You’ve probably heard that who you know is as important to your job-search as what you know, but what if you don’t know anyone in the field you want to go into? Or what if you’re a new professional, or your work experience is from another country?
Don’t fret! Today we’ll talk through some basic tips on interviewing like a pro.
First of all, don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to go to big fancy events and tell you to collect 562 business cads of people you meet there. Instead, let’s start with people you already know but perhaps haven’t spoken to in a while. These can be anyone from former professors to family friends, so get a little creative in your thinking. Who were those neighbors you used to babysit for? Didn’t your cousin’s best friend have an interesting job? Didn’t your high school football coach offer to introduce you to some people? Reach out to any of these folks you can think of, ask how they are doing, and if the connection is more distant (like the cousin’s best friend), ask for an introduction. From there, you can let them know what’s going on and where you are in your search process. This usually feels a lot better and more natural than asking a stranger.
However!
You can also ask strangers.
I promise, it won’t be horrible.
To get to know strangers who might be valuable to your search, start on LinkedIn. I know, it’s not everyone’s favorite, but it’s a great resource for finding people you want to meet. Look for people who went to your college, who follow someone you also follow, who have a similar interest or background listed. Whatever that common ground is, start there:
“Hi Sue. I see that you follow Tererai Trent, too. I love her stuff. I also see that you’re in marketing, which is the field I’m thinking I want to pursue. Would you be willing to connect with me for a short conversation about the field?”
Just make it clear that you’re seeking information, not a secret way in to the job. (Though, of course, if they offer a secret way in, you aren’t going to say no!)
And remember, networking is really just building and maintaining relationships. It doesn’t have to feel mercenary. In fact, initially, you may find yourself in the position to help your contacts out—maybe a former coworker has a child who wants to attend your university and has questions about it, or maybe a friend from high school needs an accountability partner for her own job search. These relationships are more effective and easier to maintain when you remember that they’re all about reciprocity.
Worried about getting stuck in small-talk hell? No need! Instead, think about questions that are more likely to give you interesting and useful info, and to get the other person talking. So instead of questions that might be answered with a single word or phrase, go for deeper questions. Instead of, “What do you do?” ask, “What kinds of problems do you solve at work? What do you enjoy about your job?” Really think through some things you want to learn and how you might ask about those things. This will let your genuine interest shine through, and your conversation partner will be happier to talk with you.
Finally, be intentional about building relationships at all levels. You never know who you might be able to help or who might be able to help you. Hiring managers and recruiters are often inundated with connection requests, but the office manager might not be. Find relationships and let them blossom! You will establish your reputation as a helpful person, which, in turn, will make others want to help you.
