By Jenna Rogers, Founder and CEO of Career Civility
In my Career Civility blog, I have openly discussed my nonlinear career path, the “corprenuer” route I’ve decided to take and my corporate job search process. My perspective and advice stem from extensive job search experience. Recently, I conducted a survey within the Career Civility community and received the following insights:
why are you currently looking for a job?
• 34% of respondents are unhappy at their current job
• 21% want to level up their career
• 18% have been laid off
what has been the hardest part of searching for a job?
• 47% find networking the most challenging aspect
• 78% lack confidence in their networking skills
• 75% need communication templates to reach out to recruiters and hiring managers
I didn’t grasp the importance of networking until I pursued my Master of Science in Communication at Northwestern University. There, I learned the value of building a personal network and effective networking communication. The tips I’ve compiled here aim to boost your networking confidence and provide practical templates.
5 STEPS TO GAIN NETWORKING CONFIDENCE
1 | define your personal brand
A personal brand helps clarify your identity. For guidance, read the “How To Advance Your Career
By Communicating Your Personal Brand” article on the blog.
2 | create a professional board of directors
Assemble a group of mentors and advisors who can offer career guidance. This could include business partners, managers, colleagues, friends or industry leaders.
3 | start meeting with people
Aim to meet with one person each week, either virtually or in person.
4 | come to the conversation prepared
Be curious about their career path, ask specific questions about their job or industry and find ways to offer your help.
5 | pay it forward
Always think about how you can assist the other person by asking, “How can I help you?” This approach quickly demonstrates your value in networking interactions.
8 NETWORKING TEMPLATES
1 | building a formal networking connection
Subject: Would you be open to connecting?
“We have not yet been introduced and I am taking a leap of faith in sending this message. I see we have some parallels in terms of the work we are doing/have done. Specifically related to [mutual connections]. I am looking to learn more about [specific interests] and thought you might be a great resource. In return, I’m here to support you however I can. Would you have time to connect sometime later this month? Appreciate it in advance!”
Follow up email.
“Hello [name]. Did you catch my last email? I know work and life are busy. Would next week work to meet? If you don’t have time to meet right now, we can reconnect in the fall. All my best,”
2 | recruiter/hiring manager communication
“Hello [name]. I just applied for [role] that you are hiring for. With my experience in [relevant experience] I’d love to discuss how I could be an asset to your team. If you believe my candidacy warrants a further conversation, please contact me at [info].”
3 | status of your application/interview
“Hello [name]. I appreciate your time. I’m wondering if you have an update on the next steps or a timeline for the [role] position? I’m wrapping up other interviews but want to prioritize this role. Thank you for the insight!”
4 | active networking conversation
“I’m curious… how would I be able to help you? My network is your network! I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”
5 | paying it forward
“Hello [name]. I’d like to introduce you to [name]. We were catching up and realized we have mutual connections. I thought you both might benefit from connecting. I’ll let you take it from here!”
6 | networking with friends
“Hello [name]. It’s funny how we’ve been friends for so long and I still have much to learn about the work you do. I’m currently exploring new opportunities. Any chance we could get together and talk about our career paths?”
7 | networking with a colleague
“Hello [name]. We haven’t worked together closely, but I admire your work. Would you be open to connecting to learn more about each other’s roles?”
8 | thank you
“Hello [name]. Before the day gets away from us, thank you for giving me some of your time this week. I really appreciated it and enjoyed [insert takeaway from the conversation]. Thank you so much!”
Lead with your personality and your own communication style. Follow @careercivility on Instagram for daily updates on ways you can improve your professional communication style. Visit www.CareerCivility.com to build your communication template toolbox! Born out of the toxic corporate culture, Jenna Rogers, the Founder and CEO of Career Civility, is passionate about the people behind the bottom line. Career Civility is a communications consulting firm based in Chicago, IL, serving women in corporate, female business owners and working moms around the U.S. It is Jenna’s mission to make the workplace better for the women who will come after her. She helps her community and her clients communicate more effectively in the workplace, she creates conversation around the toxic culture and experiences of corporate and she specializes in communication training in the workplace. To connect with Jenna, email [email protected].