4 Tips For Networking Virtually

With conferences cancelled, informal gatherings postponed and other events in limbo, face-to-face networking isn’t an option. If networking was a major part of your job search strategy, this complicates things. But don’t despair. Just because you can’t attend a meeting in person doesn’t mean your opportunity to maintain current relationships or develop new ones must be put on hold. You can still be proactive in making connections while practicing social distancing – here are four tips to get you started.

Leverage the relationships you have

Use the relationships you already have to initiate new relationships or revisit existing ones. Start with family members, colleagues, summer job supervisors, professors or your friend’s parents. Invite them to a virtual coffee date so you can share your career aspirations and experiences. Before the conversation ends, ask if they can recommend one or two additional people you should speak with.

Next, make a list of all the people you know working in the field you’re pursuing. If it’s someone you know personally, send a note inviting them to join you for a video chat. If it’s been awhile since you last spoke, remind them how you know one another. If it’s someone you’ve never met, acknowledge following their work and your interest in hearing any advice they may have to offer. Just remember to come prepared to any conversation with questions and talking points.

Become a member of professional organizations

Joining professional organizations (like the Society of Women Engineers) is another way to expand your network, as these organizations offer mentorship programs and often pair newcomers with experienced professionals. Many also offer reduced rates for students or young professionals.

Oftentimes, these organizations will publish a membership directory either online or in print that provides contact information for every single member, meaning you can be especially proactive about your networking goals. Jot down the names of five to 10 people you’d like to introduce yourself to each week and send an email to say hello.  

Let people know how much you appreciate the time, expertise and connections they’ve shared. A short follow-up note of thanks goes a long way to show gratitude.

Learn to love LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the go-to professional networking platform. If you don’t already have an account, establish a profile to begin building a network where you can follow professionals within your field of interest.

Go beyond offering your basic education and experiences to create a profile that catches an employer’s attention. Include specific and relevant keywords throughout your profile. Recruiters use keyword searches to find potential candidates so intentionally incorporating phrases related to the industry or role you’re pursuing elevates your profile.

Once you’ve fully fleshed out your profile, invest time in curating a network that aligns with your professional goals. Use the filter function to find professionals in your desired location, company, or industry and send a connect request.

When sending an invitation to connect with someone new, choose the option that allows you to add a personalized note. This gives you an opportunity to briefly introduce yourself. If you find a person accepts your request, without responding to the message, follow up a day or two later with a second one thanking the individual for connecting and ask for a few moments of their time. Maximize your current connections by asking them to make a virtual introduction to someone in their network.

The key to leveraging the power of LinkedIn is visibility. Build your personal brand: Share relevant articles, comment on other people’s posts, and consider authoring blog posts of your own on topics of interest. Now more than ever, recruiters and business owners are spending time looking at other people’s posts, and staying active ensures that you are top of mind.

Offer your support

These are trying times for everyone. Think of ways you can help others with the skills and talents you do have and then offer your support. It could be as simple as retweeting an important message for someone so that it amplifies their reach.

You can also make professional connections through volunteering. Sometimes the most powerful networking occurs in unexpected places, and many groups are often eager for help and can provide opportunities relevant to your career interests.

Find a non-profit you’re passionate about or offer your time and skills remotely. Chances are you’ll find at least one person who shares your career interests or can introduce you to a professional they know. Volunteering is important for giving back to the community and is proven to repay itself in professional settings.

The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed how people are networking. Finding creative ways to reach new contacts virtually can help you catch a recruiter’s attention and be remembered. Learning to stand out from the crowd, even in trying times, will serve you well when in-person events return.