Networking gets a bad rap, which I totally understand. Until a couple of years ago, I thought it was reserved for those annoying people who bust out business cards at parties or message you on Facebook with “get rich quick” schemes. No, I don’t want to buy your skinny tea, Suzie.
Turns out, any time you interact with or learn from someone new, you’re networking — and research suggests the majority of jobs are found this way. Simply put, you can narrow down your search and secure interviews much faster by actually reaching out to people (yes, including strangers… or, as I prefer to think of them, friends you just haven’t made yet!). Today, I’m going to lay out some reasons (ahem, excuses) why most people don’t network and then show you why you should try it anyway 🙂
Excuse #1: I don’t know who to talk to.
Start by making a list of people you already know who might be able to offer valuable insights, especially:
- Former teachers in any role outside of the classroom
- People who work at a company that interests you, even if you’re not sure about their role
- People who work in a role that interests you, even if it’s not in EdTech
Then, brainstorm who you would want to learn from if you had a magic wand. For example, wouldn’t it be cool to talk to the founder of your favorite EdTech company to find out what motivated them to build such an awesome product? Wouldn’t you love the chance to chat with a recruiter to learn what they look for when hiring former teachers?
When it comes to people closer to your own experience level, it helps to get specific about about the role you’re looking for (or want more information about) with concrete descriptors like “former teacher with a Sales job” or “Curriculum Designer at Newsela.”
Excuse #2: Okay, but how do I actually find those people?
You actually sort of do have a magic wand, and it’s LinkedIn!
- Yesterday, I showed you how to create your LinkedIn profile and use your highlight reel to craft a compelling bio and summary. Although you technically can network with an incomplete profile, people will probably visit your page before agreeing to chat with you so it helps to leave a positive impression.
- Join trusted Groups on LinkedIn to find like-minded people and build authentic connections. There are many types of groups that can help, for example…
- Groups that specifically discuss the transition out of the classroom, like Teaching: A Path to L&D and Teaching to Training. (Those two are not specific to EdTech.)
- Groups that discuss the EdTech industry, like EdTech Startups or EdTech Specialists. Joining these can help you discover new companies and roles that interest you.
- Groups that bring together a certain type of professional, like Customer Success or Customer Support. These spaces can expose you to the jargon and tools that matter in particular fields; this comes in handy when reviewing job descriptions or confidently answering interview questions.
- When you join a group, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and jump into the conversation with likes and comments! LinkedIn is a bit different than other social media platforms in that users are actually encouraged to connect with total strangers over shared professional interests. Say hello, share your enthusiasm, or ask a question.
- Groups that specifically discuss the transition out of the classroom, like Teaching: A Path to L&D and Teaching to Training. (Those two are not specific to EdTech.)
- You can and should use the LinkedIn search feature to find specific individuals or filter down to people with relevant roles. For example, if you are interested in Customer Success, you could search for Customer Success Managers (usually a step above entry-level) at EdTech companies that intrigue you.
- Once you find people, you’re going to have to — I know, I know — reach out to them directly even though they have no idea who you are. Which brings me to…
Excuse #3: Won’t they think I’m crazy if I just message them?
Think about how you’d feel if a new teacher messaged you for advice about navigating the first year. Even if you didn’t know them, you’d probably love the chance to chat — after all, attention is flattering, and it’s honestly fun to share your hard-won wisdom with others! Similarly, you’ll find that tons of people will be eager to provide support (as long as you make it easy for them).
It helps to be clear, complimentary, and concise. Check out this comprehensive article by career coach Rebecca Beaton for cold email templates to ensure your request will be received positively and tips to make the most out of the connection you build.
Finally, accept that lots of people won’t answer you. That’s okay. It doesn’t mean they hate you, or that you’re creepy — just stay persistent (not by messaging the same people several times in a row because that actually is creepy, but by messaging more people if the first few don’t bite).
Excuse #4: I don’t know what to ask them.
Once someone does agree to meet with you, there’s the panic: What do you even say? Try not to think of these as interviews; they’re just conversations with people who have something new to teach you! And because your goal is to learn, it’s okay (encouraged, in fact) to listen more than you talk.
Anything you’re curious about is fair game here, but remember to keep the chat short (20-30 minutes tops to respect their time). This means you’ll have to do your research in advance and choose the questions you think will be most impactful based on your needs and their experience.
If you’re talking to a former teacher, you can learn about the transition out of the classroom with questions like:
- What initially motivated you to leave the classroom?
- How did you find your first job out of the classroom? How did you end up in the role you’re in today?
- What surprised you most about life outside of teaching?
- What’s your best advice for someone who is considering leaving the classroom?
- What parts of teaching transferred easily into your new role? What parts didn’t?
- What do you wish someone had told you to make your job search easier?
- Do you see yourself returning to the classroom at any point? Why or why not?
If you’re talking to someone with a role you’re interested in (or not sure about), you can ask questions like:
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- What frustrates you most about your job right now? What excites you?
- What “soft skills” do you need in order to be successful in your job? What “hard skills” do you need?
- Can you think of a moment that made you feel proud to be in your role?
- (If a manager) What are you generally looking for in people you hire? What kinds of people are not good fits for the role?
- (If a manager) What “red flags” and “green flags” do you look for when reviewing job applications for entry-level positions?
If you’re talking to someone at your dream company, you can learn what it’s actually like to work there with questions like:
- What’s your favorite part about working at your company? If you could change one thing about your company, what would it be?
- How would you describe the company culture? (e.g. Do you hang out with your coworkers outside of work? How do different teams work together?What is work/life balance like in your role? What hours do you typically work?)
- How do you feel about the size of your company? Does it present any challenges or opportunities?
- What’s the company’s policy toward remote work? How have they handled Covid-19 closures, and how do you expect that to change?
Remember to take notes during the conversation and send a short thank-you note for their time!