To provide you with the most effective networking strategies, we asked twelve professionals, including CEOs and Human Resources managers, to share their personal experiences. From leveraging online training for HR opportunities to weaving personal experiences into business discussions, discover the diverse strategies that helped these professionals land their jobs. Here are 12 networking strategies to help land people a job:
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- Leverage Online Training for HR Opportunities
- Actively Participate in Community Groups
- Reach Out to Hiring Managers on LinkedIn
- Offer Help on LinkedIn Groups
- Network at Industry Events
- Base Your Communication on Shared Values
- Admit Job-Search Challenges to Acquaintances
- Utilize Alumni Networks for Job Hunting
- Write and Share Industry Articles
- Follow-Up by Email to Recruiters
- Attend Conferences and Personalize Communication
- Weave Personal Experiences into Business Discussions
Leverage Online Training for HR Opportunities
The thing is, when I wanted to get into the world of HR, I had zero experience. I couldn’t exactly attend conferences or send out a CV. So, I started with online training certificates and courses, which eventually shared a tactic—reach out to startups or small organizations in need of human resources.
One course provider outlined how to search for these on LinkedIn, and I came in touch with the CEO of a startup that was expanding and was looking for someone to help manage their people. I approached the CEO in all honesty but with a clear passion for this industry, and he gave me a shot. Nearly three years later, I’m confident in my role and continuing to learn every day.
Jarir Mallah, Human Resources Manager, Ling App
Actively Participate in Community Groups
When I was just starting to learn about digital marketing, I joined a few Facebook groups. I answered questions, asked some myself, and shared what I knew.
In my city, there were casual meet-ups about this topic, and I went to them. Even though I was a beginner, I had gathered a good amount of knowledge. People noticed this, and I got a job offer.
This experience taught me that being active and open in community groups can really help in landing a job, even if you’re just starting out.
Martin Potocki, CEO, Jobera
Reach Out to Hiring Managers on LinkedIn
One networking strategy that I personally experienced in landing a job was through LinkedIn. I learned about a job opening and reached out to the hiring manager through LinkedIn to learn more about the role and share my strengths and experience.
The hiring manager was impressed by my proactive approach and scheduled me for an interview with the COO and another lead associate. During the interview, I could showcase my skills and enthusiasm for the role, and was ultimately offered the job. This experience taught me the importance of leveraging LinkedIn to expand my network and access new job opportunities.
By building a strong and professional profile, reaching out to potential contacts, and engaging with industry groups and discussions on LinkedIn, you can increase your visibility in your industry and learn about new job opportunities.
Kristina Ramos, Reverse Recruiter, Find My Profession
Offer Help on LinkedIn Groups
Offering to help a contact I had made via a LinkedIn group for educators in my area led to me getting a job at one of the best educational institutions in our state. The contact simply posted a message on the group’s board looking for assistance, and I reached out to help because I had some free time and it was something I could do quickly. He was really happy with the outcome, and I thought that was the end of it.
A couple of months later, a recruiter from a school I had been eyeing for years reached out to me and told me I had been recommended by one of their colleagues to fill a vacant role at their institution. It was only after successfully interviewing for and landing the job that I found out the person who recommended me was the LinkedIn contact I had helped many months back.
Adebayo Samson, Founder, Academicful
Network at Industry Events
One networking strategy that helped me secure a job was attending industry-related events and conferences. I attempted to connect with professionals in my field, asking insightful questions and showing genuine interest in their work.
During one conference, I struck up a conversation with a keynote speaker, discussing their recent project. I followed up with a personalized email, expressing my appreciation and sharing my thoughts. This led to a virtual coffee chat, where we discussed my career goals. Eventually, they referred me to a job opening in their company, and their recommendation played a significant role in my successful job application.
Jay Toy, General Manager, 88stacks
Base Communication on Shared Values
When networking, focus on shared values. Most people play a game of geography with people they meet in order to identify shared connections. Some people focus on sports and other shared interests.
Both of these things are fine, but if you really want to connect with people, you need to show them how you share their values. Of course, this means that you won’t do business with everyone you meet. But it does mean that when you do form connections, they’ll be stronger because they’re value-driven.
