3 networking tips
It’s already the beginning of July. Can you believe it? My family and I just returned from a vacation. It was fun exploring a new place with my kiddos. Here we are having a good time.
Since returning from vacation, I’ve had a handful of text messages from friends who want to chat because they are finally ready to leave their jobs. These are people who have been flirting with the idea of a new role for the last couple of years.
There is something about being on the other side of July 4th that makes people want to get serious about the job search. I’ve mentioned it before here and here and here, but I think it’s worth repeating. The best way to find a job is through networking and outreach. It’s all about staying on your colleagues’ radar and getting in front of hiring managers and recruiters.
3 networking tips that will help you get your next role:
Set a goal of at least 5 networking meetings per week. When I did my big job search after being at PIRG for 17 years, I met with eight people every week. When my wife began her search, she met with five people per week. You want to be somewhere between 5-8 meetings each week.
A friend recently told me she was constantly meeting with people. I asked her how many conversations she had each week. Her answer was two. That’s not enough. Push yourself and get out there.
Expand your network. Don’t get in your head about who you are meeting with. Yes, it’s great to meet with the head of a foundation, but it’s also okay to meet with your former intern who is now doing a social media contract job. The meetings help you to refine your story and let people know that you’re looking.
Stay in touch. The people who do this well send a thank you note right after the meeting. They also send a Linkedin request. Then, six-ish weeks after the first one-on-one meeting, they send another follow-up note. Twelve weeks after the initial meeting, they check-in again.
It’s not just about introducing yourself, it’s about staying on their radar. When you send notes six weeks and twelve weeks later, ask positive and generative questions. Don’t ask what jobs you should apply for. That puts pressure on your contact to do your work for you.
Instead, ask: “Do you know anyone at X group or organization?” and “Do you have any ideas for questions I should ask in my follow-up interview?” These are questions that invite people into your search in a collaborative way.
I love chatting with people on the job hunt. It’s fun to hear about where they excel and what type of role they are looking for. That’s a big reason why I open my calendar every couple of months to Get Hired readers. I’m booked at the moment but keep reading this newsletter so that you don’t miss out on the announcement to schedule a conversation with me in the future.
Check out all 31 of NRG’s searches. Twelve of those positions are remote.
Opportunities NRG is hiring for:
Free Press Managing Director at Freedom Forum;; $175,000-$185,000; Washington, D.C.
Regional Head, West at Vote Run Lead; $135,000-$145,000; Remote in WA, OR, AZ, CO, NV, or NM
Director of Strategic Partnerships at Vote Run Lead; $85,000-$100,000; Remote
State Directors in MI, AZ, NM, OR, and WA at Vote Run Lead; $80,000-$95,000; Remote within the respective state
Deputy Director at National Black Worker Center; $90,000-$110,000; Remote
Communications Director at National Black Worker Center; $70,000-$90,000; Remote
Executive Assistant at National Black Worker Center; $50,000-$57,000; Remote
Southeast Regional Lead Organizer at National Black Worker Center; $55,000-$65,000; Remote
Finance Director at Floridians Protecting Freedom; $9,000-$12,000/month; Remote in FL
Development and Engagement Associate at Forward Majority; $65,000; New York, NY
Health Facilitator Fellows at Peer Health Exchange; $24/hour; opportunities in Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY
In addition to this list, you can find more opportunities on the website. Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all of the roles we are hiring for.
Keep networking,
Naomi
P.S. If you want an accountability partner to make sure you hit your 8 meetings every week, sign up right now for 15 minutes with Kristin to learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you.
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