How to Use Your Network to Find a Job

If you read the last post you're now able to identify your network and have an idea of what it can do for you.  And what you can do for it. That's important.  Don't forget that part.   So now we'll talk about how to actually ask for the help you need.  Even if it's someone you don't know well.  We're also going to cover why you should find opportunities to help others.  None of this is as hard as it sounds and it does get easier with practice.  I promise.  If you're not familiar with networking, it probably takes you out of your comfort zone.  Which is actually a really good thing.  It's when we move out of what makes us comfortable that the adventure starts.  And who doesn't love a good adventure?

Related:  How to be Seen as the Best Job Candidate

You need help finding your next job.  You do.  Most people get their jobs through other people.  You can find a job by responding to an online post.  It happens. Just not very often.  And much less often than when someone who knows you will help you out.  Since you need help, your first step is to let everyone know that you need help.  Go to Facebook and LinkedIn and post an update that clearly states exactly what you need and what you're looking for.  If you can inject a little sense of humor, all the better!  Recently, my sister was looking to re-enter the workforce after an absence raising children.  The kids are all in school and sitting around the house was boring so she threw it out there to her Facebook friends. She mentioned something about having to find a job since the kids were gone most of the day and her husband was insisting she earn her keep (see? humor). She said she was looking for something part-time and local (pretty clear about what she wanted).  That day, just from her local friends, she got a lead on two different jobs.  One of which she is now happily working.  This tactic works just the same if you post the update on LinkedIn.

There are two main things to take away from my sister's example.  The first is, state clearly what you need.  Adding some humor doesn't hurt.  And let everyone know. Someone will answer. You never know who.  Which leads to the second point...  Sometimes, people who don't know you will help you because by helping you, they're actually helping someone else that they know better.  Did that make sense?  The lead came from someone my sister didn't actually know all that well.  The person who sent her the lead wasn't just trying to help my sister.  She was helping her friend who had the job opening find a great candidate to fill it.  People will help you for a variety of reasons.  You may never even know what the real reason was.

Related:  Don't Let Your Resume Get Lost

You don't have to just stop at your own network.  It's ok to talk to people you don't know.  You just have to go about it the right way.  One of things you should already be doing is identifying companies you'd like to work for.  If you don't know anyone at a particular company, take a look at your network on LinkedIn.  You may find one of your connections knows someone there.  Ask your connection if they would be willing to introduce you.  When they do, have a couple of questions ready to ask the person.  A great way to get the conversation going is to express your interest in working for their company followed by asking them what they like about it.  You should also ask about the company culture.  Knowing about the culture is very important.  If they tell you things that  lead you to believe you may not fit in, it's good to know before you put in too much effort to get an interview.  

Your network is the most valuable tool you have in your job finding arsenal.  But it has to be used correctly.  The most important thing to remember as you start trying these techniques is to always keep a look out for opportunities to help others.  This is the key to the networking kingdom. Build a reputation for being open and helpful.  It will open more doors than you can imagine.  If you take and never give you'll not get anywhere.  And people will avoid engaging you. You need your network to help you so the first thing, the absolute first thing you must do is to offer your help to others.  Respond positively when someone asks for your help, whether it's an introduction or just information. You will get out of your network what you put in.