The Art and Science of Networking

There is an art and science to networking. When first hearing this term, many people believe this to mean using personal connections to land elite job opportunities, by asking for favors, and even imposing on people for their resources.

Because of this, some see networking as uncomfortable, or even pushy. However, when done right, it can not only be mutually beneficial to both parties but can also be a way to exchange fresh ideas and open people to opportunities they had not before considered.

To its core, what networking comes down to is communication. Anyone you interact with can become a part of your network, your neighbor, doctor, or mailman. Whether they are in your industry, the people you communicate with within daily life can be the people who open you to new opportunities and ideas.

The Science Behind Networking

Not only is networking a good way to expand on opportunities, but research has also proven that networking is the Number 1 way to get a job in this day and age. Yale University, as well as the Bureau of Labor,state that around 70% of jobs are obtained through networking, which places it well beyond any secondary method.

Mark Granovetter, a well-known Stanford professor, confirms this, as he estimates networking as 7.5 times as effective as the next best source of jobs. From this, you can conclude that personal connection, communication, and recommendation can go a long way.

An applicant that applies online with no connection has a drastically lower chance of obtaining a position than someone who may have a stronger network. Networking allows you to stand out in a pool of applicants and increases your visibility. The days of cold calls are ending, as networking is becoming a necessity for success.

Aside from the overwhelming research and statistics that prove how it can impact the hiring process, networking can also have many additional benefits. As stated earlier, if done right, networking can be mutually beneficial. One way to make sure that networking is done right is by asking your connections for advice and names, instead of asking for a job.

This shifts the tone from favor to a conversation. This (very brief) conversation is where you can express your goals and competencies as well as where you see yourself going forward. Most people will look to help for altruistic reasons but will also realize that lifting others into successful roles might lead to them being able to return the favor in the long term.

Remote networking via Zoom

The Mechanics Of Networking During Career Coaching

Let’s look at the mechanics of a networking meeting during career coaching. The first step is to request a meeting. Your request by emailing can be as simple as this.

“I hope this email finds you well. I was wondering if you would be willing to meet with me for a quick Zoom meeting, say 15-20 minutes? I am currently exploring new career options and would be honored to get your advice on the job market as well as on my strategy. Please let me know when a good day/time for you might be“.

Remember, you are exploring career options, NOT looking for a job. And, you are seeking advices, NOT help. The correct language in your email is critical for getting a favorable response.

A networking meeting cannot be done by phone for a host of reasons. Primarily, you will not have their attention. It must be in person or, at least, a Zoom call.

After you kick off the meeting by thanking them for a few minutes of their time, you need to articulate your value proposition, which includes what you have been doing and what your goals are going forward. This is a 1-3-minute prologue. After all, this is what you are seeking advice on.

After a few minutes of conversation and clarification, you thank them and ask if they might know of a couple of people you could speak with to continue your networking efforts. It is important that when you are asking for names, mention that you are looking to speak with people who are “well-connected” but not necessarily in your industry.

A strong network can make all the difference in career and goals. Not only can a network be there to support you through the hiring process but may also offer advice for all stages of a job search. This includes advice on how to interview correctly, cover letters, the best websites to check, and so forth.

Networking is a highly effective strategy

Conclusion

Your network can also give you advice about what to expect in your specific career, from an insider’s perspective. There may be aspects in your industry that without experience, you wouldn’t otherwise know about.

With an insider’s knowledge, you can better prepare for the expectations of the position. Networking has been a part of our culture for generations, people helping people, using communication and connection to lift each other.

We communicate with a substantial variety of people every day and create connections both large and small. These connections keep the world functioning and keep our minds open to a variety of opportunities. Remember, there is an art and science to networking effectively!

To further expand your career options with the help of a seasoned career coach, you can reach Thomas Wharton, president of LIFOCUS CAREER SERVICES firm in Rhode Island. You can reach Tom at 401.835.1967 • tom@lifocus.com. • www.careerdoctor.com •@careercoachTW

https://bit.ly/3zrHPOx

The post The Art and Science of Networking By Tom Wharton first appeared on Lifocus Career Services.

The post The Art and Science of Networking By Tom Wharton appeared first on Lifocus Career Services.

Consider these statistics:

• LinkedIn is the #1 candidate sourcing tool used by recruiters.
• 96% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source candidates for open positions.
• Most adults change jobs every 2 to 3 years on average for a total of 8 to 10 job changes throughout their working lives.

If frequent job changes are a fact of life (and they are), and if recruiters and hiring executives are hanging out on LinkedIn in droves (and they are), then doesn’t it make sense for you to do the same, whether you’re employed or not and actively job searching or not? It most certainly does.

In fact, I recommend that unemployed job seekers spend 3-4 hours per week on LinkedIn. For those who are in active search while employed, 1.5-3 hours per week will do. And for those who are employed but not seeking work, 1.5-3 hours per month will be sufficient for proactive career management.

