How to Get Career Help From Successful People - The Muse

How to Get Career Help From Successful People - The MuseHow to Get Career Help From Successful People Youve probably been told you need to network, right?Its the fastest way to learn about job opportunities and get help finding your passion- and most importantly, its something that will literally pay you in the end if done correctly.So after hearing all that, youve probably thought OK, Ill drag myself off and do it. You grab your best networking shoes, paste on a smile, and prepare to start sending out some emailsIve met people like you out in the world, because as a career coach I get contacted all the time by folks who want my help with a million different career-related things- so they think to reach out to me for some free advice, because after all, this is what I do, right?Heres the deal Being a coach is my profession, so I have created and built paid programs for people who need structured and in-depth career support (and Ive written free blogs and guides for people who cant af ford to invest in their career).However, Im a huge believer in the power of networking and sharing, so my team or I readevery single request for help that comes in. We take all of your career problems seriously, even if you never become a client of ours.But heres the thing- Im probably not going to help you.Want to know why? (Of course you do).1. Your Ask Is VagueIve been contacted so many times by people who want me to help find them a job.These are people Ive never met, or even interacted with, and they send me a random glaubenszeugnis with very little information.Ugh.I dont know you, I dont know your story, and I have no idea as to what would make you happy.If you reach out randomly to me with no context, no information, and no easy way for me to say yes then youre making it hard.And chances are youll hear nothing in return.If you dont take time on your end to really think about what youre asking for help with and why, then why should I take time to respond? 2. You Think Out Loud I get long emails from people all the time, detailing their story and their hardships in a long stream of consciousness.Often, at the end of it, theyll ask one question Can you help?I feel for everyone who has had a tough time in their career, thats why I do what I do.But I dont know you. And if I read your story and dont have a clear idea of what you really need, then youre making it too hard for me.If you need my help with something, you should take the time to be specific, and thoughtful, and ask me something that I can at least understand.In other words, dont use email as a way of organizing your thoughts, use it as a way of clearly communicating what you need.3. Youre Asking the Wrong PersonBefore you reach out to someone, make sure what youre asking for makes sense for them. (Dont ask an architect for medical advice, is basically what Im saying here.)So think about the background and experience of the person youre reaching out to- is what youre asking something that they might be able to provide?If yes, or if maybe, then go ahead and try.But if you think about it and the answer is probably not then maybe dont ask.I hate it when people treat me like a recruiter and ask if I know someone at a specific company for a specific role. I dont know the world Im a coach who specializes in finding your passion, not in job placement. I have a ton of information out there that tells people that- if they would only take a few seconds to look.4. You Dont Give Me a Reason to Want to Help YouIm human. So, like all humans I love feeling smart and wise.I also love it when people flatter me, or show me that they value my input. (Did I mention, Im human?)Given that, people who reference my blogs or my work when they reach out, or show that we have a common connection, or are just polite, tend to make me feel smart and wise- which means that Im open to helping them.People who dont do any of that? Well, Im busy. And I dont have tons of time to help random strangers, so they fa ll to the no pile.Its brutal, but its true.Listen, I appreciate that you took time to reach out- its never easy to contact a stranger or to ask for help.Asking is hard.But since it is so hard, make sure you do it right (this template will help with that). Dont shotgun out impersonal notes. Do your homework and connect with me. You dont have to be formal, or uptight, you can be funny or personal. If I can see youve made an effort, then I know you will probably value my response and its worth my time to reply. And that means we both win, you get the help you need, and I get to feel smart and wise So now that you know what to do, its time to get out there and do it. Need more help networking and a better job? Heres an awesome free training about how to land a great job, just by growing your network. Dont have one? Dont worry This training will show you how to build it.Here at The Muse, we love introducing you to people who can boost your career. We are working with this contributor on an affiliate basis (meaning we earn a little money when you choose to use their services), but rest assured that we dont just work with anyone. When it comes to articles like this, we chose to work with this coach not because she wanted a Muse byline, but because her advice was truly awesome. Heres to finding the career of your dreams