3 Missed Opportunities for Connection in Your Job Search
As an HR professional who has had to navigate the job market in the past few years, I realized the best opportunities for connection are not always obvious. Here are three opportunities for connection you may be missing in your job search.
LinkedIn Requests
After you attend a networking event, conference, training, etc. and speak to someone who gives you their information or business card, connect with them on LinkedIn. When you connect, always include a personalized message. People likely met a lot of professionals that day and this helps jog their memory.
Also, if you happen to reach out later, they will see where you originally met at the top of the conversation. I always include a note with every connection request and never assume someone remembers who I am, even if I just met them that day.
Send a connection request after the following. Here are some sample scripts you can use.
Networking Events
I enjoyed meeting you at Coffee With Kelly. How do you know Kelly?
Conferences
It was great to meet you at the John Maxwell conference! Which speaker was your favorite?
Webinars
Thank you for the great webinar on AI in HR. I will be checking out the 60 Minutes episode you mentioned this weekend.
It is also good practice to occasionally touch base with these contacts. Here are two examples of times it would be relevant to touch base.
Here is an article I read/ published recently that I think you would find interesting.
Will you be at HR Florida next month? I would love to meet up.
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Social Settings
When in a job search, make sure to share with your network. You may be surprised to find that someone at your friend’s BBQ knows about an opportunity that is perfect for you. Here are some other places to mention your job search.
Parties
I’ve witnessed people make strong connections at parties just by talking about what they do for a living or what they are trying to do. Branch out and talk to someone new. If asked what you do for work you can say,
“I currently do employee communications but looking for a role in Human Resources since I am about to graduate with my HR Management degree.”
This leaves the door open for them to ask you questions. They may not have follow- up questions but may think of you later and get in touch.
Your Hairdresser
Folks you have built a rapport with and spend a decent amount of time making small talk with, such as your hairdresser, may have a cousin who works at the company that you are desperately trying to get into. Speak up.
Online Community Groups
I’ve seen people comment on sites like Nextdoor that they moved to the area and are looking for work. The best requests include information about their skills and what they are looking for. Many respond to these posts saying, “my company is hiring, here is more info.” The person posting now has leads on jobs and connections with a simple ask of a question.
General requests of “Is Anyone Hiring?” will get some responses but most people will not want to go back and forth asking you questions.
Anticipate what people may ask (such as are you only looking for remote work? What is your availability?) and answer their questions when you make the post. You may be surprised at how much strangers want to help someone they don’t even know.
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Thank You Notes
Each year I work in HR, I receive less thank you notes after interviews than the year before. A thank you note allows you the opportunity to thank the interviewer for their time, express your interest and remind them why you would be the best choice for the job.
You can show that you were paying close attention to what the interviewer was saying by mentioning back the challenges they shared and then offering how you can help solve them.
Here are some examples of what to include in the thank you note.
“You mentioned the need for more standardization. At my current company I created work instructions for 20 processes.”
“I read the press release you mentioned and was very impressed by X.”
“I enjoyed the tour and seeing the team members all working together and smiling. You should be proud of the positive culture you have built.”
“I do not have experience in X that you mentioned during the interview, but I have just signed up for an online training on this.”
Think outside the box about how you are networking for a job. A job search requires networking and using these tips for making more and stronger connections can lead to opportunities you never even imagined.
Jessica L. Beck is an HR Professional living in Florida with her family. She writes on human resources and lifestyle topics with a passion for process improvement in all areas of life so we can cut the clutter and enjoy life more.
You can read more of her writing here: Jessica Beck Copywriter (canva.site)
Contact Information
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacarrarobeck/
Email: jlbeckbooks@gmail.com
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