Tips for Growing Your Professional Network

Leveraging Connections: How Relationships Lead to Opportunities  You’ve applied to your dream job, but haven’t heard back. With hundreds of applicants per opening, how do you get your resume noticed? As a recruiter, I’ve seen mediocre resumes get selected through employee referrals. The secret is strategic networking to build relationships that lead to endorsements. Here are tips for getting connected: - Attend industry events and seek out warm introductions to company insiders. A familiar contact expedites visibility. - Join professional associations and engage with members at target employers via forums and social media. Become known. - Volunteer for nonprofits connected to the company. Giving back grabs goodwill and gets you on radars. - Follow and provide value to recruiters and hiring managers through insightful comments. Become a known asset. - Ask trusted contacts to submit your resume directly if possible. Referrals often lead straight to interviews. With an expanded professional network and nurtured relationships, you can open previously closed doors. Don't just apply anonymously and cross your fingers. Strategically build community and social capital to access hidden opportunities. I'm happy to share more relationship-building tips to land your dream role! #SocialCapital #RelationshipBuilding #DreamJob #JobSearchTips #Referrals #EmployeeReferrals #GettingHired #LandYourDreamJob #TapYourNetwork #LeverageConnections #WarmIntroductions #HiddenJobMarket #JobHunting #HiringInsights #RecruiterTips #CareerGoals #CareerDevelopment Copy Retry

How does networking turn into a job opportunity? We've all heard it before - networking is crucial for career growth and finding new job opportunities. But how do you tap into your network authentically without coming across as simply using connections? Truthfully build relationships that are built on mutual understanding and value exchange. Networking was never a one-way street and should be done with long-term intentions. Here are a few things I did that allowed me to turn relationships into career opportunities: 1. Provide Value First - Before asking for ANYTHING, see how you can help. This can be done through sharing industry insights, personal contacts, or sharing your expertise on a subject matter pro bono. 2. Express Authentic Interest - It's obvious when you're faking it! Learn their goals, interests, and pain points and ask thoughtful questions to have real conversations about more than just work. 3. Stay Top-of-Mind - Share updates on projects you're working on, milestones you've hit, or just check in periodically. This allows you to stay present in conversation. 4. Pay it Forward - Make intros between connections who could benefit each other, without the expectancy of something in return. Adopt the habit of giving just to give! These tips have allowed me to turn my network into my career superpower, supporting personal and professional goals. Drop some of your tips for building genuine relationships in the comments. #Networking #BlackLinkedIn

Can I be vulnerable for a minute? There's a genuine part of me that wants to assist every person I come in contact with or reaches out to me. At times, this responsibility weighs on me, oftentimes keeping me awake at night. The sheer compassion I feel and my desire to make a positive impact drives me...however, I also recognize the reality that I can't fulfill every dream job aspiration. Which sincerely kills me. While I dedicate myself to this endeavor with strategic effort, I believe it's essential for job seekers to consider the following steps: ✅ Define Your Goals: Before reaching out to your network, be clear about what you're looking for in your career. Whether it's a specific role, industry, or company culture, having a well-defined goal will guide your networking efforts. Don't settle. Trust me, you'll be happier in the long run. ✅ Craft Your Elevator Pitch: Prepare a concise and compelling introduction that highlights your skills, experience, and what you're seeking. Make sure it's adaptable to different situations and captures your unique value. ✅ Leverage LinkedIn: Utilize your professional network on LinkedIn. Connect with colleagues, friends, and acquaintances, and yes- other recruiters! Engage with relevant content and share your insights to showcase your expertise. ✅ Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars related to your field. These events provide excellent opportunities to meet like-minded professionals and expand your network. ✅ Reach Out with a Purpose: When connecting with someone, be genuine in your approach. Clearly express your intentions, whether it's seeking advice, information about a company, or discussing potential opportunities. ✅ Offer Value: Networking isn't just about taking; it's also about giving. Share your expertise, offer assistance, or provide insights that could be beneficial to your connections. This reciprocity strengthens relationships. ✅ Follow Up: After making initial connections, don't forget to follow up. Express gratitude for their time and insights, and keep the conversation alive by providing updates on your progress. ✅ Be Patient and Persistent: Building a strong network takes time. Not every connection will lead to immediate results, but persistence pays off. Keep nurturing your relationships and staying active in your efforts. ✅ Continuously Learn: Stay updated on industry trends, developments, and best practices. This knowledge will not only enhance your conversations but also showcase your commitment to growth. Remember, networking is a two-way street. Just as I strive to help candidates find their dream jobs, your efforts and engagement in the networking process are crucial for achieving your career goals. 💪🏻 Stay persistent, authentic, and open to the possibilities that networking can bring. Your proactive approach can make a significant difference in your journey. As always, I'll do whatever I can to help! Wishing you success.

