Building a Networking Plan During Job Search

After 15 years placing thousands of candidates, I'll tell you the surprising truth: Most people focus only on the visible parts of their job search: their LinkedIn profile, cover letters, and applications. While these matter, they're not the whole story. The real winning strategy? It's simpler than you think, and it complements your polished materials. Here are the 3 strategies that create real results: 1. Build three distinct networks ▷Recruiters (they have inside access) ▷Peers (they share real experiences) ▷Leaders (they make hiring decisions) Each serves a different purpose. Each opens different doors. 2. Focus on human connections. Instead of mass applying, tell 5 trusted contacts exactly: ▷What you want to do ▷What you're good at ▷Where you want to work They'll open doors you didn't know existed. 3. Create a repeatable process ▷Track your applications ▷Schedule weekly networking ▷Set clear follow-up dates The job search isn't about motivation. It's about methodology. Here's the truth: Finding your next role isn't about having the perfect resume or cover letter. It's about having a strategic process that focuses your energy where it matters most. I've watched it work from behind the recruiter's desk thousands of times. Candidates who use this approach: ▷Get 3x more interviews ▷Land offers in half the time ▷Build lasting career relationships ⭐Follow me for more insider recruiting tips that actually work. What's your biggest job search challenge?

The best piece of advice I was given about networking: Don't give people your resume. Do this instead! When I was 38, a former colleague gave me an unforgettable piece of advice. I was starting to look for a new job after being laid off. I'd been running myself ragged trying to meet people who could help me. But, like most beginners, I was making a lot of mistakes: • Applying online for jobs and never hearing back • Going to useless networking events, and • Cold calling the wrong people, Until one day, my colleague said to me: "𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖 𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩." That day, my whole approach to networking changed. A Target Company List (TCL) is a list of companies you are interested in learning more about. These are companies where you might want to work. It’s: • A physical, formal list. It doesn’t live “in your head” • Formatted like a resume. You could hand it to someone. • Not laminated. You can make adds and changes to it as you get feedback You create this list by thinking of the type of companies where you want to work. Ask yourself: • Which industry do I want to be in? • What size company do I want to work at? • Which companies have values that align with mine? • Which companies have job postings I’ve applied to? • Which companies are on “Best Places To Work For” lists? Once you create your professionally formatted list, you start giving it to people during networking meetings. Either hand them a physical, paper copy or send it via email. When I got this advice from my colleague, I didn’t understand why the TCL would work, but as I used it over the years, I’ve come to understand why it’s an effective networking tool. When you're in a networking conversation and the other person says, “How can I help you,” most people give them their resume. This makes you hard to help. Who should the person give your resume to? On the other hand, if you give them your TCL and ask, “Do you know anyone who works at one of these companies,” it’s easy for them to say “Yes” or “No.” If they say “Yes,” they can introduce you to the person via email. Now, you know someone at one of your target companies. If they say “No,” you can ask if there are other companies like the ones on the list where they know someone. If they do, you get and introduction at a company you have never considered. If they still don’t know anyone or any companies, let them take the list home. There’s a good chance they’ll think of someone later. The TCL forces you to get specific about how other people can help you. The more specific you are about how someone can help you, the more likely you are to get help. P.S. - This weekend, I'm sharing another tip on Being Easy To Help in 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧. This is my weekly newsletter where I teach you to be a better networker. Not a subscriber? Sign up for FREE when you hit the link under my headline at the top of the post ☝️