The bottom line is that as a professional you need LinkedIn for job search support or career management regardless of your employment status. Here are seven reasons why you need a LinkedIn routine – whether you’re employed or not:

1. LinkedIn Changes Frequently

LinkedIn management is fond of making frequent, unannounced changes to the social media giant’s system, look, and features. If you don’t want to be left out of the loop or to appear not to care, you need to stay active on LinkedIn to keep your profile looking current and relevant. Keep in mind that, as a result, the strategies that work today on LinkedIn won’t necessarily work tomorrow. Therefore, it’s important for you to stay abreast of LinkedIn changes.

2. Not Updating Your Profile Regularly Can Hurt Your Searchability

LinkedIn profiles that aren’t updated frequently slide in search rankings. The technology that runs LinkedIn is a massive database, and databases have a built-in preference for fresh data. If 2 people have identical backgrounds, work histories, academic credentials, and keywords in their profile, LinkedIn will rank the one with a more recent update higher. To keep your profile ranking high, leverage regular status or profile updates – once a week if you are in active search or once a month if you are in career management mode.

3. Status Updates Keep Your Candidacy And/Or Career Brand Front-Of-Mind

Found on your profile’s Home page, the status update feature allows you to share your career brand with your network without sending them a formal message. It also shares your update with the entire LinkedIn membership. By designing short updates or using this feature to comment on articles or blog posts, you can create buzz about your candidacy or shape recruiter perceptions long before you start looking for your next opportunity.

4. Keywords Are Constantly Changing And Evolving

Just because you load your LinkedIn profile with keywords once doesn’t mean you never have to do so again – quite the contrary is true. Keyword trends change over time and new words, methodologies, certifications, and phrases are constantly emerging. Whether you’re employed or not, it’s inherently wise to monitor keyword shifts in your industry and replace or update those used in your profile on an ongoing basis. Make sure, for example, that you use the full complement of 50 skills LinkedIn allows you in their Skills & Expertise section.

5. Fresh LinkedIn Content Boosts Your Google Ranking

A keyword-rich profile will elevate your standing with Google. Why does that matter? Because LinkedIn limits search results based on the size of the searcher’s network. Conducting a LinkedIn search via Google (known as X-raying into LinkedIn) produces more results, which in turn means that getting noticed by Google can help enhance your access to career opportunities.

6. Participating In LinkedIn Groups Will Help Your Brand Stand Out

Groups are one of the most powerful LinkedIn features; gaining visibility in key groups helps you gain visibility for your career. Since groups evolve over time, staying on top of your group memberships requires a little weekly homework to read post digests, catch up on discussions, and identify ways to help your brand stand out.

7. Proactively Managing Your Network/Profile Is Good Branding

Proactive management of your network, invitations, endorsements, and testimonials make you look good. Taking weeks to months to respond to messages, invites, and testimonial requests or failing to reciprocate endorsements when appropriate are the actions of a career isolationist. Staying on top of these activities, on the other hand, makes you appear to be on the ball, synced in to what matters, and investing energy in your career. Which sends the better message to prospective employers?

LinkedIn is a powerful recession-proofing strategy when used wisely. Why not invest in periodic “maintenance” to fine-tune your online presence? A great LinkedIn weekly routine includes so much more than accepting your most recent connection invites:

• Create a status update.
• Review your profile’s keywords and add or upgrade as needed.
• Accept relevant invitations to connect with a personalized message.
• Review your group memberships and stay involved in those that offer you the most relevant benefits.
• Review weekly group discussions and look for 1-2 to which you can offer advice, insight, or comments.
• Reciprocate endorsements when appropriate and relevant to do so.
• Thank those who endorse you with a personalized message.
• Solicit testimonials on an ongoing basis; don’t wait until you need them.
• Review the automated updates LinkedIn sends you about your network. Send personalized congratulatory messages to connections reporting happy news.
• Source new recruiters, hiring executives, and influential contacts to connect with and follow.
• Source new companies to follow and leverage your network to build inroads to hiring executives.
• Manage relationships with key connections by periodically offering valuable resources or information without waiting to be asked.

By investing mere minutes a day in your managing your career, LinkedIn can help you build bridges to prospective opportunities long before you need them. By investing a few hours a day on LinkedIn during an active job search, you can transform your online connections into “Brand You” advocates. What have you got to lose?

Thomas Wharton is President of LIFOCUS CAREER SERVICES an Executive Coaching and Career Coaching firm in Rhode Island, providing Career & Transition Coaching, Outplacement, Executive Coaching, and Assessments. Tom can be reached at 401.884.7959 • tom@lifocus.com. • www.lifocus.com •@careercoachTW

The post 7 Reasons Why You Need A LinkedIn Routine first appeared on Lifocus Career Services.

The post 7 Reasons Why You Need A LinkedIn Routine appeared first on Lifocus Career Services.