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In this issue:

1. Why networking with previous coworkers matters

2. Story about a coaching call client (PM) lands his next gig through networking

3. Call to action for you

Networking is absolutely mandatory if you plan on advancing your career. And one of the best ways to network is by keeping in touch with previous colleagues.

Why it matters: Chances are when people leave one company, they’re moving onto something else to be put into a better position.

Whether it’s a better role, title, company, industry, or anything in between, most people are upgrading when they’re switching roles.

This is exactly why it’s important to build relationships with people while at work, so when they do leave, you can keep in touch with them and ask for a referral into their company, or an introduction to someone else they may know since they’ve advanced in their own careers.

Networking like this is beneficial in two ways:

1. It’s a warmer connection for you to already reach out to. Higher likelihood of success vs. DMing some random person online asking to pick their brain.

2. They already know who you are and your body of work, so they’ll be more willing to put their reputation on the line recommending you to someone.

Story Time

Overview

I recently worked with a high, senior level Product Manager who recently landed a new gig.

Anyone in tech knows that the PM role has been absolutely wrecked for the past 18 months.

Tech companies are prioritizing technical folks (i.e. engineers), leaning out non-technical folks (i.e. middle management, PMs, BAs, etc), and the PMs that do last are forced to cover more ground.

PMs actively seeking in the market right now need to get creative and go on offense.

Relying on just online applications will not get you anywhere, the market is too saturated for that.

Analysis

This candidate - let’s call him Dwayne - has an amazing background.

He originally reached out for a resume/linkedin audit, but after reviewing everything, his resume/linkedin were as good as it gets.

He was applying to roles without much luck so I figured to do a coaching call with him instead.

His objective: to find a new role and advance his career.

His pain points were:

• not hearing back after applying to roles online

• only getting calls from contracting companies

• while his role was fine, it wasn’t as fulfilling as he’d like it to be

Action

After further digging, I found out that virtually all of his recent roles were found via networking.

Bingo!

This tells me a few things:

1: He’s great at what he does. If you’re being referred into companies, that means people are willing to vouch for you. They’re not doing it because they’re your friend, they’re doing it because you can walk the walk and they are OK putting their reputation on the line. If you’re being referred multiple times, then that’s a sign you’re definitely an A player.

2: His next role will be found via networking. Why try to re-invent the wheel? Especially in a market right now that’s brutal for PMs, online apps will only get you so far. It’s just a numbers game and they aren’t playing to your favor. His network is obviously large so we should tap into that again.

Result

Hear it from the horse’s mouth:

“Just wanted to let you know that after our call in November, you hit home the importance of networking. I literally (no joke) hung up the phone and hit up an old buddy at (Bank) about a role.  He immediately connected me with another person that day. Fast forward to present, and I just got an awesome product role at (bank) from that connection. Sounds crazy but I guess I just was sort of afraid to use the network and just ask for help. 

Thanks for the advice and counsel. Hope you are doing well and keep up good posts!”

Call to action

If you’re struggling to land your next gig, follow Dwayne’s plan.

Reach out to your previous coworkers. Let them know your situation and ask for help.

No shame in doing so. Everyone knows how tough the market is right now.

These folks know your body of work. They’re more likely to help you out vs. a random stranger on the internet.

So get to work and tap into those connections.

Looking for help?

If you’re looking for a game plan like Dwayne, or want some help with your resume/linkedin, you can book a call with me here:

If you’re a hiring manager looking for some help to fill your roles, you can book a call with me here: