Networking Strategies—Unlocking the Hidden Job Market
- amy Leighton
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
If you’re interested in working in Washington D.C., you probably know if can be a very competitive market. A lot of finding a job in D.C. is going to be about “who you know.” The connections you make are critical in finding you dream job (or just your next job.) If you’re going to master networking in D.C., you need to have a strategy. Here are a few things to think about.
Building and leveraging your network. In today’s job market, there are opportunities to build and leverage your network both online and in-person. Look for a happy hour networking event that D.C. is known for. Attend events, briefings, and conferences to open up the pool of people you can meet and talk to. Don’t forget you can actually network with the people you run into every day, like those in your own office. You’re bound to locate online opportunities to network too, such as through you professional contacts on LinkedIn.
Finding unadvertised jobs. One of the biggest advantages to networking with contacts in D.C. is stumbling upon unadvertised jobs. In fact, you may run into someone at a networking event or in passing and they become interested in you merely through your conversation. Your networking partner may be on the verge of placing a job opening or have just started thinking about needing someone for a position. It’s even possible they may be so enthralled by you under the right circumstances that they create a job for you that doesn’t yet exist.
Use informational interviews to stand out. You’ve hit the jackpot in D.C. when someone agrees to do an informational interview with you. This type of interaction is for you to gather more information about D.C., a specific position or department, or just to add this person to your networking sphere. Even though it’s called an “interview,” it’s not for a job. It’s simply to connect. However, you can use this opportunity to stand out. Pay attention to how you dress. Come prepared with stories about your work history and passion for D.C. Be ready for any possible opportunities you may hear about.
There is the logistical side of networking that involves finding the places to network and then there are the soft skills necessary to make the connections happen. So on top of using these strategies to narrow down how you will find networking contacts, also think about working on your listening skills and being about to deliver your elevator pitch. Also look for ways you can give back to the people you’re networking with. Don’t just make it all about your needs, but look for ways to help them too.
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