Empowering Job Seekers Through Effective Networking Strategies
Intervention Brief​
Overview
Networking is frequently hailed as a critical job search strategy, yet many job seekers struggle with it due to discomfort or a lack of knowledge about how to network effectively. Recognizing this gap, Dr. Connie Wanberg (University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management) and colleagues developed the BRIO (Building Relationships and Improving Opportunities) intervention. BRIO is designed to improve job seekers’ networking intensity, self-efficacy, and immediate networking benefits, with the ultimate goal of enhancing reemployment outcomes.
The BRIO Intervention
BRIO leverages social cognitive theory to increase job seekers’ confidence in networking, helping them proactively engage in networking activities. It incorporates skill-building activities, self-regulation techniques, and goal-setting strategies to improve both the quality and quantity of networking interactions.
The program includes several modules that guide job seekers through the process of evaluating their current networking skills, dispelling misconceptions, crafting elevator pitches, and identifying new contacts. This structured approach helps participants build confidence and achieve more immediate benefits from networking, such as referrals, advice, and problem reformulation.
Key Findings
In a field experiment involving 491 unemployed job seekers, the BRIO intervention demonstrated significant improvements in three critical areas:
- Networking Intensity: Participants increased their networking efforts by reaching out to both primary and secondary contacts.
- Networking Self-Efficacy: The intervention enhanced participants’ confidence in their ability to engage in meaningful networking activities.
- Proximal Networking Benefits: Job seekers saw immediate value from networking, such as receiving referrals and gaining new perspectives on their job search strategies.
Using This in Practice
Practical Approaches to Encourage Networking
For organizations or coaches working with job seekers, implementing simple, structured networking strategies similar to the BRIO intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Here are some easy-to-use approaches that align with the BRIO philosophy:
- Structured Goal Setting: Encourage job seekers to set specific, actionable networking goals, such as reaching out to two new contacts each week or scheduling informational interviews. Tracking these goals can increase networking intensity and consistency.
- Elevator Pitch Development: Help job seekers craft a concise elevator pitch that summarizes their skills and job search goals. Practicing this pitch with friends or family builds confidence and prepares them for networking conversations.
- Encouraging Immediate Networking Gains: Teach job seekers to view networking as an opportunity to gain useful insights, referrals, and feedback in the moment, rather than just focusing on asking for jobs. By helping them recognize valuable, actionable takeaways from each networking conversation, you can enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of their networking efforts. For example:
- Receiving a referral to a relevant job opening or industry contact during a networking conversation.
- Gaining new insights on improving job search strategies or career direction based on feedback from a connection.
- Reframing a job search challenge by discussing it with someone who offers a fresh perspective or alternative solutions.
- Leveraging Social Support: Guide job seekers in enlisting feedback from their network on their job search materials, such as resumes or elevator pitches. This helps them strengthen their connections while improving their self-presentation.
Part 2: Adopting the BRIO Intervention
The BRIO intervention is a publicly available, research-based program that can be adopted by any organization supporting job seekers. Its online format makes it accessible, cost-effective, and scalable, allowing job seekers to participate from anywhere. Organizations can integrate BRIO into their existing job search programs or offer it as a stand-alone tool to enhance their clients’ networking capabilities.
To adopt BRIO, organizations can follow the outlined modules and adapt the content to their clients’ needs. The intervention is especially valuable for organizations working with individuals who may feel less comfortable or confident in networking situations, such as those with lower extraversion or limited professional networks.
Conclusion
By focusing on both the intensity and quality of networking efforts, the BRIO intervention empowers job seekers to connect with others more effectively and achieve better job search outcomes. For those struggling with networking, this structured approach offers the skills and confidence needed to turn connections into career opportunities. Additionally, organizations can implement similar strategies or adopt the BRIO intervention itself to help their clients overcome networking barriers.
References
Wanberg, C. R., van Hooft, E. A. J., Liu, S., & Csillag, B. (2020). Can job seekers achieve more through networking? The role of networking intensity, self-efficacy, and proximal benefits. Personnel Psychology, 73(3), 559–585. https://doi.org/10.1111/peps.12380