What a networking meeting can be
In the last edition of this email, we launched the NRG Networking Toolkit to help you break through the obstacles that keep you from asking for meetings and expanding your network. But once the meeting has been scheduled, what do you actually say during the conversation?
What a networking meeting can be:
A chance for you to practice and craft your story for when you talk to the hiring manager for that job you really want
An opportunity to listen and learn from people who have a different perspective. They may suggest people to talk to but they may suggest organizations you had never heard of that are doing great work.
Fun! This is a chance for you to meet someone in your space and build a relationship. People who say yes to networking meetings are often easy to talk to as well as connected. Also, who knows where that relationship might lead you in 3-5 years. Show up without expectations so that the meeting doesn’t take on a transactional tone and even if the conversation never leads to a job or specific new contact, you have a chance to open up and spend time with someone new.
When I did my big job search, I used my networking meetings as a time to tell, and refine, my story. I reflected before I met with people on what I wanted in my next role. Here is what I wanted at that time:
I was issue agnostic. I wanted to make a difference and was open to what space I might end up in. I knew I needed an organizing component in the job description.
I wanted a go-go-go environment. I was actually looking for a little bit of email traffic on the weekend but I always knew that I had to grab kids from preschool by 5:30 pm during the week.
I wanted to work with people who cared about what they were doing so it wasn't a clock in and clock out situation.
Your examples may be really different from mine. I hope they are! That means you are clear on what you want and showing up with clarity will help you navigate these meetings authentically and successfully..
What networking meetings are not:
A chance to ask people what jobs you should apply for
Time to get feedback on your resume. Talk to a friend or a career coach for that.
Transactions. You don’t have to put pressure on yourself to get something out of the meeting. I know some people feel as if they need to find their dream job right now! But it’s okay if your purpose is to get to know someone in your space who also has young kids.
Here are a few more tips on what to do during your next networking meeting–whether that’s with a stranger or someone you have known for a long time.
how to lead a networking meeting
1. Refine your story.
Getting clear on what you want in your next role will help you to craft a story about how you got here. Use these meetings as a chance to practice as you tweak your story to be more succinct and impactful over time.
Here are a few prompts:
Here’s why I do this work
Here’s what I’m good at
Here’s what I’m less good at
Here’s what I liked in my previous jobs
Here’s the salary I’m looking for
Here’s the organizational culture I’m looking for and why
2. Ask thoughtful questions.
Think of this as a chance to get the other person talking so you can learn from them. Relate this back to your story and what you are looking for in your next role. Examples of questions to ask include:
I want to make a difference. Who is doing great work?
Tell me about your career. How did you find your previous jobs? What did you like about each place?
My priority with this search is working for a great manager. Who is great to work for? What makes them great? Or Who is an example of a manager you loved working with and why?
Who is doing great work in [insert issue area]?
If you were on the job hunt, what would you be looking for?
3. Follow-up.
This is the one people always forget. Fortunately, you can check out the NRG Networking Toolkit for ideas and guidance on how to execute this important piece.
Key takeaways:
Send a thank you note
Send a follow-up message after 6 weeks and again after 12 weeks
Don’t forget to send these people a note when you land a role!
Let me know what you think about the NRG Networking Toolkit and let me know if you take the advice in this email during your next networking call. I want to hear from you.
On to the jobs! Check out all of NRG’s searches.
Highlighted opportunities from NRG:
Development Director, Content at National Domestic Workers Alliance; $110,000-$115,000; Remote
Development Director, Organizing at National Domestic Workers Alliance; $110,000-$115,000; Remote
Senior Director of Immigration at National Domestic Workers Alliance; $122,000-$144,000; Remote
Chief Operating Officer; $150,000-$180,000; Remote
Director of Media Strategies at Working America; $134,142 - $165,789; Washington, D.C.
Political Director at Working America; salary range starts at $137,499; Washington, D.C
Director of Finance and Administration at Campus Compact; $80,000-$100,000; Hybrid in Boston, MA
Field Organizer, Beers and Ballots Program at Movement Labs; $60,000; Top priority cities are Chicago, San Diego, Denver, and San Jose/Bay Area.
Organizing Fellow, Beers and Ballots Program at Movement Labs; $20/hour; Chicago, Austin, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and New York City
Communications Coordinator at Azul; $65,000-$75,000; Remote
Program Manager, Organizational Development at Growald Climate Fund; $102,000-$127,000; San Francisco, CA, or Brookline, MA (in-office 3 days/week)
Health Facilitator Fellows with Peer Health Exchange; $24.50/hour; opportunities in Boston, MA (PT), Chicago, IL (FT), Chicago, IL (PT), Los Angeles, CA (PT), New York, NY (PT), and New York, NY (FT)
Director of Institutional Development at CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies; $119,995 - $141,858; New York, NY
Data Coordinator at National Black Worker Center; $43,000-$50,000; Remote
This is not all! We are hiring for additional jobs and you can see all of our openings on the NRG website.
Tomorrow! The deadline to submit your questions has passed, but you can still join us!
This session will be geared toward people who have recently started their job search.
Why you should attend: Kristin Saybe, NRG’s Coach, will give you practical guidance and resources to help you understand the job landscape among movement-building and mission-driven organizations.
Join NRG’s Career Coach, Kristin Saybe, for a Small Group Coaching session on October 17 where you’ll get your questions answered about LinkedIn.
Is Premium worth the investment?
How do I craft my profile to make sure I’m being considered for the jobs I want?
How can I use LinkedIn to help me get my next role?
Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all of the roles we are hiring for.
If you aren’t currently a member of the NRG Talent Network, consider joining. The questions take 3 minutes to complete and then we’ll send you job announcements when your criteria (salary, location, etc.) matches the position.
Let’s move,
Naomi
P.S. If you’d like a thought partner to think through the best networking strategy for your search, sign up right now for 15 minutes with Kristin to learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you.
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