Dear May 2025 Grads especially international students, Graduated now.. Excited? Nervous? Wondering how to land a job in the U.S. as visa deadlines loom? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let’s talk real job search strategy. Here are some out-of-the-box networking + time management tips that worked for me and many others because the "just apply online" route? It’s not enough anymore. Networking tip #1: Become a connector, not a collector Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections. Engage. After every virtual or in-person event, send a thoughtful message: “Hey [Name], I loved your take on [topic]. Would love to stay in touch and learn from your journey.” Then follow their content, leave a meaningful comment weekly. Not just "Great post"—say why it resonated. Real Example? I did this with a speaker from a conference. A week later, they referred me to a role I didn’t know existed. Networking tip #2: DM like a human Cold messaging can work if it’s warm in tone. No one likes “Hi, can you refer me?”. Try this: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad, exploring roles in [your field]. Your path at [Company] is inspiring! What advice would you give someone starting out?” You’re not asking for a job— You’re building trust. Jobs often follow. Networking tip #3: Start your own thing No industry events? Create one. Host a 20-minute Zoom chat with peers and invite 1 professional. Call it “Something Creative.” Record it, post snippets on LinkedIn. Now you’re no longer chasing people— They come to you. Time Tip #1: Pick 3 buckets daily Job search feels endless—so make it finite. Every day, pick only 3 things: 10 application 10 follow-up 1-2 learning or networking action Then rest. Your brain needs consistent progress, not burnout. Time Tip #2: Theme your week Mon: Research companies Tue: Tailor resume + apply Wed: Networking messages Thu: Interview prep Fri: Personal branding Sat: Review progress Sun: Rest or reflect Theme = clarity. Clarity = momentum. Bonus Tip: Show your work in public Share your job search journey online. Post about projects, learnings, even rejections. One classmate posted his weekly job goals + learnings. He got a DM from a hiring manager who was watching silently. You never know who’s watching. International students—this road is hard, but it’s not impossible. You just need to play it smart, support each other, and show up consistently. If you’re on this journey, You’ve got this. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #Networking #TimeManagement #F1VisaJobs #OPT #CPT #CareerGrowth #LevelUp

47 recruiter ghosts, 0 responses, 1 twelve-step messaging system that changed everything. As an introvert, I've never really enjoyed networking. It took me years to become good at it. 4 years ago, I was the guy sending "Would love to connect" messages into the void. Senior data scientists? Ignored. Hiring managers? Read but no response. Even junior engineers were ghosting me. I almost quit. Felt completely alone. The voice inside me told me: "No one cares about you" or "You're not good enough." But then I had a realization:  𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲. So I flipped the script. Built a system. Treated it like engineering. Here's the 12-step framework that changed everything for me:  1. 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 > 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 - Target 5-10 people who can actually move your career  2. 𝗗𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 "𝗠𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁" - Leading with asks kills trust instantly. Lead with value.  3. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗿 - You can't withdraw if you haven't deposited  4. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 - Celebrate their wins, share valuable resources, connect them with someone  5. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 - Find connection clues in their content  6. 𝟭𝟬 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 - List 10 ways to add value (the good ideas come after the envious points)  7. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 - Rank by success likelihood and execution ease  8. 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗹𝘆 - Try the 1st outreach idea, try the 2nd, then the 3rd. Many relationships start on the 3rd touchpoint.  9. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 - Keep showing up without asking for anything 10. 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 - Great networking is about alignment, not charm. Find ways where both of you benefit. 11. 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 - Your network is a living asset 12. 𝗕𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 - Show your work so you're top-of-mind I’ve used this system to grow a network that’s led to projects, collaborations, and opportunities I couldn’t have cold-applied into. (Oh, and got 90+ interviews in 90 days. Yes, really.) People who used to ignore my messages started reaching out to ME. That's the power of systematic networking. Your resume gets you past HR. Your network gets you the job. Stop begging for coffee chats. Start building relationships that build careers. If you’re stuck sending resumes into a void, networking isn’t just an option; it’s the only option. Follow me, Jaret André to land your next dream $100K+ data job ASAP. PS. If you're struggling with networking to get your job in the US or Canada, DM me. PPS. I'm happy to help, but please keep in mind that I can only accept 3 more clients this month.

