Interview Tips for Women, Backed by Research and Real Stories - Part 4

Building and Using Your Network (Without Feeling Sleazy)

Navigating job interviews can present unique challenges for women, influenced by societal expectations and internalized self-doubt. The article "Interview Tips for Women, Backed by Research and Real Stories" from Big Interview offers evidence-based strategies to empower women in the interview process.

Building and Using Your Network (Without Feeling Sleazy): A 600-Word Summary for Educators

In today’s competitive job market, networking is more than just a helpful tip—it’s an essential strategy. According to industry data, approximately 85% of jobs are filled through networking rather than traditional application processes. The article “Building and Using Your Network (Without Feeling Sleazy)” from Big Interview equips job seekers—particularly women—with thoughtful, practical, and non-awkward strategies to tap into this hidden job market.

Why Networking Matters

The article begins with a key insight: job opportunities are often shared informally. Many positions, particularly those at higher levels or with strategic importance, are never advertised. Companies rely on personal referrals and internal networks to identify trusted candidates, helping avoid application overload and minimizing hiring risks.

Networking, then, becomes the bridge between qualified candidates and unseen opportunities. Real-life testimonials, like that of ESL educator Marijana Dimovic, highlight the power of being recommended by a past colleague. This credibility boost allows candidates to enter hiring conversations from a stronger, more personalized position.

Start Early, Build Strategically

Rather than scrambling to network during a job hunt, the article urges professionals to nurture relationships early. Building rapport when you’re not urgently seeking a job helps make connections more genuine and less transactional.

One powerful method is reaching out to existing contacts—former coworkers, professors, or acquaintances. A concise message like, “I’m exploring new roles in K–12 edtech. If you hear of anything, I’d love to reconnect,” can create warm leads without sounding needy or pushy.

It’s important to be specific in your requests. Instead of vague “let me know if you hear anything” appeals, try: “I’m targeting curriculum design roles in hybrid learning environments. Do you know anyone in that space?”

Join Communities That Reflect Your Values

The article emphasizes that traditional “old boys’ club” networking isn’t the only route to success. Numerous women-focused or inclusive professional groups offer strong alternatives for connection, mentorship, and opportunity. These include:

• Ellevate Network (career growth and mentoring)

• Ladies Get Paid (salary negotiation, community support)

• Women Who Code, Women in Product, and WISE (industry-specific networks)

• Latinas in Tech, Lean In Circles, and the Fishbowl app (identity-based or anonymous support)

Joining even one of these spaces can significantly increase visibility, open doors to new opportunities, and offer valuable peer support.

Use Events and One-on-One Outreach

Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start small with one-on-one virtual chats, coffee meetings, or informational interviews. These more personal interactions often lead to meaningful connections and deeper conversations than large networking events.

The article encourages professionals to also attend industry-specific webinars, panels, and meetups, which offer natural opportunities to engage and learn. Events hosted by admired companies provide casual ways to connect with hiring managers and demonstrate interest before roles are even posted.

Engage Online Thoughtfully

The guide encourages using LinkedIn intentionally: follow companies, engage with their content, and comment meaningfully on posts. This builds visibility without appearing self-promotional.

Additionally, sending genuine connection messages to employees (not just recruiters) shows initiative. For instance: “Hi Sam, I admire [Company]’s work in instructional equity. I’d love to hear about your experience and any advice you’d offer someone interested in this space.”

Be Helpful, Not Transactional

Finally, the article stresses reciprocity. Offer to share an article, make a connection, or support their goals—even if you’re initiating the conversation. This shifts networking from being “sleazy” to being authentic, grounded in shared value.

Conclusion

For educators, especially women navigating a job transition or leadership opportunity, intentional networking is transformative. It’s not about charm or status—it’s about clarity, curiosity, and consistency. As the article notes, "You and the person you’re networking with are two equal adults trying to find a solution where both sides win."

Source: Big Interview. “Interview Tips for Women, Backed by Research and Real Stories.” https://resources.biginterview.com/interview-tips-for-women

Original Article

Source: Big Interview. "Interview Tips for Women, Backed by Research and Real Stories." https://resources.biginterview.com/interviews-101/interview-tips-fo...Big Interview

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com