Boost your Job Search - Expand your Network

It’s much more likely that you will land your next job through someone in your network than just through an online listing, so it’s essential to leverage this invaluable resource. To start, let’s run through a quick networking checklist.

The people in my network:

• Know that I am looking for a new job

• Know specifically what type of job I am looking for

• Know the specific industry I’m targeting

• Have a list of sample companies I’d like to work for

• Understand how they can help me (I’ve asked them to introduce me to connections at a target company or refer me to a job with their employer)

• Have a copy of my resume

• Are connected with me on LinkedIn
  

Don’t be shy about reaching out to your network when you are beginning a new search. You never know who has an ‘in’ with your dream company or knows of a recruiter looking for someone just like you. Just make sure that your message isn’t too vague or general (“I’m looking for a new job. Let me know if you hear anything!” won’t cut it). Instead, try something like:

“I am in the market for a new role in the software or tech space. Currently, I’m a Business Development Representative for a small SaaS company in Accra and am hoping to move into an Account Executive role at a larger company. Ideally, I’d love to work for ABC Sales, SaaS Sales, or iSales.

If you happen to hear of any Account Executive opportunities in the area or know anyone at ABC, SaaS, or iSales, I would greatly appreciate a referral or an introduction. It may also help to mention that I’ve achieved at least 150% of my quota for the past four consecutive quarters and had a 75% lead to opportunity conversion rate. I’ve attached my resume to this email for your reference.”

Obviously, you’ll want to infuse your personality into a message like this, but you get the idea: Be specific and ask for the referral or introduction.

Expand your network, look up interesting people on LinkedIn that share a connection, ask for an intro, go for a chat, connect on LinkedIn (AFTER MEETING THEM), and repeat.