You’re a busy working mother juggling the demands of work, being a mom, and a wife along with all the other “hats” you wear as a human. You’re struggling and frustrated as a working mother. 

You must work to provide for your family. You may even love the work you do but, something has to change! 

Networking Tips For Busy Working Mothers Seeking A New Job

You need a company that’s supportive of working mothers. You need a new job, but you’re so busy that you “can’t find the time to look for a new job“. 

How can you make the best use of the little time you have and find a new job? By working smarter, not harder!

Busy working mothers can network to find and secure a new job. Everyone you interact with is a networking contact.

NETWORKING IS THE NUMBER ONE [ #1 ] METHOD OF SECURING A JOB!

70% to upwards of 85% of jobs are found through networking.

If your time is limited you should focus most of your efforts where you will receive greater results.

What Is Networking?

No, we’re not speaking about computer networking. When I worked in higher education my computer students thought we were referring to computer networking.

I like the US dictionary definition of networking.  Networking is the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

Networking is a two-way process. Let people know what you have to offer, not only what you’re seeking. 

How Busy Working Mothers Can Find Time To Network

I know you’re thinking, there is just not enough time in your day to look for a job, yet network!

You’re probably thinking of all the work projects you have going on, your children’s sports, music, and school events. The group you’re helping out with at church. Plus, you’re trying to squeeze in a workout or two weekly by going to the gym. 

Yes, mama! You can squeeze in time for networking! As I mentioned above, everyone you interact with is a networking contact. I will show you have you can incorporate networking with the things you already have going on in your life.

Related Article: The Best Time For Working Mothers To Job Search.

Five Effective Methods Busy Working Mothers Can Network

1. NETWORK IN YOUR EVERYDAY CONNECTIONS.

You’re already involved in numerous events with a lot of people. At work, your children’s events and activities, your volunteer projects, and even at the gym. Think about all your everyday interactions when you’re thinking about networking.

You’re already spending time doing these things. Make the most of those connections.

How Busy Working Mothers Can Network Through Connections

Think about all your interactions for all the projects and roles you have for your job. Most industries are small and people change jobs with competitive companies. Get the word out that you’re looking for a new job. Be sure to tell your contacts about the value you have to offer.

Tell your connections about the value you will bring to positions, teams, and companies.

Be smart, use common sense, and maintain professionalism when networking within your work community.

2. SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION THEORY.

The six degrees of separation theory say we are all connected to each other by six or fewer acquaintances.

Networking is about who you know, who knows you, and who the people you’re connected with know.

This is why it’s important for you to tell your story, and give your elevator pitch. Tell people about the skills, experiences, accomplishments, and fabulousness you have to offer employers.

Your connections will become your ambassadors. They will start telling their connections your story and the value you can bring to their positions, teams, and companies.  They will be able to place your skillset to opportunities.

 Networking Is A Powerful Tool For Busy Working Mothers

Here is an example showing how powerful you sharing your story with your network can be.

You shared your story with your neighbor Mary Jane when you picked up your kids from playing next door. You confided in her that you need to make a career change and told her about your role, the skills you utilized, and about some of your accomplishments.

A few weeks later, Mary Jane is meeting her friend Sara and former college roommate for lunch. Sara shares with her how stressful work has been since she lost the manager for one of her departments. As Sara describes what’s going on and the impact of not having this manager Mary Jane realizes you have the same skillset for the role Sara needs!

Mary Jane then connects you both. This is a win-win connection. Mary Jane is helping you with your job search and also helping her friend, Sara finds a great employee.

That’s the power of networking! Networking benefits both the candidate and the employer!

Do you see how you can share your story in your everyday connections and network?

3. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS WATCHING YOU. REPRESENT YOURSELF WELL ALL THE TIME.

Ten years ago I was getting ready to complete my master’s degree and went to the office of the university I was attending to submit my graduation application.  I spoke briefly with the dean and she inquired about my work background.

When she learned about my background in the staffing industry and higher education she told me about a new position that was coming available at the university.

After an intensive interview process, that conversation resulted in me being chosen to start a career services department for two locations at the university.

I later found out that the interview panel spoke with my professors during my interview process. I receive the offer and assumed my professor’s recommendations were favorable.  

Always represent yourself well! All employers want employees who will represent their company and brand well. How you represent your personal brand shows employers how you will represent them.

4. DON’T RULE ANYONE OUT AS A POTENTIAL NETWORKING CONTACT.

I’m not saying to walk around and tell every stranger your story. In the example above you see how your neighbor or the parents of your kid’s friends could be a great networking contact.

5. UTILIZE IN-PERSON NETWORKING AND ONLINE / SOCIAL NETWORKING.

Finding a job takes a sum of many methods. As a busy working mother with limited time, you must decide which job search methods will work best for you.

According to Payscale, it is estimated that upward of 85% of open positions are filled through networking.

Online / Social Networking involves utilizing platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to network. These platforms can either help or hinder your job search.

You can use them to connect with people within your network. I have been using LinkedIn since 2005 when I became a recruiter and have seen it grown through the years. LinkedIn explains your network and degrees of connection using their platform in this article.

LinkedIn and other social platforms are additional great networking tools that can be beneficial to you as a busy working mother searching for a new job.

LinkedIn will be your most effective networking tool should your in-person connections are limited.

Simple Tips That Can Enhance Your Networking and Job Search Efforts

• TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WANT TO BE TREATED

  As you go about your daily routine take the time to “see” others and treat them how you would like to be treated. Say hello to your neighbors. In the example above you saw how your relationship with your neighbor could impact your job search.

• BE PRESENT

  When I first started my business I took every opportunity to work and squeeze in learning and implementing. I still do, however, I try to be continuously present in my everyday activities.

  While my daughters were in gymnastics class I would feverishly work to get as much done while they practiced. I would take time to look up and see what they were doing and get quick pictures or videos.

  When my first daughter changed elementary school I met a teacher who knew us from gymnastics. Shamefully I didn’t recognize her. Because my head was always either in a book or my computer. I wasn’t paying attention to who was around me.

  A few weeks later at gymnastics, I was working while my daughters practiced. I could feel eyes steering at me. When I looked up there was a baby beside me trying to get my attention. I looked over at the mom who looked overwhelmed.I closed my computer and put it away. I offered to hold her baby who was now tugging on my shirt. After that, I started to look around and see the people who were around me.

• BE COMPASSIONATE
  What you put out in the universe will come back to you.
• STAY FIRED UP
  Use your frustrations to fuel you. Don’t be paralyzed by all the mess. Think about the beautiful life you have and how much better it can be when you secure a job or career that you love, that supports you as a working mother.
• FIND AND FOCUS ON YOUR WHY
  Remember why you need a new job. Keep this on the top of your thoughts as you go about your day.

ConsumersAdvocate.org has conducted an in-depth review of the best job search sites. Here is their list of the 10 Best Job Search Sites For 2020. This is another great tool to assist you in your job search.

Lets Recap…

Networking is the number one method to secure a job!

Don’t make networking complicated. I know, its easy to say that than actually do. Keep it at the top of your mind as you go about your daily activities. Remember why you need a new job.

Doing all the traditional methods of networking is great. It’s a sum of many things that encompass a job search campaign.

However, as a busy working mother with very limited time, you must be creative and knock out as many birds as you can with one stone. Maximize all the interactions you already have going on in your everyday life as a busy working mother.

What other create networking techniques have you used to network as a busy working mother?

Please share below to help other busy working mothers seeking a new job.