- The competition for jobs is fierce right now, and smart networking could give you a leg up.
- Cold outreach, fellow alums, neighbors, and former coworkers: career experts advise leaving no stone unturned.
- One expert shared a message template to use when reaching out for help.
When you are just one unemployed person among millions, networking can be vital.
Career experts say the trick is casting a wide net and knowing exactly what to ask for.
Right now, networking is especially important as the job market is facing cuts in the federal sector, as well as corporate layoffs and lower rates of openings overall.
"You can't just rely on just applying online now," said Stacey Perkins, a career coach with recruitment experience at Korn Ferry, a recruiting and organizational consulting firm. "There's too many people in the market."
Three workplace experts talked to Business Insider about who to talk to, how to expand your network, and what to say in your outreach.
Mine every corner of your existing network
In addition to going to job fairs and conducting the typical outreach to recruiters and workers at companies you're applying to, it can't hurt to tap into your personal social networks. Perkins said to talk to family and neighbors.
"I think so many times we get stuck on we can only talk to other professional people or people that we used to work with," Perkins said.
Brandi Britton, an executive director of staffing firm Robert Half's finance and accounting practice, said after checking out the hiring landscape, make sure your close network is aware you're job searching.
"Oftentimes, people can refer you to good job opportunities, and you don't even know that the person who's going to refer you to a new job is a contact in your phone," Britton said.
Networking doesn't just involve people you often talk to. Andrew McCaskill, a career expert for LinkedIn, said you should reintroduce yourself to people in your existing network like former coworkers, especially if they work at the companies or industries you are looking at.
He said you can remind someone how they know you, tell them you are interested in the industry they are working in, and describe what you do well. You can also ask them to let you know if they hear about an opportunity at their company or in the field.
Perkins suggested reconnecting with recruiters and anyone in your professional network with whom you had a good relationship. Britton said to follow up with the people you meet at a job fair to demonstrate your interest.
Whomever you reach out to, tell them your skills instead of simply saying you're looking for a position. McCaskill said not to assume people know what you do.
You could also talk to alums even if it's been a long time since you were in college. Britton said it can be a good way to build a connection with someone since you have something in common.
Know how to cold outreach properly
Britton advised against sending out a bunch of LinkedIn messages. She said to create a targeted group of people, such as leaders at companies you're interested in working for. She said they might know of positions not advertised publicly or could make an introduction with another leader at the company.
Britton gave an example of what to say in a cold message:
"My name is Brandi Britton. I've been interested in your company and getting into your industry. I previously worked at X, Y, Z company for five years and I wanted to conduct an informational interview with you about how you got into your position and see if there are any recommendations you have for me. I'll take no more than 15 minutes of your time if you would be willing to speak with me."
Perkins said to first create a relationship before talking about a work opportunity if you are doing cold outreach.
"Maybe you're asking for more of an informational conversation with them, a meet and greet if you will, before diving right into asking them to refer you for a job," Perkins said.
Determine if you want to announce you were laid off or fired
Britton said not everyone wants to say they've been dismissed from their job. However, some people might find it helpful context or feel comfortable putting that information out there. Some Meta and federal workers who were told they were terminated because of performance have talked publicly about their change in employment.
"If you work for a large company where maybe the layoffs made the news, then you can say, 'I was part of this organization's large layoff, and I'm looking for a new opportunity,'" Britton said. "That oftentimes is easier for people to digest."
Be careful how you talk about your termination, though. Britton said a common mistake people make when networking is badmouthing their past employer.
McCaskill said how you post online about a layoff is important. He suggested posting with gratitude, optimism, and what you want to do next.
Once you land your next job, that doesn't mean networking is over.
"I think a lot of people think, 'Oh, I'm only going to do it when I have lost my job, or I'm in need,' that might be too late," Perkins said.
Do you have a story to share about job searching? Reach out to this reporter at mhoff@businessinsider.com.
