How To NFH (Network From Home)

Picture yourself a couple months ago. You had just started to think about your post-grad career plans and you were on top of your shit. Your resume was gorgeously formatted and LinkedIn was your go-to social media. But that was B.Q. (before quarantine). Now, you might feel like all things professional have come to a standstill.

Quarantine has royally screwed all of us career-wise. Whether you had a job offer that was rescinded or your dream company went on a hiring freeze, it feels like any advancements in your career are completely out of your control.

But have you thought about networking from home? You might not be able to meet recruiters for coffee right now, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways you can virtually chat with potential employers.

Here are a few ways to NFH and jumpstart your career in the middle of a pandemic:

1. Find Connections At Companies You're Interested In

It's all about who you know, but how do you get to know people without working there? LinkedIn's employee section is about to be your new best friend. Find a company you're interested in and search for current employees that are either in your desired department or that you share something in common with, and connect! A personal note about why you're connecting ("I'd love to learn more about...... I also went to ____ university") is a good way to show this person why you're reaching out and will make them more likely to answer.

2. Interact On Social Media

When you can't visit a company's HQ in real life, their social media is your next best bet to gain insight on company culture and their current work. Besides using social as a research tool, it can also be a way to engage with a company and get them to notice you. Commenting a meaningful takeaway from their posts or DMing valuable feedback will show them that you're paying attention while sparking a conversation.

3. Utilize The Cold Call (Or Email)

It's not always easy to find email addresses for someone at your desired company. However, if you do find a way to directly contact an employee, do it. As long as you're respectful and don't ask for too much, there's no harm in sending a brief message about why you're reaching out. It's also helpful to add a quick question to give them more of a reason to respond.

4. Research Webinars or Live Panels

Many companies have wasted no time going virtual and are using quarantine as an excuse to create online experiences that they may not have if it weren't for a global pandemic. Industry leaders have been holding live panels and webinars that range from general beginner’s knowledge to more specialized topics. Either way, these webinars are often an opportunity to network with other professionals viewing the talks and even the industry leaders giving them. Some of these programs have limited admission, so make sure to secure your spot in them while you still can!

5. Don’t Be Afraid To Be Bold

You’re not going to get a job by hoping someone notices you first or happens upon your resume. It’s up to you to make yourself seen. Companies want to hire self-starters that take initiative by reaching out first and having the confidence to ask for a chat. Just remember to be respectful when asking someone for their time. While industry leaders may now have more time to talk to young professionals than they normally would, that doesn’t mean that their time is suddenly less valuable. Be bold, but be gracious.

These tips are just a few ways that you can take advantage of quarantine and get back to driving your career forward. It might not be the ideal situation, but it is possible to make meaningful connections and grow your professional network from home.

We’d love to hear if you use these tips and have success with them! Message us on Instagram @twofoldblog with your NFH stories!