Learn four steps on how to use your network to find senior roles in a competitive market. Discover how to identify, map, reach out, and follow up with your contacts.

Always be friends with headhunters. One simple way how to be on their radar - help them by advising professionals, when they reach out to you with a position, but you are not interested in the position offered.

How can you use your network to find senior roles?

Finding senior roles can be challenging, especially in a competitive market. You need to stand out from the crowd, showcase your value, and negotiate the best benefits for your career. But how can you do that without applying to hundreds of job boards and waiting for responses? One of the most effective ways is to use your network. Your network consists of people who know you, trust you, and can vouch for your skills and achievements. They can also introduce you to new opportunities, refer you to decision-makers, and give you insider tips on how to ace the hiring process. In this article, you will learn how to use your network to find senior roles in four steps.

1 Step 1: Identify your target roles and companies

Before you reach out to your network, it's important to have a clear idea of what kind of roles and companies you are interested in. This will help tailor your communication, focus your search, and prevent wasting time and energy. To identify your target roles and companies, review your career goals and aspirations. Consider what you are looking for in a senior role, as well as your strengths and areas of improvement. Additionally, research the market and industry trends to understand the skills and qualifications that are in high demand for senior roles, as well as the challenges and opportunities that you can address. Make a list of potential roles and companies that match your criteria by using online platforms such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed to find job postings, company profiles, and employee reviews. You can also use industry-specific websites, publications, or associations for more information.

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Vivek Chauhan

Assistant Professor @SBJITMR, Nagpur | Computer Science, Emerging Tech | Content Creator✍️
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In my experience, leveraging your network is crucial for finding senior roles. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry connections to inform them of your job search and inquire about potential opportunities. Attend industry events, seminars, and conferences to expand your network and stay updated on job openings. Utilize professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with senior professionals and recruiters in your field. Engage in meaningful conversations, offer support, and showcase your expertise to position yourself as a top candidate for senior positions.

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2 Step 2: Map your existing network and expand it

Once you have identified your target roles and companies, it is important to map your existing network and see who can help with your job search. This network could include current and former colleagues, managers, mentors, and clients; alumni, classmates, professors, or instructors; friends, family, neighbors, or acquaintances. To map your existing contacts, you can use a spreadsheet, a diagram, or a tool like LinkedIn to organize them by name, relationship, role, company and location. Furthermore, prioritize them by their relevance, influence and availability. To expand your network further, join online or offline communities related to your industry or field; follow and engage with influencers or experts in your industry; and ask for introductions from existing contacts. Doing this will help you find the most likely contacts to have access to senior roles or target companies who are willing and able to help you.

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Inuta Sert

Career Coach │ Former Executive Recruiter │ Interview Preparation │ Job Search Strategy │ Empowering mid-senior-level managers to get the right job!
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Always be friends with headhunters. One simple way how to be on their radar - help them by advising professionals, when they reach out to you with a position, but you are not interested in the position offered.

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Joe Pelayo

1-800-786-1099 Connecting Great Talent and Growing Companies in the USA and around the world 🌎 for three decades.
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Linkedin is the 800lb Gorilla of Job search and the ability to connect with people is amazing. You should spend 30 minutes a day building your network. Connect with the connected. Follow the movers and shakers. After every business meeting or conference connect and send Follow up messages. With pictures ideally. In short, network everyday.

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3 Step 3: Reach out to your network and build rapport

Once you map and expand your network, it's important to reach out to your contacts and build rapport. Rapport is the feeling of trust, respect, and mutual understanding that you have with someone. To establish a good rapport, use the appropriate channel and tone when contacting your network. You should also customize your message and value proposition for each contact, providing context and evidence of who you are and what you can do. When asking for advice or feedback, be sure to express interest, enthusiasm, and gratitude for their help. Doing so can help you create a positive impression, establish credibility, and foster loyalty.

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Lindsey Ault-Authier

Employer Brand Leader @ SharkNinja | Speaker | Culture | Content Creation | HR Tech | Ex-Gartner | Ex PVH (Calvin Klein & Tommy Hilfiger)
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Ask for a virtual or in-person networking "coffee" meeting. Use the time as an informational interview to learn more about the people in your network and possible career avenues. If you ask, people are usually very open to sharing their career journeys. Come prepared with thoughtful questions, and make sure your approach is around asking for advice rather than a specific thing like a sale or job. If you and the person hit it off, they will naturally offer to help you.

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4 Step 4: Follow up and maintain the relationship

Reaching out to your network and building rapport is essential when trying to find senior roles. Afterward, you must follow up and maintain the relationship in order to stay on their radar, show appreciation, and strengthen the bond. To do this, send a thank-you note within 24 hours of contact, update them on your progress, offer or reciprocate help, and keep in touch regularly. This strategy can be powerful and rewarding as it can help access hidden opportunities, gain competitive advantages, and negotiate better benefits. However, it requires planning, effort, and patience. Identifying target roles and companies, mapping and expanding your network, reaching out and building rapport, and following up are all necessary steps to leverage your network for career advancement.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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CDC Barnishikha At ADA

Career Strategist | Job Search Consultant | Certified Resume Writer & Interview Coach | Networking Essentials Author | Academic Writing & Publishing Consultant | Portfolio & Presentation Expert | Topmate 1%
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Establish a robust online presence, especially on LinkedIn, with a comprehensive profile and engaging content. Network strategically with industry leaders, attend executive-level events, and seek mentorship. Demonstrate a profound understanding of industry trends and a proactive problem-solving approach. During interviews, emphasize your capacity to drive organizational growth, lead high-performing teams, and navigate complex challenges. Showcase your vision for the company, aligning it with organizational goals. Highlight soft skills like emotional intelligence and adaptability, crucial for effective collaboration and change management at the senior level. Continuously invest in professional development, learning industry advancements

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How can you use your network to find senior roles?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Step 1: Identify your target roles and companies

2 Step 2: Map your existing network and expand it

3 Step 3: Reach out to your network and build rapport

4 Step 4: Follow up and maintain the relationship

5 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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How can you use your network to find senior roles?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Step 1: Identify your target roles and companies

2 Step 2: Map your existing network and expand it

3 Step 3: Reach out to your network and build rapport

4 Step 4: Follow up and maintain the relationship

5 Here’s what else to consider

Job Search Strategies

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