Hunting for connections is a vital part of job search. Research shows that people get their jobs through weak ties: friends, neighbors and other casual acquaintances who might be able to provide you with career opportunities or advice.
It’s important to make a list of these people and start reaching out. This can help you create stronger relationships with them and make the connection process much easier.
1. Make a List of Your Network
Whether you’re job hunting or simply seeking new connections, make a list of people you know and want to add to your network. This can include family members, friends, colleagues, business contacts, military connections and members of professional groups.
As you identify individuals, ask yourself what they can bring to your network and how they can help you in your career. This can be as simple as sharing advice or introductions to others, or it may be as involved as offering an introduction to a company you want to work for.
When it comes time to actually reach out and make contact with your network, be respectful of others’ time. Don’t be too quick to make contact, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve last talked.
2. Ask for Help
The key to hunting for connections is identifying the right people to ask and how to approach them. You can do this by creating a list of all your existing contacts, including friends, colleagues, bosses and mentors.
Make sure to include everyone, not just those you know well, as these weak ties can be valuable when it comes to networking. They may be the first person to tell you about job openings, provide industry research, referrals or introductions to others in your network who can help.
Don’t spam anyone with a request for help; that makes networking transactional and can turn off many of your connections.
Instead, start your connection conversation with a genuine interest in helping them. This is a good way to set the tone for the rest of your relationship. They’ll know you want to be helpful, and you’ll be more likely to get the help you need when it’s time. It’s also a great way to build trust and demonstrate your value as a networking partner.
3. Make Contact
Hunting for connections is about more than just meeting new people – it’s also about building relationships with those you already know. That means that you should be making contact with everyone on your list, even if they’re not at the top of your mind.
This includes family members, work colleagues, friends, customers and suppliers. These are all people who can help you if you make the right kind of contacts.
Your goal in making contact is to start a conversation and build rapport. Don’t send your resume or ask if they know of any job openings at the company you’re targeting – that can come off as desperate, and not professional.
If you’re lucky, a shared connection on LinkedIn might be able to provide an introduction. However, this is not always possible, so be prepared to do some research on your own if the person doesn’t have their own email address or website URL.
