacity, their insights and introductions could help you land that first real job.
Expanding upon that idea, your 1st Connections opens up a door to your 2nd Connections. These are people you don’t know well but have a common connection. For instance, your friends’ older siblings, who you don’t know, have likely entered the job market already and have a good insight into someone just starting out. These connections could be friends of your parents (despite popular belief, your parents have friends), fellow alumni, or connections through coaches, teachers, and other trusted advisors.
What am I asking my network to do?
In short, you’re asking your network for a simple favor. That favor can be general advice on an industry or company. It could be to make an initial introduction to someone who works at a desired company or industry (a 2nd or 3rd level connection).
Most importantly, you could be asking for a formal introduction to the company that connection works for. Companies internally call this a “referral,” and it means they will formally submit an application to HR on your behalf. Companies take referrals made by their employees very seriously. There is a greater chance your application will be reviewed and responded to compared to simply applying to an online portal. Essentially, you’re asking them to vouch for you.
Keep in mind; most people are very receptive to chat about career advice, making introductions, and providing a formal referral. From their perspective, it’s quick, it’s easy and little to no cost to them. In all likelihood, someone did the same thing for them in the past. And your favor is their opportunity to pass that on. Plus, helping someone feels good. In short, you are not bothering them by asking a simple favor.
What preparation should I do before I reach out? (Do we need this?)
Before you start reaching out to your network, there are things that you’ll want to do before every email you send.
- You should have prepared an updated resume. If possible, you should craft your resume to reflect the job/industry you’re inquiring about.
- You’ll also want to research the company or industry you’re asking about. It’s not your connection’s job to explain it to you, but instead answer questions that you have. Know enough to help carry a conversation and prepare questions to help lead that conversation when the time comes. At the very least, you’ll use that research to help prepare that first email.
- Have an answer to the question, “Why are you interested in the company/connection you’re asking about?”. Again, it’s not your connection’s job to “sell” you on the opportunity. They’re going to want to know why you’re interested. “I need a job.” Isn’t going to be good enough. Have a well throughout and meaningful answer prepared.
How do I reach out?
The most efficient way for you to reach out to your network is going to be through email. You don’t want to catch someone off guard with an unexpected call or text. A well-crafted email will set the stage for a more meaningful conversation about the favor you’re asking for. Formal and professional language/email etiquette is required. Even to someone you’ve known on a causal level for years.
If you’re new to this type of outreach, you may find that being formal and asking for favors can feel uncomfortable. Especially if you’ve never entered the workforce. It may feel… cheesy, like it’s not your voice. That’s ok. Don’t think of it as reaching out to a casual acquaintance. You’re reaching out to a professional connection, regardless of how you know them.
Also, if someone is going “to go to bat for you,” they will want to be assured that you will act professionally throughout the process. They are vouching for you in some way or another. The best way to show your seriousness is to have a sincere and professional tone.
To help you phrase that first professional email, we’ve given included some templates below:
Reaching out through mutual a contact template:
Hello [Name],
I met/know [mutual contact’s name] [how you know mutual contact] and he/she/they passed along your contact information to me.
[Mutual contact’s name] mentioned that we have [shared passion/interest/experience/
What’s the best way for us to connect? I can be available via phone or in person.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample:
Hello Don,
I know James Hornick through his podcast. I was a guest on one of his episodes and he passed along your contact information to me.
James mentioned that we have a knack for recruiting in the technology space in common and that you’d be a great person to get to know. So I wanted to reach out and introduce myself. I would love to find out more about you and your experience in technology recruiting, specifically at Hirewell.
What’s the best way for us to connect? I can be available via phone or in person.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Best,
Ryan
Following up with someone you met template:
Hello [Name],
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying your [day of the week].
It was very nice to meet you at [event or place you met] and talk about [topic of conversation]. Your thoughts on [specific conversation topics] resonated with me because of [reasons x, y, z].
I’m looking forward to keeping in touch with you and would enjoy bouncing more ideas off of you relating to [topic of conversation].
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample:
Hello Jeff,
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying your Friday.
It was very nice to meet you at the Starting Your Job Search Seminar at 1871 and talk about best practices for entry-level candidates entering the workforce. Your thoughts on resumes, personal branding, and creating a list of companies to target resonated with me because these are areas I speak about with the entry-level candidates I partner with as well.
I’m looking forward to keeping in touch with you and would enjoy bouncing more ideas off of you relating to job searching and related best practices.
Best, Ryan
Reaching out to someone you admire or think highly of template:
Hello [Name],
I hope you’re having a great week.
My name is [your name] and I’m an upcoming/ recent college graduate of [ college]. I’m familiar with your work through [how you found out about their company or job] and I wanted to reach out to connect with you as I deeply admire your [specific skill or experience].
I would love to [ way to connect ex: coffee, phone call, zoom, etc] to learn more about your [specific skill or experience] if you’re open to it.
Looking forward to getting in touch.
Best,
[Name]
Sample:
Hello Matt,
I hope you’re having a great week.
My name is Ryan and I’m a recent college graduate of Ohio University. I’m familiar with your work through an interview you did for Chicago Business and I wanted to reach out to connect with you as I deeply admire your entrepreneurial background.
I would love to set up a time to chat over zoom to learn more about how you launched your businesses if you’re open to it.
Looking forward to getting in touch.
Best,
Ryan
Reaching out to someone to ask questions/informational interview:
Hello [Name],
I hope this message finds you well.
My name is [your name] and I’m an upcoming/ recent college graduate of [ college]. I’m familiar with your work through [how you found out about their company or job] and I wanted to reach out to connect with you as I’m interested in finding out more about [specific work/experience or company]. I was hoping you’d be open to providing some insights from your experience/expertise.
I would love to [ way to connect ex: coffee, phone call, zoom, etc] to learn more about your [specific work/experience or company] if you’re open to it.
If you’re not able to meet, I’d be happy to send along some of my questions via email if that works better for you.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Name]
Sample:
Hello James,
I hope this message finds you well.
My name is Ryan and I’m an upcoming/ recent college graduate of Ohio University. I’m familiar with your work at Hirewell through the podcasts you post on YouTube. I wanted to reach out to connect with you as I’m interested in finding out more about podcasting. I was hoping you’d be open to providing some insights from your experience.
I would love to meet for coffee to learn more about the podcasts you’re producing for Hirewell if you’re open to it.
If you’re not able to meet, I’d be happy to send along some of my questions via email if that works better for you.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Ryan
So what’s next?
It’s not enough to simply reach out, attend networking events, meet in person, or send an email. In fact, it’s only the beginning. Maintenance is key, and if you make a strong connection with someone, you have to follow-up. It can be difficult to build your network, but it can be very easy to lose those connections – you have to maintain them. Simple acts like remembering birthdays, sending a note of congratulations on a promotion, sharing articles, etc. can go a long way! The worst thing you can do is only contact someone if you need something. Go the extra mile and develop a personal connection.
