The "Side Door Approach": Getting creative when applying for work (with templates and steps)
By Jenna Starkey and Erin Goodwin
Over the last few years, it’s not hard to see how much has shifted in the local and global job market. I know that many of us are feeling it.
I work closely with my clients as they transition into and out of roles, willingly or unwillingly, to create or find work that lights them up. After witnessing rolling layoffs and the uncertainty in the job market, I know there are increasingly more people feeling stuck and scared when it comes to finding work. I also know that going the traditional job-searching route (applying for jobs via LinkedIn or other job listings) can be daunting and time consuming. It sometimes feels like so much time is spent filling in form after form, or writing draining cover letters, and feeling like a roulette number rather than a human being.
With that constantly on my mind as a coach, I’ve been sharing encouraging a job-search method that has felt way more energizing and supportive for my clients - a method I have coined as "The Side Door Approach." Aka spending roughly 80% of the time pursuing opportunities through connections vs. applying directly through job listings and direct applications. The premise of “The Side Door Approach” is that instead of going through the traditional front door application process, we focus almost entirely on networking.
It’s a great way to meet new people and be expanded by what’s out there.
I know, I know. The thought of networking may be enough for you to click off, close your laptop and never look back - and I don’t blame you! Networking can feel scary and forced, and the ways that we traditionally think of and participate in networking doesn’t always feel authentic or fun. I have experienced plenty of networking resistance in the past (cue internal groans and anxiety bubbling up in my chest).
Networking doesn’t have to feel this way though. Sometimes a perspective shift is all we need to network in a more authentic, grounded and genuine way, so try this reframe:
One of my favorite ways to rebrand networking is reminding clients that “networking is just asking for directions.”
Think of asking a stranger where the nearest coffee shop on market street is. The stranger will say 1-4 things: Yes, I know!; Sorry, I don’t know; or I’m not sure, so let’s look together.
Networking is simply a tool for connection, a method for expansion and a great place to learn from others who might have created what you’d like to create.
Remember, many people like helping. Give those people a chance to feel supportive.
Here are my tips for “The Side Door Approach”
Get clear on what you are looking for. Think pay, hours, job roles, team relationships, types of organizations and anything else that feels important to you.
Commit to being in "Discovery Mode" for 1-3 months. This is the time when you are simply having conversations and exploring options within your criteria. Think of it as a time to plant seeds. Take the pressure off! There is no rush here. :)
Send a networking email to your friends and family. See what connections your people have to help you. Include information like:
The industry/sector you have been working in, how long you have been working in it and where you have been working.
Specify what kind of role you are looking for and which facets of your experience you would like to use within this new role.
Ask if they know of any opportunities in these areas or someone you could connect you with.
If you are reaching out to folks you don’t know, here is an article from The Muse with some helpful templates: 4 Networking Emails to Make Networking Way Less Awkward
Make a list of 5-10 or more people who are in the industry you are interested in/have a job with a company that inspires you/are working in an area you are feeling called to move to, and have a call with them. End each call by asking them for one more person (or company/resource) you can speak to.
Think quantity over quality in this process!
Make it easy for others to help you (ask clear questions like: "how would someone like me get from A to B?" "Can you think of of one more person I could speak to?" And be willing to ghostwrite a referral email for them to easily pass on. Here is a simple template that I created for you to use for your referral email.
Remember, looking for work can be a stressful process. Practicing regulating your nervous system is vital to make sure that you stay grounded and in integrity as you move through this process. Think activities like spending time in nature, going for a walk outside, meditation, calling a loved one, listening to playful music, shaking it out like having a dance party, or any thing else that brings you back into yourself and the present moment.
Know that if you need any more support, I am here to help you navigate through career transitions. I offer a wide array of a la carte career coaching options to help you on your professional journey including LinkedIn support, interview help, finding your ‘why’ and core values, helping you get unstuck, networking strategy, job search strategy and more. Click here to view my career coaching offerings.
Sweet friend, you got this.