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Networking during a pandemic
I find it challenging to network when it is not a global pandemic, so I am struggling even more now with everything thats going on. I graduate with a masters degree in Public Administration in two weeks and I have been struggling to find work. A lot of people have told me the importance of networking and how it will get you a job faster than just applying will. I don't really know what field I want to go into, but I have been considering HR, Marketing, or Operations/Development. What are some tips to network with people in these fields? I currently do not know anyone in these types of positions. I know some people also suggest looking them up on LinkedIn, but oftentimes I am unsure of who to look up because they may have a position that does not explicitly say what they do (a hiring manager for example). Please! I need help! I have bills!
ODESSA RICHARDSSeasoned Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
22
05/08/20 at 10:42AM UTC
Going on to [email protected] Washington they have HR groups. There are so many areas you can go into HR. Especially now in Covid.
Rolonda Washington
22
05/15/20 at 4:07PM UTC
Thank you so much!!
ODESSA RICHARDSSeasoned Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
22
05/08/20 at 10:40AM UTC
Try HR Girlfriends
ODESSA RICHARDSSeasoned Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
22
05/08/20 at 10:40AM UTC
Utilize Linkedin
Michelle PauleyEntertainment Executive & Personal Assistant
55
05/05/20 at 3:54PM UTC
Ugh, networking...lol. I know we are suppose to be doing this daily. How do other introverts handle this?
Rolonda Washington
22
05/15/20 at 4:08PM UTC
I know right! I just try to network as much as I can during my random bursts of extrovert energy
Jennifer HajeReal Estate Agent
212
04/28/20 at 10:37PM UTC
Have you tried a local chamber of commerce around your area?
Rolonda Washington
22
04/29/20 at 11:29PM UTC
No, I have not. What would I look for with the Chamber of Commerce?
Jennifer HajeReal Estate Agent
212
04/30/20 at 1:50AM UTC
Networking events and other businesses that you could potentially connect with or your college may have a career center.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
04/28/20 at 5:28PM UTC
Even though your graduation is just two weeks away (congratulations), you are not ready to start a job search. Why? Because you don't know what you want to do or where you want to do it.
However, you are ready to explore your options. You can look for an internship or volunteer work in the fields you're interested in. You can research companies to determine where you want to work. You can network. (You also can find a bridge job--a short-term position to get you from here to where you want to go.)
Networking is about developing relationships and serving one another. The best way to start a networking conversation with someone you don't know is to ask them about them. If they ask about you (some will, some won't)--if they ask about you, tell them that you are graduating (or are a recent graduate and are exploring careers in HR, marketing, and operations/development. You would appreciate the opportunity to talk with people in those fields to determine what position to be looking for. This is known as an informational interview.
People may give you names. Ask for an introduction that mentions what you are looking for informational interviews. A phone call is great. Next best are emails and LinkedIn messages.
These informational interviews can help clarify what you want to do and where. They might result in you finding a mentor or sponsor (someone who networks and advocates on your behalf).
I hope that gives you an idea of how you might proceed.
Judy HutchinsonInternational Education Specialist.
140
04/28/20 at 1PM UTC
I am sorry for the situation you find yourself in. This isn't the easiest time to be looking for a job. However, LinkedIn might be the best place to start. I suggest using it to look for jobs in HR as well as networking. If you put Human Resources in the search feature, it will offer you both HR specialists as well as job listings. In regards to networking with HR specialists, craft a succinct note introducing yourself, and ask if they are willing to connect with you. You may want to say something much like you've said in this email--that you will be graduating with this degree very soon and are looking for people in the industry to find out more about the work. But I suggest you don't do it en-mass. Get a few quality contacts whom you've researched first, and develop a relationship with them. You may be able to find a mentor out of it. Best of luck
AustenVeteran Pharma and Biotech Consulting Leader
215
04/27/20 at 6:26PM UTC
If the area you're looking to work in (like HR) has some sort of 'society' or "Group" - you could look at those and find a 'networking event' - also, ask all of your friends and family if they know someone in the field you're interested in. Another way - look up Microsoft or Salesforce and ask a recruiter to guide you.
Mina AsifAPI Developer
124
04/27/20 at 5:11PM UTC
I am finding it hard too. But I am trying to utilize FGB for now. We are all in this together.
