How to get your network engaged with your job search

10.20.2020

Congratulations on kicking off your job search! You might have thought that making the decision to leave your current role was the hardest part, however, while that was likely tough for you, what a lot of job seekers find even more difficult is getting their network (no matter how strong) to get interested in the fact that they’re looking for a job. While it might be easy and potentially effective, it will likely be seen as tacky or unprofessional to post something on LinkedIn or any social media platform like “hire me,” or “lucky you, I’m looking for a new job.”  Instead of taking the easy, yet brash one-stop-shop approach to announcing your job search in one or two social media posts, get your network to go to work for you using one or more of these tried and true approaches.

 

Use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool

Have you heard of the LinkedIn Alumni Tool? It’s a surefire way to see what your former classmates are up to, AND, it gives you the platform/ tools to get in touch with them. First things first, you can access it by clicking here, or from the LinkedIn homepage, hovering over “My Network,” then selecting “Find Alumni.”

 

You can use it to message people you have lost touch with, ask for a referral, or ask a former classmate about the steps you should take to secure an informational interview at their company.

 

Ask for a Referral

No matter how you come across someone who has a connection at your dream company, or is working in your dream role, he or she won’t know that you’re looking for something new unless you tell them. Take it one step further, and ask your connection for a referral. Here are five templates from zipjob.com that will help you craft the message to ask for a referral depending on the relationship you have with the individual you’re asking. 

 

Return a Recruiter’s call

If you have been avoiding or dodging a particular Recruiter’s call from time to time over the course of your career, consider returning their call. A good Recruiter will want to go to work for you to find your next opportunity, give you resume advice, and introduce you to opportunities you may never have considered or reviewed.

 

Remember that not all Recruiters are created equal. If you return the call and don’t feel great about the conversation, or have confidence that she or he is the right fit, resist the urge to call it quits. Instead, reach out to your network and ask for Recruiter referrals. If you’ve never worked with a Recruiter, review our previous blog here on how to get the most out of working with a Recruiter.   

 

Ask for Resume Help or Hire an Expert

If you feel like your resume needs a total revamp, and is too big a job for you and/or your Recruiter, think about getting expert help. Most people have a friend or former colleague in their network that have given them resume envy, and not just because they have better experience. Rather, their formatting or responsibility descriptions or just the whole package makes you want to hire them on the spot after reading it. Ask if you can trade them dinner at their favorite spot for help with your resume. Or, if you’re lacking a friend or professional contact that is a true wordsmith, consider hiring professional help. However, before deciding on a resume creator, be sure you read this CNBC article on what to know before hiring a writer you don’t know.

 

Again, congratulations on kicking off your job search. While you are likely to experience the typical job search highs and lows, if you use one or more of the tips above, at least you won’t feel like you’re going it alone!