READY TO IGNITE YOUR NETWORK?
Get your FREE email template to set up informational interviews. Reaching out cold after a career break can feel daunting... This is for you.
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NETWORKING 101: THE TEMPLATE
How to reach out cold, after a career break
You will:
- Follow a simple step-by-step guide for how to approach your message
- Warm up your contacts by implementing a "pre-email" LinkedIn strategy that'll boost your chances of a reply
- Craft a compelling note to encourage key contacts to want to talk with you
- Leverage the neutrality of your position as re-entering from a career break to gather information about your target industry, role, company
NETWORKING 101: THE CONVO
Meet the informational interview
It's where the magic happens: A strategic conversation conducted as an informal chat.
- Ever read a job description and wonder what it's really like in the role?
- Ever stumble upon an industry you're not familiar with and want to learn more?
- Ever meet someone with a fascinating career and wonder how they got there?
- Ever come across a company whose mission aligns with your values and wonder what it's like to work for them?
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS.
After a lengthy career break for caregiving, it's tempting to apply to anything that seems like a fit. Before you begin uploading your resume to dozens of online applications, set yourself up for success by doing a bit of groundwork.
Use this simple email template to ask target contacts well-thought-out questions to gather information about a particular role, industry, career path, or company.
Take a minute to talk to others and learn:
🔸 Is this a good fit for me?
🔸 How can I upskill to *become* an ideal candidate?
The informational interview is a powerful networking tool to build relationships, pave an opportunity for you to stand out, and perhaps land an internal referral.
NETWORKING 101: THE BENEFITS
What's the deal: Why do I need to network?
Gain insider insights
Discover if this is the right role, industry, or company for you.
Narrow your job search strategy: focus on the positions you really want, companies that jive with your non-negotiables, in an industry that lights you up.
Showcase soft skills
Human-to-human contact is memorable (resumes can't impart warmth).
When you reach out, eager to learn something new (and follow-up with a thank you), this shows initiative, effective communication, teachability, lifelong learning, active listening, intrinsic motivation, research, critical thinking.
Boost your confidence
Getting on the phone, arranging a Zoom call, or in-person meeting is a great prep exercise.
Not only are you learning first-hand info about your target industry, role, or company, you're practicing important skills for more formal conversations and gaining confidence in the process.
Leverage the stats
Around 70-85% of jobs are filled via networking. The stats are in your favour ...
In 2023, employee referrals are still one of the top recruitment methods for hiring.
You may get the inside scoop on upcoming opportunities, expanding teams, new projects and initiatives, which gives you a head start on your application.
NETWORKING 101: THE EASE
Informational interviews are easy, even for introverts
Talk less, listen more
Your contacts do most of the talking and their insights will guide the initial stages of your job search strategy.
Reflect: Do I like the day-to-day of this role? Is this industry intriguing and/or stable enough for me? Will I pursue a role at this company? Your answers will streamline your job-search strategy.
Be curious, and grateful
You get to show genuine curiosity, active listening, and gratitude.
All the research and legwork is done before you start the conversation. You get to be genuinely curious, top off active listening with follow up Qs, and show gratitude for their time and willingness to speak with you.
Relax, b/c low pressure
In the early info-gathering stages, these chats are low-stakes, low-pressure.
You're not in a formal interview [yet] ...
If you're not the "networking" type, treating it as an informal chat will help you relax, make a great first impression, and increase likability.
Enjoy the high ROI
Your motivation to reach out should be huge, because your return-on-investment is statistically *way* better than silently applying online.
Networking lands you connections, inside knowledge, referrals, call-backs ... even mentors and friends.
HELLO
Have we met?
I'm Rebecca Joy. So glad you're here! I'm a workforce re-entry educator and job search coach. I help my fellow caregiver parents land call-backs against crappy odds. After years moonlighting as a copy editor and resume-polisher, plus marinating in LinkedIn's #futureofwork conversations around hiring & recruitment trends, I've plucked the most relevant tips, tools, and strategies from all the current advice & (mis)information, curated specifically for re-entry moms with resume gaps.
You'll find these gems on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Click the icons below to follow.
Excited to walk with you, ignite joy, and watch you soar!
PEACE OUT, SELF-DOUBT
simplify your job search & land call-backs
YOU HAVE VALUE | #gapscreateNextGentalent
© Rebecca Joy 2024