Create Your Networking Lists

It is very common to assume that your network is too small or cannot help with your job search needs.

Trust me, your network is bigger than you think!

Rather than allowing your mind to race with contacts and resources, take some time to write down your networking contacts so you don’t forget anyone during your search.

Create a list with not only your contacts’ names, but also his or her occupation and your relationship.

To start your lists, consider people in the following categories:

Helpers

Start with those who have already helped you - they're more likely to do it again.

This may be former bosses, the people you use as references, a friend who has made a valuable introduction, or someone else. Those who have already supported you are a great place to start.

Easy Asks

Consider those who are present in your day-to-day life. Are you a weekend volleyball player? Mother? Friend? Volunteer? Pianist? 

You know lots of people through those avenues, in addition to your professional life, and they should all be labeled as important contacts. 

A client recently shared with me that her close friend is a famous Spanish guitarist. I never would have known or guessed that she had that connection, but it is there. 

It would have been a mistake to dismiss her as someone with no connections in the music industry only because she works for a tech company. You just never know who could connect you with your next role, so don’t exclude anyone as you talk about your job search.

Catch Ups 

For this group, brainstorm a list of people with whom you have positive personal or professional relationships, but haven’t spoken with in over six months. 

I think of these as the people whom you wish well and smile when you see their Facebook or LinkedIn updates, but don’t regularly speak with. This list can be even more valuable than your ‘Easy Asks’ because you probably do not run in the same circles and that further expands your reach.

Alumni

Consider those with whom you share a group. This may be alumni of a school, of course, and you can also consider those with whom you share a professional organization or former company.

Reaching out to those in the same group can open a door and increase the chances you'll receive a response, even if you don't have a personal connection.

Third Degrees

This is your wish list. You know you want to contact these people, but you’re not sure how to make the connection. Consider finding them at industry events or asking those in your first two lists for an introduction. 

It might take some creative thinking to determine how to get in front of the people on this list, but it’s surely worth the effort.

Now you have five lists of people who could help you with your search. Devise a plan to reach out and make sure they know what you’re looking for and the value you bring to a company. 

Once you land, be sure you stay in touch with regular updates. Networking is valuable far beyond just your job search and you’ll find that creating and nurturing relationships with people in all three groups will pay dividends throughout your career.

*This article originally appeared in FairyGodBoss and has been modified to include more categories.

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