🤔 Dear Lewis, how can I network effectively for a new job?
A Director's job search hits a wall. I help the client turn rusty networking skills into a job-landing strategy that'll make recruiters swipe right faster than on Tinder.
Welcome back career warriors, to another edition of Dear Lewis.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee (or wine, I won't judge) and let's dive into the murky waters of job searching and networking.
Today, we're revisiting Sarah (not her real name). Sarah's a Director who's currently experiencing what I like to call "career claustrophobia." You know, that feeling where your job fits about as well as those jeans from college that you swear still fit (spoiler alert: they don't).
The Challenge
Sarah's been firing off resumes like a T-shirt cannon at a basketball game, but so far, the only response she's gotten is the deafening sound of crickets. The job market's tighter than my budget after a weekend at Whole Foods, and her networking skills are rustier than my high school Spanish.
Our 4-Pillar Networking Strategy
Developing a Comprehensive Networking Strategy
Sarah's current strategy was about as focused as a puppy in a squirrel park. We needed a plan tighter than my abs will never be. Here's what we came up with:
Create a list of 50 target companies
Identify 2-3 key contacts at each company
Develop a research routine using LinkedIn, company websites, and industry news
Crafting a Compelling Value Proposition
We transformed Sarah's elevator pitch from "I'm a Director looking for new opportunities" (yawn) to "I'm a Tech Director who's increased team productivity by 200% and launched products used by over 1 billion people. I turn underperforming teams into rock stars."
Focusing on Relationship Building
We shifted Sarah's focus from immediate job hunting to long-term relationship building. It's like dating, but with less awkward small talk and more LinkedIn messages.
Pro Tip: We created a "relationship nurturing" calendar. It's like remembering your anniversary, but for work connections. Trust me, it's easier than trying to remember if it's your mother-in-law's birthday.
Leveraging Existing Networks
Sarah was sitting on a gold mine of connections and didn't even know it. We tapped into:
Former colleagues
Alumni networks
Industry associations
Success Story: By reaching out to former colleagues, Sarah scored two informational interviews faster than I can say "Why did I eat that entire pint of ice cream?"
Key Takeaways
Remember, folks, effective networking isn't about collecting business cards like they're Pokémon. It's about building relationships that are mutually beneficial. Think of it as making friends, but with a hidden agenda (okay, that sounds bad, but you know what I mean).
Keep at it, stay authentic, and remember: if all else fails, there's always interpretive dance as a communication method.
Until next time, keep hustling and stay fabulous,
Lewis C. Lin
Simple, right? Well, not always
I'm here to help. Email me if you have any management or employee challenges. I've got your back, and your identity will remain anonymous.
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