If you’re searching for your next job or client, you know that your network is your most promising channel. What can you do to expand it? 1. Articulate Your Value & Goals: Clearly understand and communicate what you bring to the table, along with your near-term goals. When your current network understands your strengths and ambitions, they're better positioned to introduce you to relevant contacts or opportunities. 2. Network Authentically at Events: Whether it's a conference or a casual dinner party, seize the moment to engage with new people. A genuine conversation about your professional journey and goals can open doors to unexpected collaborations and connections. 3. Engage with Content on LinkedIn: Don’t just scroll; share your unique insights and ideas. Posting thoughtful content or comments establishes your expertise and can attract like-minded professionals to your profile. 4. Contribute Value in Comments: Go beyond the simple "Great post!" by leaving insightful comments on others’ content. This not only showcases your expertise but also makes you memorable, encouraging others to explore your profile and connect with you organically. Using these strategies has broadened my network and connected me with new opportunities. By actively sharing your value and engaging with people (IRL and online), opportunities can more easily “find” you. Bottom Line: Help others help you.

Are you looking to grow professionally through networking? Here are some expert tips to help guide your efforts: 1. Start by defining your objectives. Determine your goals before expanding your network. Having clear objectives will guide your networking efforts. 2. Focus on clarity when communicating with others. Avoid trying to impress with jargon or titles. Instead, focus on being understood quickly and easily. 3. Prioritize building relationships over collecting business cards. Add value to your network by asking how you can support others. This fosters trust and mutual support. 4. Help your network connect with each other. Introduce contacts who can benefit from each other's services or expertise. This adds value to your network and strengthens relationships. 5. Attend events that genuinely interest you, rather than just following the crowd. This allows you to be yourself and engage more authentically. Especially if you have a limited budget. 6. Networking is not just an event; it's a mindset. Be interested in others, ask powerful questions, and listen deeply. This approach helps build trust and lasting connections. 7. Schedule regular touch-base calls or meetings with contacts. This keeps relationships fresh and helps you support each other's work and career development. 8. Instead of focusing on what people do, get to know their motivations and passions. This deeper understanding can lead to more meaningful connections and longer lasting relationships. 9. Have a plan when attending networking events. Know who you want to meet and what you hope to gain from the event. This preparation can increase your chances of success. Pre-event planning. 10. Be attuned to the body language and vocal delivery of others. This awareness can help you interpret their intent and respond appropriately. 11. After networking, follow up with new contacts. Keep your promises and maintain the momentum of your relationships. Deliver some complimentary tips, ideas or recommendations. Remember, networking is a skill that requires time, effort, and patience. Building a strong professional network is an ongoing process that can open doors to new opportunities and enrich your professional and personal life.

My best advice for building a network: Network before you need to! What is the #1 cause for ineffective networking? Desperation. And where does desperation come from? Needing a job. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you need a job or desperately want to leave your current job to start building a network. Those with the most seamless career transitions are always the ones with the strongest networks. Having a strong network can be the difference between getting hired into a new role with zero gap and endlessly applying for six months with no luck. Here are ways to build your network starting NOW: 1. Engage with other companies and employees on LinkedIn and/or social media. One way to get noticed by companies that you like is to engage with their content on LinkedIn or other social sites. Follow companies that you’re interested in or may want to work for in the future. Keep up to date with their progress, growth and initiatives. This goes for employees of the company as well. If companies or people see you consistently engaging with their content, it’s easier to facilitate a conversation with them, so you don’t have to shoot out those cringy, cold messages later. It also gives you great conversational ammunition for later when you may decide to reach out and strike up a conversation with someone at your dream company. They’ll be extra impressed if you’re educated about what is happening at their company. 2. Engage with employees inside your CURRENT company. Building a useful network is not just about using the “grass is greener on the other side” approach. Yes, it makes sense to start building relationships at companies that you may want to work for in the future, but don’t neglect the easiest connections you already have—the ones around you NOW! Ask for LinkedIn recommendations. Go to lunch with a manager or colleague. It’s so easy to just do your work and go home (or log off in a remote role). Building a relationship with people who could potentially help you later is worth the effort. 3. Orchestrate frequent informational interviews. Seek out informational interviews with professionals you admire or individuals working in your target companies or industries. These interviews are not about job openings but about gaining insight into their career paths and industries. Approach these conversations with a genuine interest in learning and networking, not just job-seeking. Remember, building a professional network is an ongoing process. Regularly check in with your contacts, offer support when needed, and be proactive in helping others when you can. By doing so, you'll have a strong and supportive network in place when you need it most, whether it's for job opportunities, career advice, or professional growth.

