Networking
How do you go about networking professionally these days? Prior to covid I had opportunities to show up and exchange info at local conferences and chapter meetings. Recruiters also seemed more reachable and proactive at the time than these days where I'm sure it's a buyer's market. Any particular strategy you have to maintain and expand your professional network, especially at times like this?
Honestky usually through friends or events. Realized people who work a lot don’t want to talk about work outside of it so useful to meet in fun places
That's true - networking probably a lot more effective over a drink than over a phone call. I gotta drink more
Through school network or friends from college really help
I think a LinkedIn connection with a concrete 2 to 3 sentence message will be more effective than you imagine
Hmm good point. I did that back in college and also did help someone out - to land an interview - that reached out to me exactly that way couple years ago.
Having some substance in the LinkedIn message with a personal intro usually does the trick
The best way to network is not even trying. Just go out and do things and chat with people
Appearing natural and not nervous does seem more easy going when networking
That's a good point. Being too focused on trying to "network" professionally like you were back in college may jusr lead to poor execution and desperation.
I think LinkedIN and cold emailing are still very valuable
Gotcha - back on linkedin then for me as well
Not sure I’ve done cold emailing before it’s pretty hard to even find the email address, how did you find their emails?
Not sure why but I find cold emails or messages to be less responsive recently
Have you tried reaching out to school alumni or friend of a friend? That usually does the job in getting acquainted
Perhaps cuz there are so many job seekers out there these days? I've noticed less reaching out from recruiters these days than pre-covid
All of the above can work as long as one is persistent. Shows dedication/desire/hunger and you’re understanding that they may have just missed the first message...or two...or three
Consistent and repetition is very helpful even if they don’t reply back on the first time
Yea i can't blame them for not being responsive right away, as I'm guilty of that myself tbh
I would reach out to people in your alumni network first
Right can't ignore alumni network good point
Yes 💯 % agree here school alumni are more prone to respond back
LinkedIn message and try to go to social events at the firm
Have you had good response rate for LinkedIn messages?
I’m currently doing 0 networking... maybe I should start again
Yeah you definitely should. Never know where people will end up
Yup I'm in the same boat as you - no networking ha
I reach out cold to people on LinkedIn and have had a surprisingly positive response rate. I’ve met quite a few people over Zoom as a result.
That's quite a dedication, to reach out cold and for that to lead into zoom meetings. 👏
Reaching out via LinkedIn actually works especially if you’re reaching out to an alumni