We all know that networking is an important part of the career--not only for receiving job offers but also for figuring out what we want to do...

6 Comments

1. Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachNovember 2,2021 at 10:10PM UTC

   Yes, one of the most effective ways to network is by attending virtual events and messaging panelists (as long as they are not mega famous or super senior) afterwards with a specific message about what you liked from their presentation and then ask them to chat further about that topic and their career. Flattery may not get you everywhere but it'll get you a 15 minute conversation which brings me to my next point...
   Only ask for a brief phone call. Many people feel like a networking call may take up 30 min of their time which feels like too much, but 15 min - most people can spare that and if they like how the conversation is going they'll be more than happy to keep chatting with you.
   Lastly, be direct with what you want. I always get frustrated when potential candidates reach out to me asking me for a phone call and then expect me to spend most of the time pitching them on my company and the jobs we have. Tell me what you want - be direct, and then I can let you know if I can help you or not.

2. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 5:15PM UTC

   These are great tips for informational interviews, but I was more interested in maintaining a connection after the fact if I want to build a relationship with them or even eventually become mentored by them. Any tips for that, as well? Thanks!

3. Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachNovember 4,2021 at 6:21PM UTC

   Ahh ok. Yeah, like Abigail said, you would just have to take your cues from the other person after exchanging some messages and keeping them updated on your job search. If they're keen to hear from you and enjoy having conversations with you then a natural mentorship can form from there but mentor/mentee relationships don't typically form from cold outreach on LinkedIn. Mentorship relationships typically develop when you are regularly engaging with someone like in your current job or if you participate in the same networking group outside of work, or a regular activity like a running group. And you don't typically ask someone to be your mentor - it's something that naturally forms over time. So if you were trying to feel out whether someone would be a mentor, what you could do is ask them if they are part of any networking groups that meet regularly that they would suggest you join. Just be careful not to be too persistent if they're not enthusiastically engaging with you.

4. AnonymousNovember 11,2021 at 3:40PM UTC

   This was very helpful. Thank you!

5. AbigailNovember 3,2021 at 12:57PM UTC

   I think if you felt a connection and appreciated their guidance it's fine to send an email or LinkedIn message updating them on your career a few months later. If you get a job soon after networking with them I would say definitely send a note updating them and thanking them again for their guidance. I would keep it short. If they respond and offer a chance to stay connected there is your in, but if they acknowledge briefly or don't respond I wouldn't keep writing them. People are busy so a nonresponse might not indicate non-interest, but in my opinion, you should take your cues from the other person. You might end up forging a lasting connection, even if it's just checking in every six months or a year. Who knows, too. You might end up collaborating on something so if the door is open, trying keeping in touch and see what comes of it.

6. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 5:14PM UTC

   So try to keep in touch with updates and "how are you's" but if they seem disinterested or don't respond or really continue the communication, because it's essentially a 2-way street, let them go. This seems reasonable! Sad but rejection, whether direct or indirect, is inevitable in the process!