Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
In today's tough job market, getting a hiring manager to even glance at your resume is a big ask. But many people who are moving up in their careers will tell you having connections is a large reason why.
Indeed's Career Guide says many employers prefer to hire candidates vetted by mutual contacts. Some businesses don't even list openings on company websites — they rely solely on internal networking.
If you're looking for a new gig but don't know how to leverage your connections to help, consider these four networking secrets.
Aim to win
It turns out that positive thinking might actually be more than an idyllic mindset everyone preaches. According to WIlly Das and Samantha Dewalt for Harvard Business Network, those who approach interactions with other people aiming to get a positive result from the conversation are 17% more successful.
If you approach a potential networking opportunity fearful of rejection, you're less likely to have a positive outcome. Das and Dewalt write, ". . . never take rejection personally — realize that when a networking attempt doesn't work out with somebody, it may just be a mismatch of needs."
Go into every conversation hoping to make a helpful connection but also being okay with the fact that it might not be a good fit.
Reach out to an old colleague or friend
It's often easier to reconnect with people you already know than to foster brand new relationships in the business sphere. Known as dormant ties, the people with whom you had a good working relationship but are now out of touch are golden opportunities for networking.
Rutgers Business School professor Daniel Levin studies the value of work-related dormant ties. He says these old friends and colleagues can be even more valuable than the usual network of contacts. "After all, your dormant contacts have not been hibernating all those years. They've been out in the world, learning new things, and so they are a potential source of novel information and insights when reconnected," he explains.
With tools like Linkedin and even Facebook, reaching out and catching up with someone can be a great way to reignite your network, learn something new, and connect with a friend.
Ask interesting questions
Going to a conference or meeting a friend of a friend and hearing the same old, "So what do you do?" is a great way to hit snooze on the conversation before it begins. Start by reaching out to people who work in a field you're interested in.
Kelsey Alpaio for Harvard Business Review suggests asking fresh questions such as, "What aspects of your work most energize and excite you?" or "What do you wish you knew before going into your job/career/field?"
You might learn something unexpected and helpful about a job or industry you're interested in.
Engage your social networks
Being open with your friends and family members can do wonders for finding a job. Talk about your career goals, where you'd like to work, and ask if they have any connections that might help you.
In fact, there is research going back to the 70s suggesting that "weak ties," or people you don't know well — if at all — can present opportunities. According to Everett Harper for TechCrunch, recent research even shows that those who secure a job through a weak tie tend to have higher-paying jobs and higher satisfaction.
Whether it's your rock climbing group or your church congregation, the chances are good that you'll have people from all different industries. Getting the word out that you're interested and willing to speak with someone new about your ambitions can open doors.
Find networking opportunities near you
If you don't have a network of contacts you can reach out to, it's time to get out there and make new business connections. The Salt Lake Chamber regularly hosts and promotes events designed to help goal-oriented people meet and help each other.
From their Business After Hours gatherings at local establishments, like Edison House, to the upcoming Business Women's Forum, you can find a strong network of people equally engaged in growing their careers.
Check out the Chamber calendar for upcoming networking events and forums.
