When you're looking for new job opportunities, the relationships you have with others can open valuable doors to companies and positions you could never access on your own. What you might not realize, however, is that the people in your network you don't know very well can be just as useful as the people you do.
These people -- so-called "weak" connections -- can be especially useful if you leverage them to vet and research potential employers, according to Fast Company contributor Rich Bellis.
"The folks in your network might not know the hiring manager or an HR rep inside the company, but they're much more likely to know someone who works there and can speak generally about their experiences on the inside," Bellis says. "This is often the real benefit of those 'weak connections'; the people who know the people you know, even though they've never met you, probably won't give you an endorsement. But many are happy to jump on a 20-minute call with you and share their thoughts on the position you're applying to, plus any words of caution or advice."
These conversations can give you a significant edge over other candidates. "If you can land these conversations before going on a job interview or even before applying, they'll help you tailor the way you position your candidacy," Bellis continues. "These second-degree contacts can also clue you into potential drawbacks and suggest good questions to ask about the team, the work culture and the demands of the role. And if someone has already agreed to chat with you about a job opportunity, they probably won't blink when you ask if there are any other insiders they might be willing to introduce you to. Before you know it, you'll have tapped into a brain trust of in-the-know contacts who can share critical insight to guide your strategy and decision making."
More Tips:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90206768/three-surprising-ways-your-network-can-help-your-job-search
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
Contact Successful Meetings Editor in Chief Vincent Alonzo with your "How To" ideas.