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Networking for Job Search: A Comprehensive Guide

Key Concepts:

• Job Search Networking: Leveraging personal and professional connections to find job opportunities.
• Probability and Odds: Understanding the statistical likelihood of different job search methods.
• Building Relationships: Focusing on long-term connections rather than transactional interactions.
• Networking Map: A strategic plan for identifying and connecting with key individuals and companies.
• I Will Buy Via: A method for establishing trust by making and fulfilling commitments.
• Speed Rack of Messages: A collection of pre-written templates for various networking scenarios.
• Consistency: Maintaining a regular networking effort, even when facing setbacks or distractions.

1. The Monty Hall Problem and Job Search Probability

• The Monty Hall problem illustrates how humans often make emotional decisions rather than probabilistic ones.
• In the game, switching doors after one is revealed to be a losing option doubles the probability of winning (from 33% to 66%).
• This concept applies to job searching: relying solely on submitting resumes to online job boards (ATS) is like sticking with the initial door choice, ignoring the higher probability of success through networking.

2. The Importance of Networking: Statistical Evidence

• Key Statistic: 46% of job seekers over 50 or earning six figures find jobs through their network or someone they know. For those younger than 50 or earning less than 60K, the probability is still a significant 27%.
• These statistics highlight the importance of prioritizing networking activities over solely relying on online applications.
• Quote: "Companies don't give people jobs. Systems don't give people jobs. People give people jobs." This emphasizes the human element in job searching.

3. Philip's Story: The Power of Planting Seeds

• Philip, a job search coaching program client, received a job offer through a contact he had made a year prior.
• He had initially reached out to this contact for a different position, which didn't work out, but he maintained the connection.
• A year later, the contact reached out to Philip with a new opportunity that was a perfect fit.
• Key Takeaway: Networking is not just about immediate needs; it's about building long-term relationships and "planting seeds" that can yield results in the future.

4. Defining Networking: It's Who Knows What You Know

• Networking is not simply calling people and asking for favors.
• It's about "who knows you and what you know."
• Quote: "It's not who you know and it's not what you know, it's who knows what you know."
• This emphasizes the importance of establishing a personal brand and educating others about your skills and expertise.
• Being a "lynchpin" involves expanding other people's networks by connecting them with relevant individuals.

5. Networking Mindset: Building Relationships, Not Transactions

• Focus on building genuine relationships rather than engaging in transactional interactions.
• Understand your long-term goals and identify people who can help you move in that direction.
• Think about expanding your own network and expanding the networks of others.
• Build trust by making commitments and following through on them ("I will buy via").

6. The Prescriptive Approach: Goals, Map, Open, Nurture, Give

• Goals:
  • Find a job.
  • Expand your network.
  • Expand other people's networks.
• Networking Map:
  • List of target companies.
  • Potential bosses.
  • Colleagues and teammates.
  • Connections to people who can help you reach your goals.
• Opening New Relationships:
  • Formula:
    • Who you are.
    • Why you chose them.
    • What you want.
    • Evidence of research.
    • What you offer.
    • Gratitude.
    • Call to action (specific, not generic).
  • Avoid boilerplate messages; personalize each communication.
• Nurturing Existing Relationships:
  • Target new people.
  • Contact existing people.
  • Participate in targeted networking groups.
• Giving First:
  • Offer something to others, even when you need something from them.
  • Expand their network by connecting them with relevant individuals.

7. The Huffington Post Story: How the Formula Works

• The speaker wanted to expand his brand by writing guest posts for online magazines.
• He targeted the Huffington Post but didn't know anyone there.
• After 30 unsuccessful submissions, he emailed Ariana Huffington directly, using the formula:
  • Introduced himself and his work.
  • Admired her platform.
  • Explained why he wanted to contribute and what he could offer.
• Ariana responded the next morning, connecting him with the blog editor.
• His first post went viral, generating thousands of leads and expanding his network significantly.
• Key Takeaway: The formula works because it's personalized, targeted, and offers value.

8. Actionable Activities: The Job Search Challenge

• Job Search Challenge:
  • Identify three target companies every day.
  • Identify one person at each company.
  • Send three thoughtful messages daily.
• Contact a person you know who might be able to help you.
• Look for events or groups where you can meet people in your field.
• Volunteer in a relevant area to expand your network.
• Recognize that everything you do is a networking opportunity.

9. Stephanie's Story: Turning Rejection into Opportunity

• Stephanie, a boot camp client, sent out 10 boss hunting messages.
• Five received no response, three led to interviews, and two resulted in "no thank you" responses.
• She followed up with the "no thank you" contacts, asking if they knew anyone else who could use her services.
• This led to two additional interviews, increasing her overall success rate.
• Key Takeaway: Even rejection can be a networking opportunity if you have a structured approach.

10. The Expansion Mindset: Who Can I Give Them?

• When meeting with anyone, think about how you can help them expand their network.
• Three Questions:
  • Who can I give them based on their explicit requests?
  • Who can I give them based on their general areas of interest?
  • Who are the "just because" people I want to introduce to everyone?

11. Common Networking Mistakes

• Only networking when you need it.
• Not being targeted in your approach.
• Not personalizing your messages.
• Not being specific about what you want.
• Not being consistent in your efforts.

12. Action Items: A Step-by-Step Plan

1. Goals: Define your career goals and desired outcomes.
2. Target Companies: Build a networking map of target companies and key individuals.
3. Templates: Develop a speed rack of pre-written networking messages.
4. Job Search Challenge: Commit to the job search challenge (three contacts per day).
5. Events: Identify and attend relevant networking events.
6. Data: Gather and organize data to track your progress and make adjustments.
7. Refine: Continuously refine your approach based on feedback and results.
8. Remember the Odds: Keep in mind the high probability of success through networking.

13. Speed Rack of Messages: Examples

• Reaching out to a stranger.
• Boss hunting messages.
• Connecting with a first-degree connection who knows someone at your target company.
• Following up with potential bosses after sending boss hunting messages.

14. Conclusion

Networking is a critical component of a successful job search. By understanding the principles of probability, building genuine relationships, and consistently implementing a strategic plan, job seekers can significantly increase their chances of finding a fulfilling career. The key is to focus on long-term connections, offer value to others, and never stop expanding your network.