For those of you job hunting within an organization, you may underestimate the role of networking internally. This important and essential activity is how you can build your personal brand within your current organization, and land a new career at the same time.
You have the upper hand
Networking internally is the fastest and easiest way for you to get a new job. As a hiring manager at a company with over 200,000 employees, I’m partial to internal candidates for many reasons. First and foremost, as an internal candidate, you’re already familiar with the company’s culture, environment and systems. The reality is that you already have the upper hand in the hiring process.
LinkedIn is your friend
Socialize your way to your next career step using the best social network for professionals, LinkedIn. With over 100 million professional members across the globe, it’s likely your company and the hiring manager of your ideal position, is on LinkedIn. Go ahead and send a request to connect, there’s a 50/50 chance they will accept it. The chances go up if you put in a few lines with your request such as:
“Hello X, I’ve been with XYZ company for ___ years and I’m interested in learning more about your department. Do you have time to connect for 15 mins. next week?”
Work your internal connections
At least once each week, someone I meet will recommend an internal candidate for my team. I keep a list of these people so when I have a new opening I can send their names to my team’s recruiter. Are they highly qualified social media professionals? Possibly. Are they top talent? More than likely. When someone is willing to put their name behind another individual that says something about the candidate’s character, work ethic and professional capabilities. For me, it says it’s worth me time to at least interview that candidate. If you want to change careers internally, start working your internal network to ensure your personal brand extends far and wide within your entire organization.
