Networking hack to find a job

This NETWORKING HACK got me 2 JOB OFFERS in 2 WEEKS

When I came back to India a few years ago, I was looking for a job and this networking hack worked wonders.

I got 2 CFO level opportunities in just a couple of weeks.

Here's how to do it:

STEP 1. Identify individuals that work at your target company.

This could include:

⤷ Employees

⤷ Freelancers

⤷ Contractors

⤷ Associates

Reach out to them through LinkedIn or email.

• - - - - - - -

STEP 2. Ask for an informational interview.

Dont ask for a job interview. Instead ask for an informational interview.

⤷ An informational interview is NOT a job interview.

⤷ It’s a way to learn more about the person, their company, or their industry.

⤷ More than anything else, learn about their biggest pain points

⤷ Keep it brief (15-20 minutes).

• - - - - - - -

STEP 3. Research the person you are interviewing.

Find out their

⤷ Work history

⤷ Job responsibilities

⤷ Connections

⤷ Interests

Create a list of questions ahead of time. Make them feel valued. Keep it personalised.

• - - - - - - -

STEP 4. During the meeting, ask open-ended questions.

Don't ask yes or no questions.

Here are some examples:

⤷ What led you to your current company/position?

⤷ What are the most important skills for this industry?

⤷ What has been your biggest challenge in your role?

⤷ What kind of people you usually hire? What skills you look for?

• - - - - - - -

STEP 5. Build rapport

Show interest in the person and their work.

Ask follow-up questions based on their answers.

Thank them for their time and follow up with an email.

• - - - - - - -

STEP 6. Leverage your new connections

If you are interested in applying to their company, ask if they could refer you to their HR department.

If not, ask if they know of any job openings at other companies.

Be subtle. Dont sound ‘entitled’. Ask respectfully.

• - - - - - - -

STEP 7. Repeat the process

Set a goal for how many informational interviews you want to complete per week/month.

Over time, you will build a network of contacts that can help you with your job search.

• - - - - - - -

Even if they are not immediately able to provide any open role details, you will have collated a lot of information about the company and its pain points.

Whenever they advertise for open role later, present yourself as a solution to their pain points. Customise your resume accordingly.

When they see your resume talking to their biggest pain area, you are bound to get the interview call.

• - - - - - - -

By building connects like this and networking with them, I got 2 job offers within no time.

To summarize-

✔️ Identify individuals at your target company

✔️ Ask for an informational interview

✔️ Research the person you are interviewing

✔️ Ask open-ended questions

✔️ Build rapport

✔️ Leverage your new connections

✔️ Repeat the process

• - - - - - - -

HOW CAN I HELP?

• I regularly compile list of senior finance jobs (CFOs and Finance Leaders) and share this with my paid community who have subscribed. You can join here: https://topmate.io/gaurav/792458

• Other Job Search tools like (CV, Linkedin Profile Updation, List of Finance Recruitment Consultants, Linkedin Personal Branding) etc can be found here at : topmate.io/gaurav