If you need help with how to use Linkedin for networking, including the process of messaging companies from start to finish, this workshop and resources are for you!
We recommend you watch until the end!
Video workshop
Resources
Linkedin is a great place to start when it comes to growing your network
It is like facebook but networking with different companies and job opportunities instead of just your friends.
Remember it is free space to expand on your experience that you might highlight or not be able to fit into your GitHub.
You can tell people about meet-ups or content you are interested in
If nothing else it is a wonderful tool to find out more about other Makers and companies that they work for. You can use it to find companies that are hiring or for open opportunities through linkedin jobs or referral.
For more information have a look below to kickstart your linkedin profile.
Before you start have a look at these: blogs: https://www.themuse.com/advice/your-6step-plan-for-a-perfect-networking-call
https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-ask-to-pick-someones-brainwithout-being-annoying
Below is a basic call script that you might find helpful if you are planning to contact companies directly.
Before you call it is a great idea to...
1. Do your research on the company
2. Decide on what you want to get from the conversation
Great idea to go for a zoom call because it means that no one has to travel and therefore you take up less of their time.
A good question to ask yourself before the call is 'if I could only have the answer to one question what would I want to be answered by the conversation?'
3. Rehearse what you are going to say in advance and use notes to make sure that you get to the point quickly.
Example call script for asking about who to contact to ask about the hiring process and who to address the cover letter to.
Call to the company office reception if you can't find the hiring managers details….
Hi My name is x, I am calling regarding my interest in the position for software developer working as part of x team, I was wondering if it is possible to talk to either the lead dev or hiring manager about the interview process prior to sending my application?
If that is not possible then would it be possible for you to tell me who would be the best person to address my application to?...
If you are patched through to the desired person have your questions ready, along with demonstrating a clear passion for what the company do (usually found on the values page), and most importantly the role and the duties that are involved. (see research checklist on 'sites to start your job hunt).
Have a think about some questions that are not answered by the job description or the website and company blogs.
(There might not be a job description or role so it is still ok to make a speculative application)
Some examples of questions might be....
1.What do you enjoy about working for company x?
2.What wisdom would give to new starters at the companies based on your individual experience?
3.What key things are you looking for in candidates that are applying for the role advertised?
4.What does the interview and on-boarding process look like?
5.What do I need to be doing specifically to get hired by your company?
6. I noticed that you have hired makers in the past, what do you value in the skill set that they bring?
Have a CV or Github profile ready to go if they ask for your your CV and be prepared to talk about two of your projects.
Lastly regardless of if you were patched through or not it is really important to thank the person. You might say something along the lines of
‘I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to help with me, and enjoy the rest of your week, thank you’
‘Bye’
The next step if they choose to network with you is to make sure that the dialogue remains open. This can be crucial if you are making a speculative application and want them to keep you in the loop for future opportunities.
This is also applicable if you prefer to contact people via linkedin.
Calling them is more personal and memorable because it allows you to give an impression of what you are like to interact with as a person. (much more so than an email or CV ever would on their own). It is quicker than waiting for an email response.