How to Level up Your Job Search With Strategic Networking

Networking is a powerful tool in anyone’s career arsenal, but not all relationship-building strategies are created equal. I sat down with April Little , an executive career coach with a significant following on LinkedIn, on my Get Hired podcast earlier this year to discuss how you can level up your approach to networking. 

April's tips are important to learn and implement as we look ahead to later in the year, when many people ramp up their job searches. Taking the time now to recharge your professional network will help set you apart from competition and pave a clear path for a move months from now.

Here are some of April's top tips for leveling up your networking strategy:

Understand Networking vs. Strategic Networking

Basic networking typically involves shallow interactions while strategic networking is about building deep, value-driven relationships over time. “Networking is sharing your cue card,” April explains, “but strategic networking is about building non-transactional relationships that provide mutual value.”

Maintain Connections

Rather than waiting for a crisis like a layoff, strategic networking involves regular, meaningful interactions that keep connections warm, says April. It’s about reaching out with genuine interest, such as a quick check-in or a thoughtful comment on a recent achievement. This approach ensures your network is responsive when you most need support.

Create a Relationship Map

April recommends using a relationship map to visualize and strategize your connections based on your career goals. This map should include not just the people you look up to at work and elsewhere but also peers and those rising in your field. You need to recognize that influence and opportunities can come from any level within an organization. “You want to list some individuals, their level in the organization, and think about how often you should connect with them,” she adds.

Create a Check-In Schedule

Don't just make a commitment to maintain connections; make a schedule! For those on your relationship map at your level or just one step above, consider monthly catch-ups. For higher-level executives, think quarterly or bi-annually to respect their time while keeping the connection active. “If you’re thinking about reaching out to a CEO, you don’t ask for coffee every week, but a quarterly check-in might be appropriate,” she says.

Reach Out

When reaching out for a one-on-one, be clear about why you value the person, their work, and their possible connection. April suggests saying something like, “I’ve always admired your work, and I’d love to hear more about your experiences over coffee.” Be specific. Ensure to communicate the mutual benefits and be respectful of their time. Depending on the person, you may want to start with a quick 10-minute call or video conference.

Take a Non-Transactional Approach

It’s crucial to enter networking interactions without immediately expecting anything in return. “Build relationships without feeling like you’re doing this for a reward,” April says. Genuine interactions lead to stronger, more supportive connections that naturally evolve into career opportunities.

Utilize Active Engagements

Genuinely engage with your connections’ content on platforms like LinkedIn. Like, comment on, and share their posts to stay on their radar and demonstrate your interest in their work. This visibility makes it easier to approach them for more personal interactions later.

Start Now, Benefit Later

Strategic networking isn’t an overnight solution but a long-term investment in your career. Begin building and nurturing these relationships well before you anticipate needing them, allowing for genuine rapport and mutual respect to develop.

Lastly, it's important to be receptive to people reaching out to you to build professional relationships. A network typically works best when there are communications and opportunities flowing in all directions. Make sure you are an active connection in both directions of your network.

You can read a transcript of my conversation with April by clicking here. You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts by clicking here.

Job searches are difficult processes to endure. Yet, it's important to remain resilient and advocate for yourself. Heather Hansen , who is a former trial attorney and CEO of Advocate To Win, joined the latest episode of Get Hired with Andrew Seaman to offer advice for stepping up your self advocacy efforts during the job search process. Heather and I discuss tips for conveying your potential as a job applicant and building self-confidence during the job-search process.

A transcript of the conversation is available by clicking here. You can listen to the episode above or on Apple Podcasts by clicking here.

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