85% of New Jobs Aren’t Posted: Recharge Your Career Search at Your Next Networking Meetup

BY: Lisa Nichols

While scouring the internet for posted positions might seem like the most effective way to pursue a new career opportunity, the truth is that it won’t connect you with 85% of the jobs available.

Entry or mid-level positions require some time for roles to be posted externally, and by that time there may already be several applicants. If you’re looking for a leadership role, you’re even less likely to see the job you want online, since hiring for executive roles tends to rely significantly on relationships, rather than online applications.

This is why networking is the foundation of an effective job search strategy.

It enables you to position yourself for roles before they’re even posted by establishing yourself as the expert who will drive the results your future company needs.

If you want to make the most of every networking conversation, you need a strategic approach that takes you from small talk about the weather to memorable dialogue that shines a light on your expertise and values. At its core, networking is about building authentic relationships that inspire professional development and open the door to new partnerships and opportunities.

Here are three tips that will equip you with an effective approach for engaging in meaningful connections at the next meetup you attend.

BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE! Focus on what you have to offer your future team and organization. Understand the value you add and be ready to articulate it. If you want to clearly communicate how you will impact your next organization, you have to first believe it for yourself.

When you are considering a career transition, it’s natural to think about your desire to land a new role as something you need for yourself. The reality is, however, that your unique expertise and qualifications are exactly what your future employer needs to achieve the outcomes they are striving for. Shifting your perspective has a profound effect on your ability to express how you will influence the company’s future success.

PRACTICE YOUR PITCH. In order to make the most of every conversation you have at a networking function, it’s important to clarify what it is you want people to remember about you. You are not your job title! Rather than identifying yourself as simply your current title, think about how you can communicate your value in the way you introduce yourself. Then, highlight three skills or abilities that you want to be known for.

After you’ve decided what you want to communicate about yourself, practice saying it out loud. It may feel awkward, but practicing in the mirror or recording a video of yourself can improve the way it flows when you’re at the event! Reviewing your pitch every day will help you to feel more confident and sound more natural.

DEFINE YOUR GOALS. What do you hope to learn from your networking conversations? When you leave the event, what do you want to take with you? Understanding your goals can guide you in developing the right questions to ask.

 For example, if you’re looking for information on current challenges within a specific industry, you can ask questions about what others have observed within their companies. If you’re seeking advice on how to position yourself for a leadership role, you can ask current leaders about their experience moving into a similar position.

When you leave the networking meetup, don’t forget to compile a list of the connections you made and those you want to follow up with. Set aside time in your calendar to send out emails or LinkedIn messages within the next week, reminding people about what you have to offer and sharing something that you gained from the conversation.

Where you would like to keep the conversation going, be sure to reach out and ask for a virtual coffee chat, or an in-person lunch. If you’ve thought of someone you’d like to introduce to your new contact, or if you have an idea of other ways you might benefit them, let them know.

The key business relationships you form and cultivate as you engage with your network will lead to valuable connections, insights, and opportunities for career growth.

Lisa Nichols is a Career & Leadership Consultant who partners with leaders to create human-centered teams. She loves networking, drinking great coffee, and inspiring others to own their brilliance. Connect with her on lisanicholsconsulting.com or linkedin.com/ in/lisacnichols.

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