One of the toughest challenges for job seekers is in networking, particularly connecting to people they neither know nor have access to.
Embracing this fear or hurdle is well worth it. Why? This specific group of people – those you do not know – represents the largest potential source of network contacts. They’re trickier to reach than people you know; true. However, making them part of your network is absolutely feasible! Here’s one way to enlist their help.
Candidly write to them.
The main challenge is to find some cause for writing and to demonstrate how that person’s insight will help you. Your reason for writing can relate to anything. It can be a talk the person gave at an event you attended. It can be a quote the person gave in an article you’ve read. It can simply be the company’s reputation and the key role the person or the person’s department has in its success. Make your letter brief; and do not include your resume. This is about you succinctly and directly asking for help. Here’s an example:
July 2, 2015
Mark Broaden
Enterprise Security Officer
Widget Corporation
16 Main Street
New York, NY 01000
Dear Mr. Broaden:
I was in the audience last Tuesday evening when you gave your presentation to the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association, and I was impressed by the story you shared of how you were able to land your first job in corporate technology security.
My current situation is much like yours at that time. Two years ago, I graduated from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management with my Bachelor’s in Managerial Analytics. Since then, I’ve been working at a series of temporary assignments within the non-profit realm. I very much want to move into the for-profit enterprise security world – preferably a Fortune company with a global footprint.
I know how busy you are, but if at all possible, I would be most appreciative if we could speak via phone for just a few minutes.
What I’m looking for, in addition to advice, are perhaps the names of a few people I might reach out to. I’ve been commended for being current and creative with knowledge of tapping big data in a proactive way that benefits business in today’s world.
I will give you a call later this week as follow-up to this letter. I thank you in advance for your help, Mr. Broaden.
Respectfully,
Mary Carter
Then call this person. Be armed with some questions. Honor your word in the letter – keep it very brief to five or ten minutes. Your questions should be framed around the type of advice this person would give you. “What would you tell your younger self about that what you know now?” “What advice would you give someone like me trying to enter corporate security?” “If you were hiring someone with my interests and background, what would you want me to know?” And the important “Who else do you know that I should talk to?”
Then, call those people whose names were hopefully shared. If you get voice mail, leave a message.
Here are five things you should never do in these networking calls:
- Never call people you don’t know at home (unless the person who has given you their names has instructed you to do so; and has given you their home numbers).
- Never put people on hold. You called them!
- When connecting with someone, never use the name of a person whom you don’t know; or you’ve not received permission to use.
- Never, never, never get surly or “put out” when people don’t give you the help you asked for. Nothing good will come of it.
- Never put pressures on people who work for the person you want to see. Not fair and again, it will bite you in the you-know-what.
Networking communications in writing and via phone can be powerful door-openers. If you have ideas to share around this job search approach, I’d love to hear from you!
