Those who succeed in landing private equity jobs will often say that networking helped them uncover job opportunities and get their foot in the door. But many professionals still do not see the kind of results from their networking efforts, both in-person and online, that they’d like to.
So says C.J. Hayden, a business coach, trainer, speaker and author of the book, Get Hired Now! (Bay Tree, 2005). Hayden feels the biggest obstacle to productive networking is what she calls the “chatter quotient.” Meaning, the people who are good at networking and who produce tangible results are the ones who have more meaningful, focused exchanges.
Sure it’s important to touch on a few personal details, such as your contact’s favorite sport, hobby or last vacation. But having conversations that consist largely of personal chatter are unlikely to produce the results you want. The same goes for social networking online. Occasional posts about your personal life, like small talk, let people know what you’re up to, but do little to produce effective job-hunting results. Instead, she says you should focus on probing, work-related questions such as:
– Tell me about your current goals/challenges
– Who/what would be a good client/helpful resource for you?
– What is exciting in your business/career/life right now?
– What could I do to help you?
By asking others about their work and needs, you learn where you might fit in, and create a hint of reciprocity for your own networking needs. You should also demonstrate your expertise and showcase your professional talents by letting people know how they can help you. For example:
– Here is something I’m doing right now that you might find interesting/useful
– I need some assistance in this area. Do you know anyone who might be able to help?
– Here is a useful resource for you
Those last three topics work equally well for online posts, says Hayden.
Before beginning any networking activity or conversation, you should pause to focus on what you are trying to accomplish with the contact. Do you want a referral? To meet someone else in this person’s firm? Specific advice that can help your private equity job search? Get beyond the chatter to meaningful, focused conversations.
How about you? What networking tip has helped you get ahead in your private equity career? Add your comments below.
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