How Do You Network?

I heard the best suggestion for how to do great networking the other day.

I was speaking to a group of about 100 professionals who are looking for work. I've been doing a lot more of this type of speaking this year, and I have to say I really love it. Both for the chance to share some of the insights I've picked up about the job hunt, and the opportunity it gives me to get great tips and tricks from subscribers like you who are actually slogging through this awfully difficult year.

In the past, I myself have recommended "qualified networking." If you were pursuing a specific job, I suggested your phone call go something like this:

Say, Suzy, how's it going? Hey, did you hear that IBM is hiring somebody in your position over in the Davenport branch? Yeah, check it out on TheLadders.com.

Hey, I also noticed that your company is hiring somebody for my role. Yeah, it's true! Do you know who the real decision maker is on that one? I'd sure appreciate if you could give me a "warm introduction" by e-mail ... Thanks Suzy!

But after my chat, a pretty sharp woman outlined for me her strategy for qualified networking. And I have to say, it is even better advice and takes my suggested phone call to Suzy one step further:

When I find a job, and I have a contact or connection at that company, I'll send them an email asking for help with that job. I include the name of the hiring manager, the job ID number, title, location, and specifically the fact that I've already sent in my information through TheLadders on such-and-such a date. I've discovered that the easiest way for them to brush you off is to tell you to go through the application process, so I make it abundantly clear that I've specifically complied with the system already.

I thought this was excellent. Why? Well, which email comes across to you as a candidate who is taking the job search more seriously?

"I'm interested in this job and I think I'm a great fit. Here's my resume and I'd really appreciate your help."

Or:

"I can contribute to your company immediately in the role of VP, Corporate. If you could help me get in contact with Sam Waller, who is the hiring manager for this position, I'd really appreciate it. The Job ID number is TLC-1234, and it's the VP, Corporate position in New York, NY.

I applied for it on December 9th, 2009, through TheLadders, but just in case, I am re-attaching my resume."

Being this specific is a big help to everybody who wants to help or hire you. Obviously, they know the job title and job ID number of their own job. That's not why you're mentioning it.

Being specific and providing details shows the hiring manager that you are serious and committed. The more specific you are and the more details you provide, the better. You'll come across as a thorough person, who has thoroughly thought through this particular job and thoroughly believes that you are qualified for it.

And that, dear Readers, is a fantastic way to stand out.

If you have any more great tips or tricks that you'd like to share, let me know! And I'll share them right back with the community in this newsletter.

Have a great, qualified, networked week of job hunting, everybody!

Warmest regards,

Marc Cenedella, Founder & CEO, TheLadders.com
www.cenedella.com/stone
http://twitter.com/cenedella