How to enlist a network to find a job

- Tell five people you're looking for a job, and I will bet at least one of them says, "Remember, it's not what you know, it's who you know." And for sure, enlisting your network can really accelerate the process, but it also can be super confusing. What are you supposed to do when you're networking? What are you supposed to say? How are you supposed to approach people? And because it's so confusing and scary to a lot of people, they often end up either not doing it or doing it in a way that feels too forward, too vague, or ends up annoying the person on the receiving end. So how do you enlist the people in your network in a way that will actually support what you're trying to achieve? Here are three quick tips that should help you along. First, let's talk about the people that you know the best. It's strange to me how often job seekers overlook the potential value of their family and friends. These are your people. They're the ones who will likely bend over backwards for you. But you need to help them help you. So if my cousin emails me and says, "Hey, Jenny, I'm looking for a new job. "Can you keep an eye out for me?" I'm going to say, "Sure." But if I don't really understand what she does or what I'm keeping an eye out for, guess what I'm going to do. Probably nothing. But if she says, "Here are some details on what I want to do next "and what those jobs might be called "and which companies I'm really interested in," well, then I'm much more equipped to help. I might even say, "Oh, wow. "My neighbor does something similar. "Let me introduce you guys." And now you're cooking. Next, let's talk about professional contacts that you know pretty well but maybe haven't talked to in awhile. You can frame it exactly like I just outlined, but even more so than with your family and friends, keep that message crisp and offer to return the kindness. Build up a little bit of rapport before you make any big asks. And don't ask them to walk your resume over to their boss. You don't want them to feel like you're imposing because if they do, you probably aren't going to get any help. And last, let's talk about the people that you maybe have a loose connection to, maybe you've just met once or twice. Don't be afraid to approach them, but do it in a way that's super respectful of their time, and be sure and refresh them on how you guys know each other. The message remains the same here. Big asks aren't appropriate in this scenario, but for sure ask them if they can connect you to someone related to the job you're pursuing. Now, bonus tip. Step up a free scheduling software platform like Acuity Scheduling or Doodle, and invite them right in that email to choose a convenient slot. In a nutshell, the key to effective networking is this: be clear and succinct, be respectful, and make it super easy for them to say yes.