Essentially, you have similar missions in life, and subconsciously, the person you’re networking with knows that when they help you, they’re helping themselves and their community, too. I tend to do very well with startup business owners because I show them I’m part of their community and that I care about their success.
Recently, I met the founder of an eco-friendly cleaning product. I shared with him a personal story of resilience as an entrepreneur. It resonated, and I won the business.
Dennis Consorte, Digital Marketing and Leadership Consultant for Startups, Snackable Solutions
Admit Job-Search Challenges to Acquaintances
I found out that “job networking” shouldn’t be pigeonholed to just networking-related events, and admitting your job-searching challenges to family, friends, and neighbors can be fruitful because they want to be of help.
While living in Boston, after a year of remote freelance editing paired with a few on-site part-time jobs, I yearned for full-time work in an office setting to better collaborate with others.
I mentioned my wishes to a neighbor as we were both trying to free our cars from the latest snow accumulation. She noted that one of her best friends was looking for an assistant, and suggested I send her a resume while she went inside the house to call her. Within a week, I had the job!
Michelle Robbins, Licensed Insurance Agent, Clearsurance.com
Utilize Alumni Networks for Job Hunting
Don’t underestimate the power of your alma mater! Alumni networks are often overlooked but can be incredibly beneficial for job hunting. Most universities and colleges have dedicated platforms or events that connect alumni with current students and fellow graduates. I reached out to alumni from my university who were working in my desired industry or at companies I was interested in.
By leveraging the common bond of our alma mater, I was able to strike up conversations and gain insights into their career paths. Some alumni even referred me to job openings within their organizations or provided valuable advice on how to navigate the job market effectively.
Vincent Zhu, CEO and Founder, ShineACS Locks
Write and Share Industry Articles
Personal blogging! After graduating, I began writing and sharing articles about specific topics within data science that genuinely fascinated me.
For instance, I dived deep into how machine learning could transform retail or how AI might revolutionize healthcare in the next decade. I coupled these articles with interactive Python notebooks (using platforms like Jupyter) to demonstrate simple prototypes of my ideas. I would share these articles with my network and encourage them to share further if they liked the ideas, being sure to target friends and colleagues in notable companies.
My reputation spoke for itself, and I was given more opportunities than ever thanks to my article introductions.
Mark Varnas, Principal SQL Server DBA and Consultant, Red9
Follow-Up by Email to Recruiters
By sending a follow-up email to the recruiter, I was able to land my dream job. This simple networking strategy helped me stand out from other applicants.
To express interest in a specific job position, it’s important to remind the recruiter with the help of a follow-up email. This can leave a positive impression on the hiring manager, as it did in my experience. To make it more effective, it’s essential to be concise and to-the-point. I avoided the use of lengthy paragraphs in my email, and it helped me get a highly competitive job role.
Caroline Diarte Edwards, Co-Founder, Fortuna Admissions
Attend Conferences and Personalize Communication
As the founder of a company, I can recollect a vital networking tactic. Attending industry conferences allowed me to meet other professionals who shared my interests, which helped me build lasting partnerships.
An interesting conversation with another attendee at a certain event led to a personalized follow-up email, mentioning our talk and suggesting possible collaboration because of common interests. This deed sparked a successful collaboration that produced not just original ideas, but also a new friendship.
This event highlighted the value of sincere interactions and the effectiveness of prompt follow-up. Developing relationships that go beyond the surface level can have a big impact on one’s career in business and present opportunities that go well beyond the first meetings.
James Palestini, Criminal Defense Lawyer, Founder, Palestini Law
Weave Personal Experiences into Business Discussions
The most pivotal networking strategy I adopted was weaving personal experiences into business discussions.
Once, during a casual conversation, I shared a comical yet frustrating story of spending an entire weekend hunting for the perfect discount code for an online purchase. Instead of a few nods and smiles, this narrative struck a chord. The person I spoke to expressed similar experiences. Our conversation flowed from personal shopping woes to analyzing the fragmented nature of online discounts.
Fast forward, that serendipitous exchange not only led to the birth of my business idea but also connected me with my first collaborator. Sharing personal stories can be more than just an icebreaker; sometimes, they can be the blueprint for your next big venture.
Gary Gray, CFO, CouponChief.com
