How To Network The Right Way During Coronavirus

“I’m still hearing that I should be networking. But how can that be...with so many people out of work right now. It doesn’t feel right to bother people. Plus, isn’t everybody just competing for the same thing?”

I’m going to allow for that negativity for a moment because these are the days of coronavirus and literally everyone is off-kilter. However, at some point (cough, cough…*now*) you’ll need to pivot. So, I’m going to lay out the steps you can do a bit differently in order to network into your next role.

The good news is there’s no more networking in person, at those stiff after-work or pre-breakfast events, standing around with people you don’t know, and forcing yourself to get to know somebody - or, more importantly, getting somebody to know and care about you. That’s all over now.

The pandemic has paved the way for easier – and more effective – networking. Here’s how to do it right.

Rule #1: Start With Some Empathy

This is how I begin virtually every email now, particularly with people I don’t know at all or don’t know well: “I hope you and yours are healthy and safe!”

Short. Simple. Clear. And most of all: caring. Acknowledge the world we live in today. Acknowledge that we are all in a new and different situation. Show yourself to be a human being who cares about something else for a moment over and above whatever job you’re aiming for.

Rule #2: Speak in Specifics

Specificity applies to so many aspects of job search. A resume without specific achievements falls flat. A cover letter filled to the brim with generalities gets trashed quickly. The same concept applies when you’re reaching out to touch someone.

It’s typical to say, “I found out I got furloughed because of coronavirus, and I’m in active job search right now. I am wondering if you know of any opportunities for someone like me in marketing?”

An approach that includes “any” (anybody, anyone, any opportunities, any openings) is unlikely to get you any substantive response. “Any” is too far-reaching. It requires the person on the other end of your email to think too broadly and too widely. When tasked with doing so, we don’t really want to think at all – especially if we barely know who you are.

Better to say, “I’m interested in taking on the position of Marketing Director that I see advertised at your organization, and I just applied. Can you share with me the name of the proper person to speak to about the role?”

That specific request doesn’t burden the reader with a lot of thought. That’s an email that’s more likely to get a response: either they know who the person is, or they don’t, but perhaps can refer you to someone else.

Rule #3: Know Your Numbers

Research LinkedIn to find relevant people who work for the organization you’re interested in. In many cases, you’ll find at least half a dozen possible contacts. Speak to all of them. Yes. ALL.

Far too often, jobseekers send 1 email to 1 person. Why? It can come out of fear of being a bother, unprofessional, or something similar. Understand this: job searching is a time for you to act in your own best interest. If that means sending 8 emails, then send them. Increase your numbers means increasing your response rate.

Those 8 people in the company are not getting together to talk about you. They don’t think you’re unprofessional. They don’t think anything. No one’s going to jump through the computer and strangle you because you sent them an email.

Get into a cadence of reaching out to a certain number of people online every day. You set the number for yourself. It may be 3 people, 5, 10, or more. Not everyone will respond, but some will. Your efforts will add up by the end of the week, end of the month, and end of the pandemic.