In the Covid job search lexicon, networking, reaching out, and informational interviews are essentials.
Yes, you can still look at job listings and follow companies that are hiring. But the same conventional wisdom applies today that was true eight weeks ago and eighteen years ago: find companies that are doing work that interests you, research them, find people who are doing jobs that interest you, that you want to do, that you are curious about, research them, and then reach out and have an intelligent conversation. ask good questions. stay in touch. rinse and repeat. brush yourself off when things go sideways. but don’t get sucker-punched. Do research before you reach out!
The good news is this: you are more likely to make a new connection NOW then you were before the time of Covid. Some people have more time in their schedules. Most of us have more flexibility in our schedules. People are working from home. We all know that it takes effort and gumption and diligence to find a job NOW.
People understand and have more compassion and empathy for job seekers and job transitioners. People know there is a great need for work and helpful connections.
Most people want to help other people, especially when you’re polite, patient and prepared. That does not mean that you call, and slam/dunk get a job. You have to connect, you have to cultivate a relationship, you have to be interested in them and you have to make sure you are energized, focused and relaxed. You reach out and make contact first, then courtship, then a proposal or a referral …
TO MAKE NEW CONNECTIONS AND MEET STRANGERS, YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE SAFE NETWORKING.
In the time of Covid, even in a job search, safety is a watchword. So, how do you practice safe networking?!
First, by acknowledging that reaching out to strangers is scary. Let’s rename cold calls/informational interviews and networking. Let’s call it SAFE SOCIAL NETWORKING!
Here’s how to practice safe social networking:
- Be in the body. Breathe and keep your feet on the floor. Slow down.. Stay connected to yourself. If you’re on the phone, look in the mirror and smile at yourself. Or stand up. If you’re on zoom, focus softly on the person you’re talking to. Smile softly. Breathe.
- Be straightforward and to the point. What do you want to know? Have a few good questions prepared and ready to ask. (absolutely don’t ask for a job! Do ask about opportunities they see coming available, ask about skills that are in demand)
- Remember that you are good. Remembering what you have to offer IS unique.
- Remember that every conversation is a two-way street. You may have ideas and suggestions to offer them (may you include that item in your preparation: what have you learned that may be of interest to them?).
- Remember that the other person is human. Speak with warmth and natural energy. Don’t be totally transactional and outcome oriented. This is your almost first date.
- Remember that s/he could be distracted, confused, busy, spacy. S/he wants to talk to another human being, not a breathless fast talker or a rambling vague speaker. Remember that most people are busy. Be prepared, be brief, be ready to reschedule. Don’t take their busyness personally. S**t happens. a lot now.
- Remember that not everyone will like you. Nor you them.
- Remember the idea of “dancing in the moment.” The conversation may go off script. Take a breath and listen to the question, then think about what they want to know, answer, and breathe.
- Remember that good can come from bad and hard things.
- Don’t judge yourself harshly.
- Remember this too shall pass.
Networking and informational interviews, by phone and zoom, are now the way we have to do business! Your job is to make it safe, and smart, for yourself. If you make a mistake it won’t be life threatening. If you keep grounded and breathing and interested, the connection you make may grow and flower.
What I know for sure about networking, cold calls and informational interviews is
You gotta make it safe for yourself.
You can do it smart and smarter.
You now have the benefit of social distancing and sheltering in place!
You may never love it but you can grow to like it.
You won’t know how (good) it feels unless you try and try again.
You will feel better when you make contact and get information.
For more information about informational interviews, here’s some wisdom from other career coaches: https://www.nextavenue.org/find-work-in-the-pandemic/ and https://jobsearchandinterviewcoach.com/top-10-ways-to-get-a-great-job-sooner/