How do I leverage my network in the recruiting process?
In the past few weeks, you put in a lot of hard work to connect with alumni and industry contacts. How can you leverage your connections in the recruiting process and make the most of your networking efforts?
- If you’re not getting responses from recruiters or find yourself on an employer’s waitlist, your contacts can be your allies. They can keep you informed and even advocate for you in the hiring process.
- Understanding the recruiting timeline and hiring requirements of your target firms can be challenging. However, your contacts, particularly for boutique firms and small teams, can offer valuable and timely insights.
- Take notes of your contacts’ background and past experience. Most people network with current employees but former employees or interns often provide insights and connections that are just as useful. If you develop a strong professional relationship with someone, you have access to their entire network, beyond where they are currently employed.
- Keep your contacts in the loop about your job search progress. Whether it’s moving to the next interview round or receiving an offer, let them know. The more that people learn about your journey, the more they are invested in your success.
- Cultivate relationships with holiday greetings. A personalized message shows how much you value the relationship, which can reinforce their positive impressions of you.
