Networking During the Coronavirus Outbreak: A Q&A with Prepped and Kelly Hoey

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has disrupted the job market in a way we wouldn’t have thought possible, but that doesn’t mean we can’t alter our behaviour and adhere to the new normal. The Prepped team empathizes with the uncertainty job seekers are feeling right now. And while we can’t predict how long this will last, or what the full impact on the job market and economy will be, we can help you navigate the space.

In this networking webinar, Prepped partnered with friend and professional networking expert, Kelly Hoey, to help navigate your questions about how to approach networking during the coronavirus outbreak. Kelly is the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World. Kelly educates job seekers on her modern approach to networking, and how to connect for success in the social media age. Here are some highlights of the webinar we covered to help you tackle some of these new networking challenges that have arisen in today’s environment so that you can continue your job search during the coronavirus outbreak:

Introduce yourself to a new industry virtually

Determine where the industry is gathering. Things like meetups or industry organizations and committees are a great place to start. In most cases, these gatherings are shifting to online platforms to keep the connection going. Being an active member means showing up, even if it’s online. Start networking before you join so you can easily connect with active members.

‍Make a lasting impression over the phone

It’s important to enter a phone call with purpose. Know the questions you want to ask and do your research to ensure the answers are not something you could easily find online. Respecting the other person’s time will make all the difference in the impression you make, but what you do after the call matters more. Don’t forget to follow up after and thank them for taking the time to connect with you. And if they’ve suggested courses of action for your career, be sure to email them at a later date to update them on your progress.

‍What jobs to apply for

Keeping an open mind is essential to securing a job in the current landscape. Expanding the types of roles, industries, and companies you are interested in applying for will help you find opportunities that fit your specific skills. If it’s not the ideal fit for you, think about how the role can help you get to the perfect spot eventually. Being proactive by expanding your options as much as possible will ease stress and allow you to possibly grow your career in a new direction. There’s also a lot to be said for simply helping out industries currently in need of people.

‍Stay motivated

This is an ideal time to learn new skills. There are discounted and free options available online to help you stay up to speed and full of fresh knowledge. It’s also a great time to be sharing information with your network, friends or former colleagues who may also be experiencing the difficulties of the job market right now.The bottom line is to focus on the things you can control versus what you can’t.

‍Looking for more webinars and resources on networking? Watch our first webinar with Kelly Hoey on how to network like a pro.