The time to start networking is now. As professionals, sometimes we think “I don’t have the time to network.” The truth is, we all have the same amount of time - but spend it differently. If you hop on a Teams call today and HR joins with your boss and you are told your role is eliminated, one of the first things you might think of after the shock clears is: “who do I know that can help me find my next role.” That moment is not the time to begin to think about your network, it was actually 5 years ago when you got that promotion and the expanded responsibilities. Your professional network is as important as continuous learning, building skills for the future and being a high performer. Here are some ways for you to create space to network as well as practical tips: 1. Celebrate promotions and new roles of colleagues or people in your LI network. Take an interest. When someone leaves for a new company, put a reminder on your calendar for 90 days out and check in with them: how is X company and the new role going? 2. Develop a list of your top 10 companies you’d like to work for and see who you know that works there or connect with people there and begin to create connectivity: keep me in mind if you hear of a role that might be a fit and I can do the same for you. 3. Be willing to respond to LI messages from people you don’t know who might be seeking a role: answer questions and connect them to recruiting - I’m not sure about that role but here are a couple of recruiters in my company that might have more info. 4. Pay attention to where skills are going in your area of specialization and make the time to get entrenched and curious: when interesting roles surface internally or externally you want to have these skills not be caught on your back foot. 5. Be active on LinkedIn. Engage with posts, create your own content and share thought leadership around key topics or where your area of specialization is headed. Pro tip: don’t make the mistake of thinking LinkedIn is only for your external network. It can be equally important or even more powerful for building your internal network and brand at your current company - which can lead to new roles, expanded roles and other exposure. #opentowork #networking #careerjourney #careerprogression #skills #futureofwork

Thank you to the Vanderbilt University Career Center for inviting me to serve as a panelist for The Black Vanderbilt University (BVU) Career Accelerator Program. Myself along with my fantastic Commodore Colleagues including, Alayna Hayes, Ed.D, Assistant Provost and Senior Director of the Career Center and Sheryl Bonner, Talent Acquisition Consultant, offered insight about networking and informational interviews. A few networking nuggets: -Consider reciprocity. It’s not all about what you can get, it’s also about what you can give. -You’re often playing the long game. The connection may not yield results in the short-term but may do so in the long-term. -See networking as building relationships. -Follow-up with those you meet along the way. Check in on their projects and share information about your professional journey. -Choose a way to get organized so that you can keep track of who you meet. -Practice your elevator speech. If you have a specific interest in a company or connecting with a certain person, be able to articulate your why. Do your research so that you can be specific. -You never know where your next role will come from. Networking is happening around you all the time. One of my colleagues chatted about meeting a woman in Walgreens who offered her a role that led to her current profession. -Continue to network internally and externally once you have an internship or a full-time role. -Use LinkedIn to network intentionally by joining groups, following/connecting with people who are on your chosen path, comment on their posts, share their posts, be a part of the conversation. Remember to use LI as your portfolio and invite people into conversation with you. -Right now you’re networking everyday with classmates who will go on to have careers, own companies, will oversee hiring others, and can make introductions to people you need to know. It’s one of the greatest benefits of college. Stay connected. -Networking is a snowball. Once you meet someone, you can inquire about recommendations for others you should meet. Continue doing that and like a snowball, your network will grow as you pick up connections along the way. Informational Interviews Tips: -Ask about shadowing opportunities. -Inquire about what a typical day is like for someone in your desired role. -In order to learn more and create ease in follow up, ask the interviewee about additional resources including podcasts, books, articles, documentaries that will give your more insight into the profession. When you follow-up, you can use these as a foundation for your outreach. “Oh, I read the book you suggested and [insert thoughts here]…” or “Did you listen to the latest episode of…”? It lets them know that you’re interested and that you’re learning. What nuggets and tips would you add to this list for college students?

