PRESENTING: Use this exact email template from a LinkedIn career expert to network and find a new job during a recession
Business Insider
Apr 14, 2020, 01:45 IST
LinkedIn
Blair Heitmann is LinkedIn's in-house career expert.
The coronavirus pandemic and looming global recession will leave many people out of a job - and looking for a new one.
In the week ending April 4, a total of 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment, the Labor Department reported.
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Approaching someone in your network and asking if their company is hiring right now can seem a little presumptuous. That's why many job seekers are hesitant to start reaching out, Blair Heitmann, an in-house career expert at LinkedIn, said.
But your network "is your No. 1 asset as a professional over the course of your career," Heitmann said. In fact, some companies don't post senior-level positions on job boards, and the only way to find them is to network your way into a recruiter's database.
Networking can be especially useful right now as a way to explore new career opportunities if your company - or your entire industry - is on shaky footing. And while some people may be overwhelmed, Heitmann thinks others may be delighted to arrange a phone call now that they're socially isolated.
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In your initial message, Heitmann said, you'll want to acknowledge the crisis situation, but also be forthright about how they can help you.
Do you have a personal experience with the coronavirus you'd like to share? Or a tip on how your town or community is handling the pandemic? Please email covidtips@businessinsider.com and tell us your story.
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