It's difficult to plan a career right now.
Many employees are struggling with return-to-office mandates as layoffs are sweeping tech and other industries
It's useful to start networking when your professional future isn't certain. Blair Heitmann, an in-house career expert at LinkedIn, said that your network is your most important asset in your career. Heitmann said that when you need a favor, you won't have to look for help.
Before you start reaching out to others, it's important to make sure that your own profile is ready to impress, with a custom URL, photo, headline, and profile summary.
Heitmann shared a template that was easy to use. You will want to be transparent about how the person can help you.
Heitmann wrote a script.
Dearcipient's name.
I wish this note would find you. Do you know how you are? Tell a story about how you know each other.
I hope you have some time to chat over the next few weeks, as I'm thinking about my next career move. I would love to hear from you about your experience working in the industry and in the company that you work for.
I know how busy you are and would appreciate just a few minutes of your time whenever it's convenient for you.
I will be happy to hear from you after you consider.
It's the best.
Your name, it's yours.
Drew McCaskill said that you can expand your network by using this time. You might be able to connect with people you know. McCaskill said that these are the people who can speak to your work ethic. Your professional journey can be impacted by every connection. McCaskill said, "Networking is a two way street!"
If you've been working with a headhunter, Kim Hoffman, a talent acquisition director at Intuit, shared with Business Insider some guidelines for following up with recruiters about job offers during a recession. Job candidates should explain that they're checking in to see if there's anything else the recruiter needs from them, since the timelines may have changed.
People like being asked for help. According to research, it makes them feel like they're on your side and that you're smart. The author of "Fired: Why Losing Your Job Is The Best Thing That Can Happen To You" was able to land a series of networking meetings by including the same sentence in every message.
It's always a good idea to ask for help.
The original version of this post was published in May 2020.
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