Step 1: Know Why you’re networking

“Networking” can often be a dirty word.

Especially if you’re introverted or new to an industry, it can feel like a sketchy or intimidating path to land a job.

But know that the true goal of networking isn’t just to meet random people or collect business cards - instead, it’s to leverage the power of human connections to become more than just a resume. To pursue a life-changing opportunity by showcasing your full abilities, not just an online application.

So don’t be deterred by your preconceptions. Instead, read on to see how you can network in an authentic way to score a job you truly love.

Step 2: Target the Right People

Old-fashioned networking (going to mixers, “networking events,” etc.) is a total crapshoot:

Will the right person show up?
Would you even recognize them if they did?
And will you actually get a chance to speak with them if everybody else has the same intention?

So skip this networking “lottery” and focus on connecting with the two kinds of people who give you the best odds to land a job you love:

Managers looking to hire right now
People at the companies hiring right now

Since those are the people who can either hire or refer you TOMORROW, those are the people you should be talking to TODAY.

Not just the random person who happens to be standing in line at the mixer’s snack table… ;)

Step 3: Connect in the Right Places

Once you know exactly whom to target (people who have the power to get you an interview ASAP), it’s time to connect with them right where they are - LinkedIn.

Here’s how to find them:

Start with the hiring manager of the job you’re most excited about. For instance, if you’re looking at a BizOps role at Slack, try searching for “business operations” and filtering for people who work there. Right away, you’ll see the Director of the BizOps team there.
And then, because you want to also find people who can refer you, try looking for 2nd degree connections there or people who went to your school. Either way, these are insiders who can 10X your chances of getting an interview with a single shout-out to the recruiter.

Then either send them a customized connection request on LinkedIn or look up their work email on Hunter.io or Tomba.io.

Step 4: Reach Out the Right Way

Don’t make the mistake of pitching yourself in your first message - no one wants to be sold.

Instead, send a short and sweet message like this:

Hi NAME,

As a fellow Spartan who’s passionate about BizOps, I was thrilled to come across your profile.

I’m currently considering applying for a role at Slack but would love to learn more about your experience first. Any chance you’re free for a 10-minute chat next week?

The beauty of this approach is three-fold:

You start with your shared bond, so they immediately know you’re part of the same tribe.
You focus on them - not just yourself.
You make it easy to say “Yes!” by suggesting a short chat in the future vs. requesting a long, potentially awkward conversation right away.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions

When you finally have a chance to chat, again avoid the temptation to immediately give your elevator pitch. And start, instead, by giving them a chance to share their own story:

What led you to this role?
What do you love about it?
What drives you crazy?

And only then, if it sounds like a role you really want to go for, do you turn the corner with a question like:

Everything you’ve described so far sounds like a perfect fit for what I’m excited about. If you were in my shoes, what would you do to get your foot in the door?

By having them empathize with your situation, you’ll often find that they’ll suggest an introduction, a referral, or even an interview as a next step.

Bonus step: Take the Course

If you want to really maximize your chances of getting interviews, check out my online course.

It’s got a step-by-step process to boost your odds at each step of the application process (including an optional resume review):

Leverage my personal resume template that’s earned offers from Google and Amazon to Udacity and 23andMe
Optimize your LinkedIn profile so you start getting interview requests straight from recruiters
Connect directly with insiders at any company in the world - from recruiters all the way to your future boss