On The Job Search? 3 Super Sleuth Ways To Use Your Connections

Connections, connections, connections.

Sometimes, it really is about who you know, who they know, and what a connection can do for you in your job search. Studies show referrals are one of the most popular ways employers source candidates. So, if you know someone influential, it’s probably a good idea to see what they may be able to do for you.

Here’s the catch: You don’t want to seem like you’re just using them for your gain. Professional connections should be a two-way, mutually beneficial relationship. You should be helping your connections on a recurring basis so you’re on their mind constantly. In other words, you have to be super sleuth about using your connections in your job search. You have to be proactive so you’re the first person they think of when an opportunity arises.

Stumped on how to begin? Check out these suggestions.

Regularly check-in

Let’s say you met the leader of a startup at an alumni event. You got to talking, found out that you have a lot in common, and clicked on both personal and professional levels. After exchanging business cards, you went your separate ways. Now what?

Regularly checking in with a connection is the best way to maintain that bond. No matter if it’s a phone call, email, or a lunch meeting here or there, regular contact keeps that link alive. Plus, if they’re actively aware of where you are professionally, they’ll more than likely be able to provide insight, advice, or even a job to keep you on track.

Go one step further… Send them industry articles or news that would particularly interest them. This not only gives them the latest information, it also reflects on your commitment to maintaining a relationship.

Volunteer your services

When your goal is to better yourself professionally, you have to give a little in order to gain. What’s the best way to do it? Volunteering your services! Think of it as the backend work you can do in order to make a great impression. If you do something now on your own accord, it will probably come back to you positively, especially if you want to improve your search.

Here’s an example: Oftentimes, many professionals would love a helping hand when they’re bogged down with work. Whether you’re skilled in design, can whip up a presentation in no time, or have a knack for sales, volunteering when you don’t actually have to is a great way to help out someone in your network, while at the same time showing a connection why you’re great in the first place. All of this solidifies why you’re a stellar worker and helps your connection to see where your skills could lead you. As a word of caution, just be careful about how often you volunteer this way — you don’t want to get pegged as the person who will always work for free. When the time is right, ask for compensation or write a contract.

Go one step further… If you’re aware that your connection is working on a particularly busy project, pitch them specific ways that you can help. For example, if they’re designing a website, point to some portfolio samples that reflect the work you can do.

Engage your social networks

Social networks are a great way to maintain solid relationships in a streamlined fashion. For instance, seeing how a professional is doing on Twitter or tagging them in a study on Facebook are all great ways to keep in touch while also showing your expertise. It also keeps a steady communication flow if you don’t see them often.

Keep this in mind though: You don’t want to spam their social networks. Use this method when you have something particularly interesting to note, not boring or trivial posts and status updates. Again, what’s important here is not the fact that you’re conducting a job search, but that you’re maintaining relationships with those that can help you to get there.

Go one step further… Praise their work on your social networks. For instance, if their company did great work for a charity, post the article and link to your connection. This promotes their work — something you obviously don’t have to do — andl shows your interest in the industry.

In the end, it’s more important to cultivate your connection base than to only use them when you need them. Checking in regularly, volunteering your services, and engaging with them on your social networks are all great stepping stones to maintaining great relationships with those who can help you land the job of your dreams.

What do you think? What are some other ways to use your connections in the job search?

Image Courtesy of Cobrasoft; sxc.hu