Online Networking is Easier Than You Think banner

Picture this: you’re on the hunt for your next great job. You’re constantly browsing open positions, uploading resumes, and writing cover letters. You’re clicking the apply button and crossing your fingers. You hope that all this time and effort will lead to an exciting new opportunity, but as the days go by and you don’t hear anything back, you’re feeling caught in an endless cycle of déjà vu. If this is your current job search reality, you’re not alone.

There is another way, and if you’re reluctant to give it a shot you’re not alone there either. Many job seekers are less than eager to leverage their connections and find a job through online networking.

It’s understandable. Asking for help isn’t always an easy thing to do, even when it’s genuinely needed. The simple act of typing out a message and hitting send can be anxiety-inducing, especially if the recipient is a former manager or colleague you haven’t talked to in a while. Often, the faint prospect of an awkward conversation is enough to send someone right back to desperately scrolling through job listings. 

In reality, online networking isn’t nearly as dreadful or difficult as it can seem. It could even be the key to taking the next step toward the job of your dreams – if you’re willing to give it a try. Here’s the best (and easiest) way to get started:

  1. Banish your doubts

There are two things you should know about online networking. The first is that it happens all the time and is a tried-and-true way of finding and landing jobs. The second is that at the end of the day, people like helping others. You can let go of your doubts and fears, because it won’t be as awkward as you imagine it will be. Your connections might even be happy to hear from you. Just think about how happy you would be if a favorite former teammate reached out to you for help. You know you would! They’re thinking the same thing about you!

  1. Identify people who can help

It’s important to choose the right people to reach out to. They could be former colleagues you enjoyed working with, former managers who are familiar with your character and abilities, or even friends you haven’t worked with but know you on a personal level. Really, anyone who you have or had a good relationship with at work or elsewhere can potentially be of help. You might not realize it, but you’ve already done some networking just by establishing these connections.

  1. Figure out what you want

When you’re asking for a favor, it helps to know what the favor is beforehand. Are you looking for a job at this person’s company? Are you looking for a job at the company of someone in their network? Do you just need a point in the right direction toward a place that’s currently hiring? Your network can only help you if you tell them how to.

  1. Reach out

Head to LinkedIn (or even Facebook), open up your email, or start a new text. Whichever method of outreach you choose, be friendly, polite, and clear about what you’re asking. Don’t be surprised if you feel some relief after you hit send, and don’t worry if they don’t respond right away – people are busy, after all!

  1. Keep your network alive

Hopefully your online networking has paid off beautifully, and you’re on your way to a new job prospect you’re excited about. If not, don’t be afraid to keep trying. Either way, be sure to maintain your network by keeping in touch with your connections. You could end up with more options down the road, and when it’s their turn to go on the job hunt you could have the opportunity to reciprocate.

When you follow these simple steps, you might find that online networking isn’t so daunting after all. It’s an important tool that can help you in your job search, and certainly well worth the effort.

If what you’re looking for is a job where you can learn, grow, and build the kind of lasting connections that can help you now and in the future, you can find it at KinderCare Education.

  • Online Networking
AUTHOR
KinderCare Jobs
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