If you want to build a network in 30 days, read this: Goal: Build a foundation for your professional network by forming genuine connections with 10 individuals relevant to your career goals. Before you start: Define your goals: What do you hope to achieve by building your network? (e.g., career advice, industry knowledge, potential job opportunities) Identify target individuals: Who are the people you want to connect with? Consider their expertise, experience, and potential value in achieving your goals. Days 1-10: Laying the groundwork Utilize social media: Update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and experience. Join relevant groups and follow industry leaders. Start small: Reach out to 2-3 people you haven't spoken to recently or connect with 1-2 new contacts. Personalize your message and focus on value. Attend online events: Look for webinars, online conferences, or workshops related to your field. Participate actively and introduce yourself to others virtually. Identify industry influencers: Research thought leaders and key players in your field. Follow their work and engage with their content online. Volunteer your expertise: Research volunteer opportunities related to your industry. This allows you to give back, network, and build your reputation. Days 11-20: Building connections Follow-up with initial contacts: Send a follow-up email or message expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in staying connected. Engage in online communities: Participate in relevant online discussions. Offer your insights, answer questions, and build your online presence. Connect through mutual connections: Research your existing network for potential connections who know people you'd like to meet. Seek introductions and personalize your outreach. Attend local events: Look for industry meetups, networking events, or conferences in your area. Prepare conversation starters and actively connect with new people. Leverage alumni networks: If you're a college graduate, reconnect with alumni in your field through professional groups or university resources. Days 21-30: Nurturing relationships Share valuable content: Share relevant articles, industry news, or resources with your connections through emails or social media. Offer congratulations and support: Celebrate your network's achievements and offer support during challenges. Show genuine interest in their lives and careers. Schedule informational interviews: Reach out to individuals you admire and request informational interviews. Use this opportunity to learn more about their career path and gain insights. Be a resource: Look for ways to help others in your network by offering introductions, sharing opportunities, or providing relevant information. Schedule coffee chats: Invite 1-2 people you've connected with for virtual or in-person coffee chats to deepen your relationships and explore potential collaborations. Source: "Reach Out" by Molly Beck

How to network without being “salesly” (And build genuine relationships) — Networking is hands down one of the most underrated aspects of business. A network built on reciprocity is also one of the BIGGEST assets any founder can call upon 10 tips to grow yours the RIGHT way: 1. Offer help first When reaching out to someone, think about how you can help them before asking for anything in return. This can be through introductions, sharing resources, or providing insights to a post of theirs. The goal is to leave no doubt that you’re not just a “taker” but a “giver”. — 2. Acknowledge milestones It might not mean much to you, but any personal milestone is HUGE inside for someone in your network. - Job changes - Work anniversaries - Professional accomplishments. Show that you CARE about their journey. — 3. Personalized connection requests (I know you’re sick of these fake connect requests as much as I am…) So show some personalization! Mention how you found them, why you want to connect, and a specific common interest or goal. It’s the little extra efforts like this that separate you from others. (p.s. “Let’s find synergies” is making you look like you’re spamming) — 4. Regularly update your LinkedIn profile Keep it current with your: - Skills - Projects - Latest achievements A well-maintained profile makes it easier for people to understand your professional background… Which makes it easier for them to relate to you when you speak. — 5. Open your network to others I’m ALWAYS looking for opportunities to introduce my connections to each other. This not only helps them, but it also strengthens your position as a valuable connector. If you be the person who helps build relationships… They’ll remember you for it. — 6. Follow up Stay in touch with your contacts regularly to maintain your relationships. You don’t have to do this daily or even weekly… But a little check-in here and there goes a long way in showing you care. — 7. Organize networking events Host your own networking events or small meet-ups. (In person or through Zoom) This is another great way to be a connector. Strong networking skills involve being able to bring people together in a meaningful way. — [BONUS] - Become the go-to guy in groups Underrated hack: join LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests. While in the group… - Share your expertise - Be active in discussions - Connect with group members There’s nothing like chatting with like-minded people. (And most people don’t do it). — By implementing these strategies consistently, you will build authentic and meaningful relationships. The goal is to cultivate and build a network that supports and grows with you. What’s your biggest struggle in terms of networking? — Found value in this? Repost ♻️ to share to your network and follow Ignacio Carcavallo for more!