Author’s note: My plan for this month was to write an article about imposter syndrome. In light of the massive changes to all of our routines including job-seeking, I decided to focus on this topic instead. Please join me next month to explore more about imposter syndrome!
Keep Calm and Network on
We all know how important networking is for the entirety of our careers, and especially when we’re seeking a new job or growing a business. I know I definitely felt a bit of panic when the slew of cancellations of meetups, speaking gigs, and networking events hit my inbox. For my clients who are just entering the workforce, there was a huge concern - how can we grow our network and make the critical connections without face-to-face gatherings?
To help all my job-seekers out there, here are my top tips for carrying on with your networking goals during this very strange time.
1 - Get comfortable with virtual meeting tools
If you haven’t already- create a free account with Zoom or get acquainted with Google Meet. These tools allow you to see the other person - I rank it higher than a phone call with voice only for making real connections. Keep in mind that if the person you are connecting with is using their company’s email, they may not have access to Google tools. Another video conferencing tool is Skype - check with the other person(s) to see what tool they prefer.
2 - Set the stage
It’s natural for our brains to fixate on what we look like on video and completely miss the pile of laundry on the floor in the background. Wherever you decide to set up for your virtual coffee chat, mindfully examine what else can be seen onscreen. If possible, have your back to a plain wall to reduce distractions. Use headphones that have a mic built in for the best experience. The headphones that came with your smart phone should have a mic that will work well. If you don’t have any, consider it! A directional microphone really cuts down on the sounds of your neighbors yelling upstairs, or the whooshing of the fan in the hallway.
3 - Make it easy to find time
A lot of folks are going to be working from home, and with all the networking events getting cancelled, having a way to make it easy to coordinate with individuals’ schedules is key. Create a free account with Calendly or Meetingbird so that you can share a link to find time that fits into your contact’s busy schedule. You can also set these up to auto-create the Zoom or Google links for the meeting. Add your personal calendar link to your LinkedIn profile and your email signature.
Using the calendar tool means that you don’t have to go back and forth with a ton of emails or worry that the time you said you were going to be available will actually be full by the time you hear back from the other person. As a job seeker with no networking events on the horizon, you’ll be sending out a lot of invites for virtual coffees so don’t skip this!
4 - Invite! (And don’t take rejection personally)
Was there a speaker you were looking forward to hearing at the next event?
Reach out to them and share that you’re bummed and wonder if they are available for a virtual chat about the topic!
Have a company in mind that you were hoping to run into some employees at the local tech happy hour meetup?
Search the company page on LinkedIn (where it says see all x# of employees on LI) and use filters to find the senior software engineers in their Boston office. (Or whomever and wherever you’re hoping to make a connection). You may even share a contact that can help make an introduction for you.
Remember that folks who are not in recruiter roles may not check LinkedIn very often- always try to follow up with an email (or phone/text if you know it). Don’t know their email address? Use hunter.io to determine the format of their company’s email (i.e. first.last@company.com).
5 - Have a list of potential questions ready
Know why you’re reaching out to this person and do your homework. What are you interested in (that made you want to reach out)? What do you have in common? What are you curious about? Do they have experience in a role or industry you’re looking to get into? Unlike a group event, there won’t be so much small talk to get warmed up. Respect their time and come prepared.
Show interest in the person, their work, and ask for advice on how to break into the industry or company that you’re aiming for.
Hang in there
Remember that we’re all in this together, and that even though we may not be able to gather in person, making connection with others is a human need. If you’re intimidated by the idea of sending outreach emails and invites to virtual coffee meetings, remember that the other party was once in your shoes. They also need connection, even more so in these times! Our shared humanity brings us together - just reach out.
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?
Share below!