How to Get More and More Referrals: Part 2 of 3

You already know that networking is the best way to find jobs in the hidden job market. You want people to refer you to their network and for jobs. But the details of that kind of “networking” can be confusing.

So I’m sharing 3 essential strategies to help you get those all-important referrals. If you haven’t read part 1 yet, it is here.

Here is the second recommendation to make sure you get lots of referrals when you are networking. Networking is one of the key way to get into the hidden job market. The point of your networking activity is to let people know that you’re in job search. It’s also to have them give you people that they think you should be talking to. Ideally, everyone you talk to ideally will refer you to one, two, or three more people that they think you should be talking to. Here is the 2nd suggestion on how to get more referrals.

The next point is to be specific. If you can be specific about the kinds of people that you would like to meet, you will amazingly get more contact than if you’re vague about who it is that you would like to meet.

When I started in networking for my first job where I had to do  get into the hidden job market, I thought that if I could just be vague, then I’d hear about a lot more, and I was very worried that if I ask specifically, then I was going to miss out hearing about things.

And so, instead of saying that I wanted to meet VPs of marketing in technology companies, I’d say, “Well, I’d like to be in marketing. Do you know anybody?” And the response to that almost always was no. Once I started saying, “Gosh, I’d like to meet VPs of marketing in technology,” I started getting many more contacts.

First of all, people started feeling more comfortable because I was specific about what I was asking for, and it allays a little bit of that fear that you’re just going to go and mumble and fumble in front of anybody they introduce you to.

Secondly, even though they didn’t perhaps know a VP of marketing in technology, they would say, “I know a VP of marketing in health care. Would that be helpful?” And it was those extra benefits and people that I got to meet that really made a difference and accelerated my job search.

So interestingly, the more specific you are in the kinds of people that you want to meet, the easier it is for people to be of assistance.

So pick someone to call, get your script out, and pick up the phone. If you don’t have your scripts yet, get your copy here.

Read part 3 of this series here.

Wishing you the best!

Katherine

P.S. And of course, be sure to get this interview guide. Use it and your next interview could be your last interview!