[Get Hired in UX Guide] Step 6. Provide Value First.
Use networking and build relationships with employees in your desired company to get your foot in the door and get referred for a position 🤝
Build Quality Relationships
1. Find Key People in the Company
The first step to building relationships in your desired company is to identify key people. Look for people in the department you want to work in, the hiring manager, or other employees who can offer insight and information about the company culture and hiring process.
💡Tip: LinkedIn is a great resource. It'll be easier to start with the employees who are active on social media or professional groups.
2. Reach Out and Build Genuine Relationships
Once you have identified key people in the company, the next step is to reach out and build genuine relationships. This means starting a conversation with them that is not solely focused on getting a job, but instead on getting to know them, their work, and their interests. Comment on their posts, re-share, like, etc. Show interest in what they write about.
Obviously, if they are silent online, you won't be able to comment on their posts =) In this case, try the next step.
💡Tip: Write something meaningful, ask clarifying questions, and share your personal experience or observation related to that post. Do not post useless mass-produced messages like "Absolutely", "+1", etc.
3. Ask For an Informational Interview
Once you have built a relationship with your contacts, request an informational interview. This is a chance for you to learn more about their company, their role, and the industry. Be prepared with a list of questions and do your research beforehand. Reach out to them with a personalized message and express your interest in learning more about their company and their role.
💡Tip: Do not rush this ask, make sure they have seen you commenting on their posts, and ideally they'd replied or liked your comments.
4. Follow-Up
After your informational interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note or email. Show your appreciation for their time and insights. Keep in touch with your contacts and continue to build relationships with them. Offer to help them in any way you can and stay top-of-mind in case a job opportunity arises.
This is the time to demonstrate your value. The Project that you created in the previous step should fit right in here. Obviously, be careful to not sound very critical of the current state, as the person might have been involved in the product you suggest some improvements for. Position this more as opportunities you identified. Attach the Proposal or Project Plan doc to the email.
💡Tip: Consider publishing the "case study" in public and send the link to it instead. This approach can also attract attention online and can increase your chances of being seen.
Bonus: Attend Networking Events
One of the best ways to connect with other folks in the industry - in-person. I know it's not an option for many people, but I recommend trying to. My best relationships were built over drinks in person 🤣
Remember, networking takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent, and focus on building genuine relationships with people. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and connect with new people. The more people you know, the greater your chances of finding job opportunities and getting referred for positions.
Action items
Choose a company and identify 5 key people.
Comment on 2-3 posts per person.
Additional resources
How to Network | Tim Ferriss (Youtube)
The Key to Successfully Networking Your Way Into Your Dream Job (Youtube)
How To Get a Job Anywhere Without Applying Online (Cultivated Culture)
PS you can find my list of curated resources about UX career, including tips on job search, resume, portfolio, interviewing tips, and a lot more topics in my UX Career Resources Library.