Networking in a Pandemic
Eight strategies to help you overcome challenges successfully.
A Lot Has Changed
Networking can be an intimidating part of the job search process even during normal times, but COVID-19 has turned the world virtual and created new difficulties for people seeking to expand their network.
Keep Reading to Learn:
- Creative ways to emphasize your personal brand on various platforms of networking
- Including Handshake, St. Thomas Connect, and LinkedIn
Your Profile & Your Purpose
Make sure you’ve got a great, up-to-date LinkedIn profile, and that you know your reasons for networking. Is it to learn more about particular employers? Explore different career fields? Find out about graduate school options? A mix of all those things, or more?
Natural Icebreaker
COVID-19 has created unique challenges for everyone but our collective experience during these strange times provides an easy way to begin a conversation by seeing how the other person is doing.
St. Thomas’ Alumni Network
Alumni understand the anxiety that comes with thinking about life after graduating and want to help. St. Thomas Connect is a great resource for current students to use to find current professionals for informational interviews.
Virtual Career Fairs
Many career fairs that were once in person are now being held virtually. Make sure to register for these events as they provide an important opportunity to network with employers.
Professional Organizations
Like career fairs, many professional organizations are opting to host their state, regional, and national events virtually.
Conferences are now much more accessible for students to attend can be a great way to expand your industry-specific network.
Memberships to professional organizations for students and new professionals are often free or very low-cost!
Your Social Media Presence
Use your extra free time to increase your activity on LinkedIn. Make it a goal to share, like, and comment on one thing each week. Doing this will help you establish "reach" on the platform.
Be Proactive and Patient
The best time to start networking is before you are looking for a job. This may seem obvious, but it is especially important with everyone juggling COVID-19 related situations. Understand that you may need to be especially flexible when figuring out the logistics of an informational interview.
Be authentic!
If you're sending a message to someone who doesn't know you, they will be more likely to respond if you have an authentic picture of who you are and share why you want to connect.
Next Steps
Tackle one step at a time!
- Start with refreshing your social media profiles
- Reach out to a couple of alumni on St. Thomas Connect then branch off into the larger network of LinkedIn