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- IU #028: How Kratika landed her dream job (through online networking)
IU #028: How Kratika landed her dream job (through online networking)
Michael Dillon
February 13, 2024
Last year, hundreds of people asked me how to land a job in data.
They all had the same problem: they struggled to stand out in the crowd. They had applied for 30-40 jobs per day but rarely heard anything back.
I suggested they do things differently.
Create opportunities by making the most of online networking.
Today, I wanted to share an example of someone who has done this exceptionally well.
Someone who has landed her dream job. And they used online networking every step of the way.
Her name is Kratika Jain. Kratika is a reader of my e-books and newsletter. She has applied my strategies and created many more of her own. Last week, she started her dream job in data. I am so happy for her!
Despite having a busy first week, she shared how she did it.
Today, I will reveal how she:
Built her network.
Found her dream job.
Sent DMs to staff working there.
Got multiple referrals for her dream roles.
Landed her dream job through online networking.
We can all learn from her approach, so let’s dive in.
How Kratika approached her job-hunt
Kratika didn't just spray and pray with job applications.
Kratika started by building her network. She connected with people in her field and made her presence known by leaving thoughtful LinkedIn comments.
It's all about being seen and remembered. And Kratika did this so well. She read my daily posts and consistently left thoughts that got me thinking.
She didn't wait for job postings to apply. Instead, Kratika reached out directly to people at companies she admired, asking about their work and the company culture.
What did Kratika do differently?
Many people try (and fail) to get referrals. So, I asked Kratika what her opening message was.
She said, ‘You must build bonds with people. Don’t just write hello or ask them for favours.’
Here’s an example of what she sent as an opening message:
‘As a senior analyst, do you have any advice for me as someone switching careers’.
I loved this message.
I tell people all the time: ‘Don’t ask strangers for favours’. Instead, build relationships by learning about each other.
People are usually happy to share advice, so this is a great opening question.
Each time, she would personalise this message. By making genuine connections, Kratika kept the conversation going.
After chatting about how this person landed their job, they discussed what Kratika was learning, her projects, her resume and her data portfolio.
Eventually, she earned herself referrals for positions in more than one company.
I asked Kratika, ‘What do you say to job-seekers that are not getting results?’
‘At times, I didn’t think things would happen for me either.
Remember that seeking help from your network is not a sign of weakness.
Try to keep your self-belief high and stay on the right track.
These things take time.’
Kratika’s strategy was fantastic. She built relationships with people and they paid off big time.
But her attitude was her real superpower.
Kratika:
Saw every interaction as an opportunity to learn
Tried a different strategy to everybody else
Stepped out of her comfort zone
Put herself out there
Embraced rejection
And eventually got the results she deserved.
As I say, the risk of online networking is minimal. But the upside is infinite.
Congrats to Kratika on getting these amazing results. I hope this story can help you to do the same.
If you need more help, I can help you in 8 ways:
