How to Leverage High-Level Connections in Your Job Search
Youāve got a high-level executive in your network who could really help you in your job search. This person has connections at companies you would love to work for and you know they might be the key to landing your next dream job. All you have to do is reach out and ask for some help. Sounds easy right? Wrong, thereās something holding you back from writing that message. The problem? You havenāt spoken to them in years and donāt know the best way to go about it. So what should you do?
This is a common job seeker dilemma, and I'm here to share some insights on how to effectively engage with those influential connections.
The Common Mistake š
Many job seekers make the mistake of being too casual when reaching out to high-level contacts. They might say something like, "Hey, how are you? It's been too long! I was wondering if you might want to connect?" In today's tight labor market, especially with the white-collar job recession we're experiencing, these busy professionals are inundated with similar messages that come across as disingenuous.
The Right Approach: Be Direct and Humble
Instead of being casual, I recommend being direct, to the point, and showing a little humility. Here's a template I suggested to my client for reaching out to the CMO:
"Hey [Name],
I know we haven't talked in a bit. I need to be honestāI'm in the middle of a job search, and I was wondering if you could help me in two ways:
There are a couple of people in your network that I would love to meet who are working at companies I'd like to earn an interview at.
I was curious if you could give me one to two top pieces of advice on what it would take to get more people at your level to respond to me so that I could potentially explore opportunities with their company.
Any advice or help you could provide would be much appreciated. I know your time is valuable, and I really could use the boost."
Why This Approach Works ā
By framing your request this way, you're:
Being transparent about your situation
Providing clear, concise ways they can help you
Acknowledging their time constraints
Showing appreciation for any assistance they might offer
High-level professionals are often time-crunched, but they do want to help. By not making your request too open-ended or cumbersome, you're more likely to get a response.
The Unexpected Bonus
Interestingly, the people I've coached to use this approach are getting an additional benefit. Because their message is so direct and respectful of the recipient's timeāin contrast to the many disingenuous, roundabout requests these professionals receiveāthey're often offered more help than they asked for. Many times, the high-level contact will suggest a quick phone call to chat.
Respect Breeds Respect š
When you're respectful of people's time in this way, they're often more willing to give you their time in return. This is especially true for executives in your network. By being clear, concise, and considerate in your approach, you're demonstrating professionalism and emotional intelligenceāqualities that these high-level contacts value and respond to.
Navigating a Challenging Job Market
Remember, we're currently experiencing one of the most difficult white-collar job markets in a generation. These kinds of networking strategies can make a significant difference in your job search success. By leveraging your high-level connections effectively, you're opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.
Take Your Job Search to the Next Level š
If you found this advice helpful and want to dive deeper into effective job search strategies, I have good news. While you may have missed our recent Job Search Bootcamp, you can still access all the valuable content. For just $10, you can get instant access to the recording of our two-hour intensive course, complete with a comprehensive 134-page workbook.
This bootcamp is packed with tips and tricks like the one I've shared here, designed to help you navigate the current job market successfully. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain the knowledge you need to land the job you want and deserve. Click HERE to get instant access.
Remember, in today's competitive job market, it's not just what you know, but who you knowāand more importantly, how you approach them.
Go get āem!
J.T. OāDonnell
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