Coronavirus has changed the way we make new work relationships. Here is how you can still get networking in lockdown.
Question: Given the very difficult environment post Covid, most offices are shut. What is the best way to connect to people at the company and who is the best person to approach? Harry 21, UK
Great question Harry, connecting with people to learn more about the workplace is an essential part of job seeking.
My take is that it’s easier than ever to make connections, people are open to being approached online, and they genuinely want to help.
LinkedIn is the best platform for making professional connections. Start with people who an existing connection can introduce you to. Then move onto ‘warm’ connections like alumni of your school or uni. Finally, approach people who speak at conferences, write blogs or post a lot about work: they tend to be more approachable.
Keep your initial message short and make your connection to the person clear, or flatter them about the talk they gave or blog they wrote. Don’t ask them to help you get an interview or to review your CV! Ask them if they would be willing to share their insights about working for their company. People are more likely to respond positively to this request.
Aim to convert an exchange of messages into a Zoom call, and always ask who else they could introduce you to, so that you can continue to grow your network organically.
So, who to reach out to?
Senior Managers are useful, but not for the reasons you might think. They don’t have much influence on hiring decisions made lower down.
However, they have an overview of the organisation and insights that other people won’t have. They’ll have a large network they can introduce you to. And anybody they connect you to will respond positively, because of the manager’s seniority.
Middle managers are the ones making hiring decisions. They know what kind of people are successful and what knowledge, skills, and experience you need to get hired. They can influence their peers, and they might be willing to spend political capital getting you into the company if they think you’re good, because you’ll make their life easier.
Junior staff are closest to the work. They can tell you about the organisation’s culture, and what it’s really like to work there. They’ll have been through the recruitment process recently, and can give you tips on things like what to expect in interviews.
Don’t assume that HR is going to be helpful. Often they are responsible for running the process of recruitment, but they are not the decision makers and don’t necessarily have a deep understanding of the roles they recruit for.
The bottom line
Reach out via LinkedIn and be patient and intentional with your networking, asking for introductions where you can. Make your requests for help easy for people to fulfil – ask for their insights – and speak to people from all levels of the organisation to build up a full picture of what it’s like.
What kinds of approaches have worked well for you? Let us know in the comments below.
I’m Dan (He/Him), a careers coach who is passionate about helping people make good career choices. I currently work for Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. Follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
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