Where would we be without our friends?
We’d be pretty lonely, for starters. Red Rover would get a whole lot harder (or easier) and Facebook would lose its appeal. Let’s not forget how much harder the job search would be if it weren’t for our professional networking contacts and support system!
Check out: How Your Friends Can Help You in Your Job Search
While it’s important to maintain the connections we have, job seekers should also be actively building their networks with worthwhile connections.
In recognition of Write to a Friend Month (which, you know, is December, right?), check out 5 steps you should take to meet new people and build your professional network:
Research
It always starts with research, doesn’t it? Put on your detective’s hat do some sleuthing of your own. Thanks to Google and social media, learning about someone new is simple. (Hint: this is why you should be careful about what you put online!)
If you’re unsure where to start, LinkedIn or Cachinko are great tools. You can search by company as well as mutual connections.
Try looking for people who work at companies you like, have connections you want, or have the experience you can benefit from. Just make sure the information you’ve found is current.
Reach out
Just like dating, if you want to make a connection, you gotta make that first move! It might be scary, but it’s worth it. After all, what’s the worst that can happen?
Try sending a casual message via social media and keep it short and sweet. Mention why you’re interested in getting to know them, your background, or any mutual connections you have.
Keep any desperate-sounding comments at bay – you want them to feel flattered, not stalked.
Talk it out
Once you’ve broken the ice, build your new connection by kicking off a conversation. Ask your new friend open-ended questions and what they think about X, Y, and Z in your industry.
Feel free to treat your conversation like an informational interview, but keep it casual. No one wants to feel like they’re being interrogated by a complete stranger online.
Introduce
Just because you’re the one who initiated this connection doesn’t mean you can’t do any favors. Make introductions that would be valuable to your new connection.
If your new connection is worthwhile, they’ll return the favor by introducing you to someone they know.
Revisit
Now that you have an honest-to-goodness connection, you need to keep it going strong. Every once in a while, make sure to check in with your new contact. Invite them to local industry events and social media chats. Engagement and two-way communication is key to making, and keeping, lasting connections.
What do you think? What other steps should the job seeker take when making a new networking connection? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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