Networking can be a powerful tool in your job search, but it hinges on your ability to effectively leverage your warm contacts. Sometimes, you need these connections to refer you to individuals who possess the information or opportunities you seek. However, reaching out to warm contacts, especially those you don’t know well, can feel daunting. They may hesitate to vouch for you, making it challenging to tap into your network’s full potential.
To make networking and obtaining referrals easier, consider these strategies:
* **Nurture Your Warm Contacts:** Don’t wait until you need a favor to connect. Regularly engage with your warm contacts. Send occasional notes or greetings, initiate casual “catch-up” calls, extend lunch invitations, express genuine interest in their endeavors, or offer assistance. By cultivating these relationships proactively, you’ll become more memorable and they’ll be more willing to provide valuable referrals when the time comes.
* **Be Mindful and Polite:** Recognizing that you might not have deep personal relationships with all your warm contacts is crucial. Avoid abruptly calling and demanding information. Instead, opt for a more considerate approach. Sending a preliminary message or requesting a meeting over lunch allows for a more comfortable and productive conversation.
* **Listen Actively:** Even if a warm contact lacks expertise in your specific field, they might still offer valuable advice. Show genuine interest in what they have to say. They could provide insights into effective communication strategies with potential referrals, or subtly highlight the qualities and qualifications those individuals seek.
* **Strategic Referral Requests:** Before explicitly asking for referrals, allow your warm contact to share everything they know about your field of interest. Interrupting them prematurely can be impolite. If they can’t offer a referral immediately, respectfully inquire about the reasons. Their response may reveal indirect suggestions or concerns about your approach. Addressing these concerns through follow-up actions can demonstrate your credibility.
* **The “Two Referral” Rule:** Aim for two referrals per warm contact. This provides a backup option if the first lead doesn’t pan out. Requesting more than two can be perceived as demanding and might make your contact feel overly relied upon. Unless they offer additional names, stick to the two-referral limit.
* **Prompt Follow-Up is Key:** When your warm contacts provide referrals, they might reach out to those individuals personally to offer context about you. Similarly, your referrals might contact your warm contacts to verify information or gather additional insights. Contact your referrals promptly to ensure the conversations are fresh in everyone’s minds. Delaying follow-up can squander the opportunity, especially if your referrals are expecting your call and have prepared accordingly.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll significantly improve your ability to secure valuable referrals from your warm contacts and unlock the potential of your network.