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Weekly Newsletter Vol. 79 - March 5, 2025

Generating your Lead Story…

3 Effective Networking Strategies for Job Seekers

Networking is one of the most powerful tools in a job seeker's arsenal. It’s not just about submitting applications and waiting for a response—it’s about building relationships, increasing visibility, and positioning yourself as a top candidate in your industry. The more strategic and intentional you are about networking, the greater your chances of landing the right job. Here are three key avenues you can take to network and connect with the right companies and recruiters to enhance your job search.

Engage with Companies Where You Have Applied for an Open Role

If you’ve already submitted an application for a job, don’t just sit back and wait—take proactive steps to make yourself stand out.

Reach out to the Hiring Manager or Recruiter: After applying, find the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn and send a brief but personalized message. Express your enthusiasm for the role and highlight a key qualification that makes you a great fit.

Engage with the Company’s Content: Many companies are active on LinkedIn, posting industry news, thought leadership articles, and job updates. Liking, commenting, and sharing their posts can put you on their radar.

Follow Up on Your Application: If you haven’t heard back within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email reiterating your interest and asking about the next steps.

Use Employee Referrals: If you know someone at the company, reach out and ask if they can refer you internally. Employee referrals often increase your chances of getting noticed.

Example:

Imagine you applied for a marketing role at a SaaS company. Instead of waiting, you find the hiring manager on LinkedIn, engage with their posts, and comment on a recent article they shared. A week later, you follow up via email, referencing their article and how it aligns with your experience. This effort can make you more memorable when they review applications.

Build Relationships with Companies You Aspire to Work For

Even if there isn’t a current opening at your dream company, networking with them early on can set you up for future opportunities.

Attend Industry Events and Webinars: Many companies participate in or host industry conferences, webinars, and networking events. Attending these can help you meet decision-makers and learn more about the company’s needs.

Connect with Employees: Find current employees on LinkedIn, send a connection request with a personalized note, and ask for an informational interview to learn more about the company culture.

Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Don’t just connect—start conversations. Ask about industry trends, how they got into their role, and what advice they have for someone looking to work at their company.

Position Yourself as a Thought Leader: Share your insights on industry trends, comment on relevant discussions, and post content that showcases your expertise. This will make you more visible when opportunities arise.

Example:

Let’s say you want to work for a major e-commerce company, but they don’t have any openings that fit your skills right now. You start by following their LinkedIn page, engaging with their content, and connecting with employees in your field. Over time, you build relationships and learn about upcoming projects. A few months later, a job opens up, and because you’ve already established connections, your name comes up as a potential candidate before the job is even posted.

Connect with Recruiters in Your Industry

Recruiters play a crucial role in job placements. They have direct relationships with hiring managers and often know about job openings before they’re advertised.

Identify Relevant Recruiters: Search for recruiters on LinkedIn who specialize in your industry or job function. Many recruiters list their specialties in their profiles.

Make a Strong First Impression: When reaching out, send a message that clearly outlines your skills, experience, and the type of roles you’re seeking. Keep it concise but impactful.

Maintain the Relationship: Stay in touch by periodically updating them on your job search status, new skills, or certifications. Even if they don’t have an opportunity for you now, they may in the future.

Be Open to Contract or Temporary Roles: Sometimes, recruiters may have short-term roles that can help you get a foot in the door. These roles can lead to full-time positions.

Ask for Feedback: If a recruiter passes on your application, ask for constructive feedback to improve your chances in the future.

Example:

A software engineer looking for a new role connects with a recruiter specializing in tech placements. The recruiter doesn’t have an immediate opening but stays in touch. A month later, a major company needs a developer with the exact skills the candidate has. Because they maintained the relationship, the recruiter submits their resume before the job is widely advertised, giving them a competitive advantage.

Networking is about building genuine relationships, not just seeking immediate job opportunities. By engaging with companies where you’ve applied, fostering connections with aspirational employers, and leveraging recruiters in your industry, you can open doors to new career opportunities and set yourself up for long-term success.

Remember, networking isn’t a one-time activity—it’s an ongoing process. Start today by sending a message, attending an event, or engaging on LinkedIn. The effort you put in now can lead to career-changing opportunities in the future.

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_{(*Disclaimer: these are real experiences provided by RME's community of job seekers and hiring managers)}

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