You’ve spent time curating the perfect network, and the time has come that you need to ask for help. Whether that’s asking for an introduction at a company or to someone from their network or looking for some advice, you must pose your question the right way.
While asking for help isn’t usually a favorite activity, mastering the ask is something everyone can (and should) learn. Keep reading to learn everything you shouldn’t do when asking for help and how to perfect asking your networking for help.
How not to ask your network for help
1. Dive right in
If you haven’t been in contact recently, jumping straight into your ask likely isn’t going to work in your favor. Instead, start with a conversation. Catch up with them and work to strengthen the relationship before posing your ask.
2. Stay vague
Don’t make them work to find out what you want. Be clear and concise when asking for their help when you first make your ask. By making your request up-front, you’ll avoid wasting time and make it easier for your connection to offer assistance.
3. Be selfish
Maintaining a strong network requires give and take. Don’t be the person who only ever asks for help, or you may find yourself with a dwindling network.
When you receive help, you should always offer thanks, whether by providing assistance in return or through a thoughtful thank you.
4. Make assumptions
Refrain from assuming someone will be willing to help. Not only does this paint you in a bad light, but it could lead to your connection feeling trapped into helping you or leaving you without an alternative.
5. Ask for a job
While networking is the primary method for filling open positions, directly asking for a job is not the recommended way to get there. Instead, let them know that you are looking for a position and ask for their advice, or see if they can introduce you to someone who can assist.
Asking for help rather than directly asking for a job avoids making anyone feel uncomfortable or obligated to offer assistance.
How to ask your network for help
1. Ask for an introduction
Following the six degrees of separation, we learn that six or fewer connections distance any two people, which means your dream job might be only a few connections away.
One of the easiest ways to expand your network is by using your network to make new connections. See if they know someone in your preferred field or at your dream company and ask for an introduction.
Don’t forget this can work both ways. Is there someone within your network that you can introduce them to?
2. Ask their opinion
Whether you need an extra set of eyes on your resume or need help deciding your next career move, your network is sure to be a wealth of information. Asking for their opinion is a great time to show that you appreciate their help while gaining an outside opinion.
3. Ask about their experience
As you search for a job or seek new information, someone in your network has likely been there before. Ask how they got to that point. Learn what helped them succeed in their role.
4. Ask what you can do better
Use their experience to your benefit. If someone in your network has been where you are now, ask for their insight to learn what you can do to improve. Learn what they wish they had done differently, and consider how you can apply that to your current situation.
Main photo by Austin Kehmeier on Unsplash
