What's the best process to go about networking when job searching?

Anonymous

January 30,2022 at 7:29PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

What's the best process to go about networking when job searching? I know I should tell everyone I know I'm open to a new job and looking but I haven't left my current position yet so I can't just turn on "Open to Work" on LinkedIn or my company and boss would find out. How do I go about networking discreetly when I'm in a current position and seeking a new job?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

3 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

3 Comments

Join the conversation

Heather MaconeJanuary 30,2022 at 11:46PM UTC
I have found that if you start updating your LI, recruiters take notice and start reaching out.
Additionally, you could go back into your past personal emails to see if you still have contact info of a recruiter or contact. Whenever I am contacted by a recruiter or new contact, I make sure to let them know that I am glad to keep their contact in the event that anything changes in the future. Additionally, reaching out to old trustworthy contacts from previous companies may be fruitful. Food for thought!
Sabrina CortesJanuary 31,2022 at 12:27AM UTC
LinkedIn is a great place to network with Recruiters and Hiring Managers with companies that you're interested in working for. It's all about building that relationship even if they aren't hiring right now. Go ahead and send them a connection request or follow them. If you send them a connection request, send a note telling them a little about yourself and why you like their company. Then, grow those relationships by liking, commenting, and sharing different posts. Most of all, be yourself! :)
Christy K. HanthornJanuary 31,2022 at 12:40AM UTC
Talk to friends and tell them to put the word out. Join clubs or career/skill-related organizations. I used to play softball on a co-ed team and met everyone from police officers to attorneys; there was definitely some networking going on there. I tell my (college) students to begin networking in the classroom and continue this in any situation where there are a lot of people. The more people you know...