Networking Your Way to a Remote Job Interview
Let’s say that you’ve found the ideal remote company for you and now you want to secure an interview at that company... what should you do?
In this post, I’ll talk about ways to use networking to land a remote job.
1. Target The Right People
It’s important to be targeted in your job search. It’s incredibly easy to waste time with the wrong activities and bark up the wrong trees, only to get covered in sap.
Not only do you need to be targeted with the companies and roles you choose to pursue, but you need to be targeted with whom you network online. The amazing part of online networking is that you can easily pre-qualify how you spend your time and network at scale.
This contrasts with traditional networking, where you may find yourself in a large auditorium at a conference with dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people. You end up walking around the room playing a guessing game of who's relevant to speak to, have a few awkward conversations, and go home frustrated.
Three Types of People to Target
People who do what you want to do: They already have the role or work on the team or within the company you're interested in. Those who can help guide you through informational interviews, connection points, and sponsorship internally.
People who want you to do it for them: They are a decision-maker or stakeholder in you getting hired, and by getting the job, you'd be making their life easier. They could be hiring managers, recruiters, or people that directly have influence.
Indirect mentors: Those who may be able to educate or influence from a different industry, type of role, or company. These are people who can help provide guidance in your journey and potentially even connections.
Starting with these archetypes in mind, you can start to build out a list of these people at your target companies and in your current network.
2. Create Digital Proximity with the 3 C's
Now, how do we actually start the process of engaging?
The internet (and LinkedIn specifically) is an amazing place to execute the phenomenon of digital networking and a whole new, targeted strategy to build "digital proximity." This is just to say, the "closeness," you have to someone digitally.
Your ability to create internet friends is the new superpower that will get you everything you want in your life, including a remote job.
I like to think of the LinkedIn connections as a good analogy: you have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd connections. However, the real test is, can you utilize that proximity to get the help you need in your job search?
I find, the best way to create digital proximity to these people is through the 3 C's:
Current Network
Start networking consistently with people in your current network who may be able to get you connected to people in those companies, or give you perspective on working remotely, or are already working in that position, etc. Look at the company's LinkedIn page and you'll be able to see "connections that work here" or even segment by your university, city lived in, or other filters to see if anyone already close to you would be great to reach out to.
Communities
Start expanding your network to other relevant communities where people in this company already spend time. Find out where they host virtual events or get people together. Become a customer of the organization if you can. One of my favorite communities on LinkedIn is The Remote Workers on LinkedIn group. You can search through these specific groups to find people to engage with. You can also find other groups that are more specific to your niche, on different websites, and even in person. The possibilities are endless.
Content
Start expanding your network by engaging with targeted content by searching with hashtags, blogs, social media, and even filtering... pretty much wherever the company and specific, targeted people at the company post things online - you should be there, commenting, and engaging. The goal is to find people you can connect with at each company, go through them one by one and start with the most "warm" connection you have first. Now you know about the 3 C’s! It’s simple and effective, but requires you to go out there and execute.
3. Provide Value to Your Network
Along with providing you the mobility to switch into various roles in the future, the goal of networking with people working at companies you want to get hired at NOW is to:
Identify and build relationships with stakeholders of your success
Show them you're better than competent, creative, and persistent
Position yourself as the only option in the company's mind for a role they’re hiring
In order to achieve these things, it’s imperative to be perceived as valuable. However, most people don’t know what their value is, let alone how to articulate it in everyday interactions to be of assistance to their network. That's where the 3 I's come in.
Instead of focusing on just what to say, it’s helpful to understand social dynamics, leverage, and how value exchange works with humans. When you start connecting to various people it’s important to remember the value you bring to these conversations and relationships. Consider how going the extra mile to be creative in your approach can really impact how people perceive you.
In each and every interaction of your existence, you can use these “3 I’s” as a guide for rapport building and deepening relationships:
Ideas
What ideas of your own, or perspective do you carry that could be helpful? This could be about new product features, updates they’ve posted about, or a variety of topics you can personally relate to. By providing ideas you have the opportunity to highlight your expertise.
Information
What information can you pass along that’s actually valuable? Is there some type of industry article or book you’ve read that speaks to a topic that someone cares about? How can you leverage information they might not have access to in order to help?
Introductions
Who do you know that could potentially provide this person value? Be the “connector,” in the middle of your circles if you can. Always look for opportunities to introduce people to each other who can mutually benefit. When doing so, it’s best to get a double opt-in, first.
Yes, the “3 I’s” require effort, but that’s what real relationships are, effort. There are no shortcuts in this. If you’re playing the long game, and care about your legacy and fulfillment in what you do, implementing these will come really natural over time with practice.
4. Know What To Offer
I get it, it's not always easy to know what to offer. And, some of us are more senior than others, some of us have bigger networks or more experience. Even if something doesn't stand out right away, some simple research and practice giving value to others will go a long way in making it more natural.
Here are a few suggestions:
Look at their content and activity on LinkedIn
See where they went school and what organizations they’re involved with
See what groups they are a part of and what interests or hobbies they care about
Search their name on Google and see if they post in other places or have a website
Now, I'm not suggesting you stalk anyone. Don't do that. What I am suggesting is being a bit more thoughtful in how you approach people. By knowing something about them before reaching out, you can improve your messaging.
Some companies even offer referral bonuses to employees when they refer candidates. It's not something I recommend leading a conversation with unless they offer, but I want you to realize that someone might actually be incentivized to pass your name along. By building a real connection with them by providing value, they might even offer it themselves.
I've had clients who've had no more than a two or three day back and forth on LinkedIn messages with someone they just met who ultimately referred them to interview at their company. You'd be surprised how many people will help just by you being genuine.
When in doubt, keep it simple. Liking and commenting on someone’s post is valuable. Think of the lowest hanging fruit as opposed to always defaulting to grand gestures.
If you’re looking for a remote job and feel discouraged or lost, it’s time for a new strategy.
I content, courses, and coaching programs to help job seekers land legitimate remote jobs for more freedom and flexibility in their lives. I’ve helped thousands of high-performing remote job seekers throughout the world learn a proven system that can give you the tools you need to succeed. If you’re struggling with your remote job search, I got you fam.
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