If you’re like a lot of the early-career professionals I meet, you’ve probably fallen into the same trap: spending all your time firing off job applications, hoping and praying something sticks.
We’ve all heard the stories.
“I sent off 100 applications this month and only heard back from five people.”
Most of us have been there. And look, don’t get me wrong, applying is important. But let’s be real. The real game-changer is connecting. You need someone on the inside.
The magic happens when you get outside that online black hole and actually engage with people, whether it’s a LinkedIn connection you’ve had for a while or a new professional you just met. It can even be your mom and dad’s friends. Start with people you know tangentially, or people you’ve known for years but just haven’t connected with in a while.
Once you do sit across the table from them, latte in hand, it’s not about a hard sell. Forget that. It’s about a real, human conversation. Ask them about their journey. What excites them? Where do they see opportunity in their field?
Come ready with thoughtful, open-ended questions. People love to talk about themselves.
When you focus on that genuine connection, you’ll be top of mind when the right opportunity pops up. And it will.
I promise you this…If you carve out time to connect, you’ll stand out in a way that a generic résumé blast never will.
I once heard a quote that captures this perfectly:
“It’s not the grades you make, but the hands you shake.”
Truth.
