What Job Search Networking REALLY Is And The Potential Benefits to You
One way to find the right job for you is by engaging other people to help you – what is commonly called ‘networking’.
This training module will cover a wide range of proven networking strategies and tactics so you can choose the best ones for your situation and personal comfort level.
Networking can be a smart strategy to find a job because:
- Job listings tend to draw piles of applicants, which puts you in intense competition with many others. Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller pool.
- While interviewing based on resumes alone can help employers find strong candidates, relying on networks and the networks of their employees can reduce the risk of a bad hire. Using networking to get a job interview means you’ll enter the hiring process with a relationship and level of trust with your employer, thanks to your network.
- Networking to find a new job can also give you access to opportunities that you may not find in an online job search. Research shows about 80% of all job openings are not listed on company websites or job boards, but are instead shared only internally or through networking. This means that you need to be regularly communicating with those in your network so they know your skills and experience, trust you and know when you are in search of a job.
- While interviewing based on resumes alone can help employers find strong candidates, relying on networks and the networks of their employees can reduce the risk of a bad hire. Using networking to get a job interview means you’ll enter the hiring process with a relationship and level of trust with your employer, thanks to your network.
- Networking to find a new job can also give you access to opportunities that you may not find in an online job search. Many positions are not listed on company websites but are instead shared only internally or through networking.
Networking is REALLY about making genuine contacts with people who can either help you directly or connect you with others who can.
Networking is NOT about asking everyone you know for a job. As a matter of fact, when you network you should never ask someone for a job.
Instead, you ask them for information that will help you in your search. Your goal is to build an authentic connection and establish enough rapport so that if they can be a potential resource or discover a potential opportunity, they feel comfortable and motivated to pass it along to you.
In addition to job opportunities that might not otherwise present themselves, networking can also lead to things like referrals, advice, connections, and professional support.
Even though job search networking is one of the most successful ways to find a new job, it can feel intimidating and scary. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right knowledge, tools and strategies, even the most introverted candidates can use job search networking effectively.
If you’re nervous about making contact …
Job networking isn’t a skill everyone comes by naturally. It can seem awkward talking about your career and job search. But with the right mindset and strategies, networking doesn’t have to be hard or uncomfortable.
Perhaps you’re uncomfortable ‘asking for favors’, for example, or being embarrassed about your employment situation.
Or perhaps you’re hesitant to network out of fear of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-serving?
- Whatever your fears, try to keep the following in mind:
Networking isn’t about handing out your business cards on street corners, cold calling people, or working a room of strangers. - Networking also isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself – it’s about genuinely connecting with others: people you know, people you don’t really know, and new people you’ve never met before.
- Many people like to give advice and be recognized, valued and respected for their expertise. It feels good to help others, and many people will gladly assist you if they can.
- Almost everyone knows what it’s like to be out of work or looking for a job. They’ll empathize with your situation and will genuinely want to help.
- People are happy to do a favor for the person who referred you by having a networking conversation with you.
- Many people have been through a challenging job search or career transition themselves, so they empathize with you.
- Unemployment can be isolating and stressful. By connecting with others, you’re sure to get some much-needed encouragement, fellowship, and moral support.
- Reconnecting with the people in your network can be fun – even if you have an agenda. The more it feels like a chore, the more tedious and anxiety-ridden the process will be.
- If someone won’t have a job search networking conversation with you, don’t take it personally. Some will, some won/t Move on to your next contact.
Whether you realize it or not, it’s likely that you ‘network’ already. You’re networking when you meet a friend of a friend, catch up with a former co-worker or classmate, chat with your neighbor, introduce yourself to other parents at your child’s school, or strike up a conversation with the person next to you in line.
While finding a job through networking does take more effort, planning, and strategy than these common examples of networking, if you’ve ever done any of these, you can network your way to an exciting new job too.
You’re now ready to discover: How Many Potential Employers is Enough
