Find Your Next Job While Networking Over a Round of Golf

Starla Trigg

Every winter, I wait with bated breath for the arrival of spring. Spring begins the countdown to the start of golf season. The benefits of golf go beyond hitting a few great shots during a round. For me these benefits include:

• Exercise – When walking, golf is a quick way to reach 10,000 steps
• Relaxation
• Spending time with friends

Additionally, golf provides you with the opportunity to meet new people and work on relationship building.  That is important if, like me, you’re currently a jobseeker looking for referrals. For some, the game of golf is a seldom-utilized job search tool. Golf provides a non-traditional job-seeking approach. Often, when it comes to obtaining a new job, it is not what you know but who you know.

The reality is that you don’t always have to be the most qualified candidate if you know the ‘right people’ or receive a ‘key referral.’ Successful networking begins with relationships. Relationship building can start at the driving range, on the course, in the clubhouse or while volunteering at an event. Bottom line – it’s about networking, networking and more networking.

Traditional networking rules still apply

Ivan Misner defines the concept of networking in this way: “The process of developing and activating your relationships to enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence or serve the community.” Relationship building, meanwhile, involves an interactive give-and-take engagement among two or more parties.

BusinessDictionary.com expands on the definition of networking to encompass – “Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit. Networking is based on the question – how can I help? And not what can I get?”

So, whether you are job networking through golf or attending a networking event, bring your ‘A’ game. Remember to put your best foot forward.

Industry experts and recruiters agree that an effective job search must include networking. It has been estimated that 60 – 80% of time spent or at least 20 – 30 hours per week should be devoted to networking. An end result of effective networking is referrals.  Quality relationships are more important than the quantity. Studies have shown that you are 5 – 10 times more likely to be hired if you’ve been referred by someone. Those new contacts that you meet could be your gateway to the hidden job market.

Referrals are all about relationship building

Let me pause for a station break. You may be saying to yourself, “That’s all great, but I don’t play or have never played golf.”  Have no fear and don’t despair. You have several options at your fingertips.  I’ll share a few that have worked for me in the past.

Take golf lessons!

Most courses offer reasonably priced individual or group golf lessons. I started with group golf lessons. Group golf lessons let you meet other new golfers. You are also afforded opportunities to start conversations. Conversations lead to relationships. Relationships grow into referrals. 

Learning the fundamentals of the game isn’t bad either. As a part of your indoctrination, golf lessons devote time towards learning the rules of the game and basic golf etiquette. You will also benefit by learning a little golf jargon. There are so many resources at your fingertips – magazines, cable network Golf Channel etc.

Volunteer!

Another fantastic avenue is to volunteer at a golf outing or tournament. Not-for-profits often host outings to raise funds for their charity. Volunteering at events is also a great way to work on relationship building.

Join a league

There is nothing better than a little friendly competition. Competition allows people to see how you handle yourself when under pressure.  However, now is certainly not the time to exhibit any un-sportsman-like behavior.

Preparation is necessary to achieve successful results

This is the most crucial aspect of the process. Make sure you have a plan. You don’t want to approach this haphazardly. Do you have a well constructed elevator pitch? Do you have business cards that you can hand out? Remember, people can’t give you referrals if they don’t know you are looking for a job.

Job networking through golf is one way for you to jump ahead of your competition. You haven’t forgotten about the competition have you? Who doesn’t want to catapult themselves to the front of the line? Whether we are seeking a new job or have landed, we all need people to vouch for our performance and potential.   

After reading this, I hope I’ve provided you with some reasons to consider job networking through the game of golf. Happy hitting and happy networking!

About Starla Trigg

Starla holds a MBA degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.  She has spent her career working in various capacities for Fortune 250 companies.  In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, learning new things, and playing golf.