Here’s exactly how I’d approach a recruiter at Google, Meta, or Amazon on LinkedIn (if I were job hunting today) LinkedIn is still the best place to connect with recruiters — but most people either overshare or ghost after connecting. No, you don’t need a 500-word pitch. No, you don’t have to wait for a job to open. Here’s a 4-step roadmap I recommend to job seekers in the U.S. (especially immigrants): Step 1: Find the right recruiter Search for: Meta recruiter or Talent acquisition at Google. Then filter: → By location (target U.S. cities you're applying in) → By department (e.g. "technical recruiter" for SWE roles) Step 2: Send a short, specific connection request Keep it human. No essay. Example: “Hi [Name], I noticed you focus on [backend/data/scaled hiring] at Amazon. I’d love to connect and follow your updates as I explore roles in that space.” Avoid: - I need job. - Generic “Hi, I want to work at your company.” Step 3: Follow up after they accept (2–3 days later) This is your chance to be clear and polite. Example: “Hi [Name], thanks for connecting! I’m really interested in the [job title] role at [Company] and have attached my resume for reference. Would love any tips on applying or learning more about the role.” You’re not begging. You’re being prepared and respectful. Step 4: Build visibility, not just messages Recruiters respond better when you stay visible. → Comment on their posts → Share 1–2 updates about your job search or projects → Stay top of mind without being spammy Timeline recap: Day 1: Connection request Day 3: Follow-up message with resume Week 2+: Stay visible, share progress or comment on relevant content Not every recruiter will respond — and that’s okay. But this approach gets you 10x better results than “Hi sir, job please.” Share this with a job seeker you know. P.S. Follow me if you’re an Indian job seeker in the U.S. trying to land yiyr dream job. I share job search strategies that actually work.

Everyone says, “Network your way into a job.” But no one tells you how to make your message actually stand out. I used to send generic cold messages that got zero replies. Then I started attaching specific questions or insights about the company or role. That’s when conversations started. Here’s how to network well: - Don’t ask for a referral in your first message. Start a conversation. - Mention a specific project or product the person worked on that excites you. - Ask one thoughtful question, not “Can I pick your brain?” - Keep it under 3 sentences. Respect their time. Here’s are a few templates you can use: - Hello! I applied to a SWE internship at Meta and had a few questions about the work culture. Would you be open to connecting? I appreciate your time! - Your work in [field/area of expertise] is truly remarkable. As an aspiring [role], I'd greatly appreciate the chance to connect and gain invaluable guidance from your journey. - I'm captivated by your unique approach to [specific aspect of their work]. Could we connect? I'd love to learn more and potentially explore opportunities for collaboration. - Hello! I read the research paper you published on XYZ topic. As a master’s student, I’m interested in pursuing research in similar fields, I’d be thrilled if you could connect! - I'm fascinated by your work on [specific project/initiative]. As an aspiring [role] in [field], I'd love to connect and learn from your expertise. Would you be open to a brief chat? - Your recent [article/interview/presentation] on [topic] resonated deeply with me. I'm keen to explore [related area of interest] and would appreciate the opportunity to connect. Your message should be short, specific, and easy to reply to. Most people just say, “Hi, can you refer me?” Be better than most people. #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #30DaysOfCareerGrowth Day 6 of #30DaysOfCareerGrowth

“You have to network in the U.S.” My ears used to bleed every time I heard this. When I moved to the U.S., everyone kept repeating it: “Build relationships.” “Get referrals.” “It’s all about networking.” But no one ever explained how to do it. So I figured it out myself. — I started with my professors. They’re always willing to help, and they have incredible alumni networks — students who now work at top companies. Most people just don’t ask. — Then I used LinkedIn — properly. And that’s how I landed my role at Microsoft. Here’s what I learned: *Don’t start with recruiters.* They’re overwhelmed with resumes screenings, cold messages, and coordination tasks. Your message may never be seen or prioritized. Instead, reach out to people who: - Are already in your target role - Work as managers or above - Have been at the company longer - Are often involved in hiring decisions - Know the team, culture, and expectations These are the people who can offer real insight — and real support. In my case, the person I built a relationship with at Microsoft: - Referred me internally - Reached out to the Hiring Manager - Ended up being on my interview panel That changed everything. If you’re job searching: - Be intentional with your outreach - Ask meaningful, curious questions - Don’t lead with “Please refer me” — build trust first When the relationship builds, they’ll ask for your resume! P.S. I help international students and professionals land internships and full-time jobs in the U.S. Follow me for practical tips on #networking #resumes #interviews #careerstrategy. #ThatIndianCoach – From where you are, to where you want to be!