Summary
Highlights
The Hidden Job Market00:00:13
Up to 80% of jobs are filled through referrals and word-of-mouth. To access this 'underground job market,' start having weekly coffee chats with people at companies you want to work for.
Initiating Coffee Chats00:01:18
Connect with people through family, friends, professors, or LinkedIn. Focus the conversation on them, asking about their career journey and challenges. Prepare 3-5 specific questions.
The Call to Action00:02:50
At the end of the call, express gratitude and ask to stay in touch. If the conversation was valuable, ask for introductions to others in their network. Follow up with a thank-you email and a suggestion to schedule another call in a month or so.
The Keep-Warm Strategy00:03:55
Maintain contact with your network by connecting on LinkedIn and sending occasional messages. Stay updated on job postings at their companies and reach out when you see a relevant role. Leverage your connections to learn more about the role.
Networking Events00:05:07
Attend industry networking events instead of job fairs to build casual relationships. Focus on creating allies and friends, not just corporate connections to play the long game.