4 WAYS TO JUMPSTART YOUR CAREER: Elevate Your Network

Your network is one of the most valuable tools in a job search. Learn how to utilize your network, big or small, from the start!

Though you may not realize it, especially if you’re just starting out, you have a network. Your network is comprised of the people you know: teachers, coworkers, friends on social media, past employers, people you volunteered with — everyone.

Knowing how to elevate your network is a vital skill at every stage of your career, but when you’re starting out it can give you a definite edge over your peers. It helps you get your foot in the door, which is never a bad thing.

So, how do you do it? Here’s a quick way to start. Take a look at your network. Consider teachers, former employers, people you know through volunteering or internships, mentors, and even your peers. Make a list of the top ten people who could either help you in your job search, or connect you with someone who can.

Now, go through that list and contact every one of those people. It sounds daunting, but remember, you already know them. People generally love to help — they’ve all had to tap into their networks at one time or another. Ask them for an informational interview. Invite them for a coffee and to talk about their career (and yours, of course). Be clear, concise, straightforward and polite.

All of these connections are here to help you on your journey. And you might be surprised to discover there are ways you can help them on theirs, too. So reach out!

Check out our next post in the series for ways to make the most of LinkedIn, the social network for professionals!


Got any pressing career questions? Ask Arlena is here to help. Email your questions to hello@elevationally.com and Arlena will expertly address your questions in our segment, Ask Arlena!

Take a look at the rest of this series for the other ways to jump start your career. Like what you see? and receive exclusive news, insight and tips.

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ABOUT ARLENA

Arlena Jackson, MBA is an international career consultant, writer, keynote speaker and leadership trainer dedicated to the advancement of emerging young women worldwide. Considered the “career whisper” for early career professionals and emerging leaders, Arlena founded Elevation Ally after spending nearly 20 years in various executive roles where she led global communications teams with IBM, NASA, Emerson and Salesforce in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Arlena is a sought-after keynote speaker, workshop presenter and panelists with high schools, universities and companies on careers, leadership, women at work and success in the workplace. For more information, email info@elevationally.com and connect with Arlena on Twitter, FB, LinkedIn and Instagram.