Networking Pro-Tip: No Job Posting? No Problem.

Back in 2009 I joined a global business network for women for the sole purpose of figuring out why this community was so engaged, what made this network so successful. And a few months later, I had the answer – and my next job, as president of that network.

WTW

I wasn’t seeking a new job, and the network wasn’t recruiting a president; it was only through my active involvement that the network’s founder realized she needed what I had to offer. Before this opportunity landed in my lap, I hadn’t realized my skills and talents were of any use outside of the world of professional services firms.

We – the network and me – both benefited from a simple choice I made – which was, to be an active, fully-engaged member of that global community.

You don’t need a job listing to start networking for your next opportunity.

As my personal example shows, the most powerful career moves can happen unexpectedly, before the role even exists, or the need to succumb to the agony of an online job application portal — all because you've shown someone what you bring to the table. And, before you doubt the possibility of your being able to do this too, a couple more examples pulled straight from the pages of Build Your Dream Network:

🚀 When Jessica Peltz Zatulove was a recent business undergrad searching for a job (during a sucky time in the job market), she didn’t wait for the “permission” to apply for a role via a help-wanted ad. Instead, she immersed herself in the comings & goings of the industry she knew she wanted to be part of – advertising - by reading trade papers, industry news and business updates. Armed with understanding based on her research, she mapped the flow of client accounts and talent in the advertising industry, then reached out directly — with specificity, not desperation. A congrats message – together with a tailored pitch. No random resume drops and cold calls. Just informed, intentional, purposeful outreach.

🚀 Then there’s Evan Nisselson’s do-the-job-to-land-the-job story. He identified the one and only organization he wanted to work for – and he showed what he could do for them by actually doing it. He ditched the cover letter. He made his talents visible and broke through the “no, we’re not hiring” barrier by delivering his first assignment without being asked...

Make your move:

✅ Stop scanning job boards.

✅ Start scanning the business headlines.

✅ Follow the possibilities: who’s winning new clients, who’s expanding into new markets, who's scaling, who's hustling to differentiate themselves from the competition...

Then ask yourself: what do they need? Where could what I do, help them? How can I convey that I really do understand their challenges and pain points? How can I show them I’m the solution to a problem they didn’t know they had? And how do I say all this in a way that’s powerful, not simply self-serving?

📖 BYDN References: Read Jessica’s story at page 59 and Evan’s at p. 206