How to Leverage Networking Events for Job Referrals

“Let me know if you hear of any jobs you think would be good for me…” 𝙉𝙤. This is the absolute wrong way to approach networking and trying to find out about job openings. I’ll tell you why it’s wrong first and then suggest some much more effective alternatives. It is an UNREASONABLE ask. It is no one’s job to keep an eye out for opportunities for you. It also puts the power in someone else’s hands - what are you going to do while you’re waiting? And, unless the individual is close to you and has a vested interest in the outcome of your job search, it’s ineffective. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙? Here are a few suggestions: 💼 Tell people you are networking with what companies you are interested in, and ask if they have any connections there 🏢 Ask people what companies in your industries are growing and/or great places to work 💻 Monitor the career pages of the companies your connections work at and when you see roles that interest you, get back in touch to see if they have any insights about the job, or know the hiring manager 📨 Stay top of mind with regular (every 4-6 weeks) email check-ins, sharing posts of mutual interest, updating them on your progress and follow-up on any suggestions they made These 4 strategies are far more likely to yield the results you are looking for. Try them out! Not sure how to navigate your job search, networking, or where to begin? Get my free 10 Habits of Successful Job Candidates here! https://lnkd.in/e66-iSpX #OpenToWork #JobSearchTips #CareerCoaching #LinkedInTips #ProfessionalNetworking #CareerDevelopment #JobHunting

Everyone says, “Network your way into a job.” But no one tells you how to make your message actually stand out. I used to send generic cold messages that got zero replies. Then I started attaching specific questions or insights about the company or role. That’s when conversations started. Here’s how to network well: - Don’t ask for a referral in your first message. Start a conversation. - Mention a specific project or product the person worked on that excites you. - Ask one thoughtful question, not “Can I pick your brain?” - Keep it under 3 sentences. Respect their time. Here’s are a few templates you can use: - Hello! I applied to a SWE internship at Meta and had a few questions about the work culture. Would you be open to connecting? I appreciate your time! - Your work in [field/area of expertise] is truly remarkable. As an aspiring [role], I'd greatly appreciate the chance to connect and gain invaluable guidance from your journey. - I'm captivated by your unique approach to [specific aspect of their work]. Could we connect? I'd love to learn more and potentially explore opportunities for collaboration. - Hello! I read the research paper you published on XYZ topic. As a master’s student, I’m interested in pursuing research in similar fields, I’d be thrilled if you could connect! - I'm fascinated by your work on [specific project/initiative]. As an aspiring [role] in [field], I'd love to connect and learn from your expertise. Would you be open to a brief chat? - Your recent [article/interview/presentation] on [topic] resonated deeply with me. I'm keen to explore [related area of interest] and would appreciate the opportunity to connect. Your message should be short, specific, and easy to reply to. Most people just say, “Hi, can you refer me?” Be better than most people. #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #30DaysOfCareerGrowth Day 6 of #30DaysOfCareerGrowth

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

🚀 This is how I landed interviews at LinkedIn and The New York Times with referrals from my secondary network I saw open roles at LinkedIn and The New York Times (NYT), but didn’t know anyone directly working in those teams. What most people do: 💬 Send cold DMs asking for referrals directly. But I took a different approach—I reached out to people I already knew and asked if they knew anyone in those companies or teams. 🔗 New York Times: When I saw an opening at NYT, I reached out to my ex-manager at The Washington Post. Since she had worked with people at NYT, there was a high chance she knew someone. She did. She connected me with them and sent a stellar intro message. I got a referral from her network, which led to an interview. 🔗 LinkedIn: I found a role at LinkedIn in a team I had no connections with. Instead of cold DMing, I reached out to a VP I had built a strong relationship with. He knew the hiring manager and put in a good word for me. The result? I got an interview! 💡 In 2024, I learned you can leverage your secondary network to get amazing opportunities. But remember—only ask for this kind of favor if you’ve built a strong relationship and the person can vouch for your work. Next time you see an open role and don’t know anyone at the company, ask your connections if they know someone there. Don’t just ask for a referral—ask if they can introduce you to the right person. #career #network #tips #jobsearch #earlycareer #students