As a new graduate several years ago, I was told that finding a job was more about “who you know”, and encouraged by my graduate program to network with senior leaders in my sector. Thus began the summer of NCDs – Networking Coffee Dates, as I called them. That summer, I must have contacted over 100 people through LinkedIn and email, and met with dozens of them.
Now, as I have grown in my own career, I find myself on the other side. I noticed something last year: almost all of the requests I get are from young professionals in the non-profit space. Many of them are women of colour, and are second generation immigrants with limited formal training on navigating networking meetings. Some are the first in their families to go to university and work in jobs that are not working class. I realized that all my pet peeves when it comes to networking meetings are only a result of people not knowing what to do as they navigate relationship building and job searches.
In that vein, I want to share 14 things I have learned through being on both sides of 150+ networking meetings:
1. To start, remember that most people WANT to help. If anyone has grown in their career, it’s thanks to mentors, champions, and other people helping them. Most want to pay it forward and the only reason they won’t want to meet with you is because they are busy. In most cases, people who have been MIA eventually reply saying that it’s a busy season, and request to reconnect in a few months.
2. When sending a cold email to arrange a networking call/coffee, don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. Follow up 3x before giving up. Most people have busy inboxes and genuinely miss your email, or plan to reply later and forget. Nine times out of ten, people eventually reply and are open to meeting, or ask you to reach out later. Here are some example of follow-up emails: “Hi (NAME), I wanted to follow up in case you missed my email. If you have 20-30 min in the next few weeks, I’d love to connect with you to….” , “Hi (NAME), I wanted to follow up one last time to see if you’d be available…”.
3. Request 20-30 min of time, max. You honestly don’t need more than that! When organizing your meeting, always choose a location near them, and offer to pay for the coffee or lunch. Make it as easy as possible for the other person - remember they are carving time out of their busy day for you. They are doing you a favour.
4. Plan for the meeting by doing research on the person’s work, education, etc. Come with thoughtful questions prepared, and make sure they are not questions that can easily be answered by a simple Google search. Here are some examples of good questions to ask: What are the biggest trends/shifts you have noticed in your sector over the past few years? What are the top 3 things I should do as I look for a job in XXX?”
5.Have a thought-out answer to the question “How can I help you?” and other questions about your career goals. The more specific you are, the easier it is for the other person to think of people and opportunities to connect you with – now and in the future.
6. Ask them if there is anyone else you should be speaking with as you navigate your career journey or job search. If you have prepared for the meeting well and left a strong impression, people will offer connections and will try to help you. If they forget to connect you, follow up (3x!).
7. If you have a few minutes left in your meeting but the conversation is flowing well, acknowledge that your scheduled time is almost up and ask if they have to leave soon. If they have time, they will continue the chat and let you know when they have to go.
8. I always end a meeting by asking someone if there is anything I can do to help them. Remember that networking is reciprocal. It is give and take. So give. Sometimes the “take” comes later – even years later.
9. Send a thank you email!!! It’s surprising how many people DON’T do this. Thank people for their time/energy/advice/connections and share 1-2 pieces of advice they gave that really resonated with you. Ask them to connect you with the people they mentioned (if applicable).
10. When someone does make a connection/introduction for you, ALWAYS loop back with the original person and update them. Thank them again for the introduction, let them know you met their contact, and if appropriate, share the outcome of the meeting.
11. If you ever want to intro your contact to someone, make sure to check with them first. I can’t tell you how many times people send me intro emails and put me on the spot. Sometimes I can’t even help or already know the person, so it’s awkward. Use the double opt-in method: https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-double-optin-intro-an-email-template
12. Stay in touch. In my experience, especially when I was a new graduate, people were rarely able to help me find a job on the spot. But over the years, I regularly gave mentors updates on my new jobs and career growth. I maintained the relationships even when someone couldn’t help. Years later, the same people now share opportunities with me.
13. If you get rejected from a job or opportunity, always ask for feedback. And be graceful about receiving it. Sometimes you may want to stay connected to them, especially if they are in your sector. I have turned job rejectors into mentors who are still part of my circle today!
14. And lastly, be genuine. People can tell when you are connecting with them for superficial purposes or just to get that internal referral. Don’t use people!
Seher Shafiq is a non-profit professional and consultant working in Toronto, Ontario. Connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Image via Pexels by mentatdgt
