Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net The people you know can be the best way for you to find your next job. The “tried and true” path of networking is still the most successful way to find your next position.
According to a 2012 survey by Right Management, person-to-person networking is the single most effective way to find a new job, with 46% of jobseekers identifying networking as the reason they found their most recent job.
Research consistently identifies networking as an important job search tool — anywhere from 40-80% of job placements are attributed to networking. Networking can also be a way to identify unadvertised job opportunities — accessing the “hidden job market.” (The “hidden job market” refers to jobs that are not advertised publicly. These positions may be filled through employee referrals, recruiters, or direct contact with hiring managers through networking.)
It happens all the time. Someone in your network says, “You know what? You should talk to John Jones at the XYZ Company. They’re hiring.”
This overview will help you identify who is in your network and how to use these connections to find your next job.
Build Your Network Before You Need It
The single biggest mistake most job searchers make is not asking for help from their network. People want to help you — so let them! But don’t wait until you’re out of work to start developing relationships with your network.
As author Harvey Mackey says, “Dig your well before you’re thirsty.” Develop your contacts, be willing to help these folks with their needs, and they will be there when you need them!
The more people who know you are looking for a job, the more eyes and ears that will be available to help. Networking is about getting the people you already know to help connect you to the people who will help you land your next career opportunity.
You can also tap into your network for specific assistance. For example, if you want to work at a particular company, ask people in your network if they know anyone who currently works for — or used to work for — “Company X.” Then contact that person and ask about the company, culture, and hiring practices.
Who Is Your Network?
The first step is to identify who is in your network. This can include: friends, relatives, parents of children’s friends, parents and relatives of your friends, club members, cousins, neighbors, current and previous co-workers and managers, suppliers, professional association contacts, your community contacts (civic leaders, clergy, etc.), and your doctor, financial advisor, or attorney. Your holiday card list, if you have one, can be a good starting point for identifying who is already in your network.
If you don’t already have a list, start one! Make a list of all of your contacts — past employers, vendors, customers, colleagues, competitors, bankers, and others. You never know who may have a great lead or know of an unadvertised opportunity.
Then, expand that list. Here are some ideas for other people to add to your network.
Personal Contacts:
• Friends
• Relatives
• Parents of children’s friends
• Parents of your friends
• Relatives of friends
• Club members (country club, swim club, sports club)
• Associations
• Military service personnel
• Sorority/fraternity
• Cousins
• Neighbors
• Sports team members
Business Contacts:
• Current co-workers
• Previous co-workers
• Previous managers
• Consultants
• Vendors and suppliers
• Retirees
• Seminar, conference, and workshop attendees
• Business owners
• Competitors
• Clients/customers
• Venture capitalists
• Members of industry associations
• Contacts you make at conventions and job fairs
Third-Party Contacts:
• Accountants
• Doctors
• Real estate brokers
• Financial advisors and bankers
• Attorneys
• Dentists
• Mortgage bankers/brokers
• Insurance agents
• Travel agents
Educational Contacts:
• Elementary, middle, and high school friends and teachers
• College classmates and friends
• Alumni association contacts
• Graduate school classmates
• Other alumni of your schools
• University career-placement office staff
• Former professors and advisors
Community Contacts:
• Civic and political leaders
• Librarians
• Clergy/ministers
• Chambers of Commerce
• Community groups (Kiwanis, Rotary, Scouts)
• People you meet while volunteering
• Health club members
We are here to help - schedule a complementary discovery session with one of our certified career development practitioners or transition specialists. You may also visit the Help Center, call 866.827.7302, email us, or use the "Feedback & Support" link located on bottom right side of the page. We also invite you to continue the conversation by sharing your suggestions for advancing in the selection process by adding a comment below.
According to a 2012 survey by Right Management, person-to-person networking is the single most effective way to find a new job, with 46% of jobseekers identifying networking as the reason they found their most recent job.
Research consistently identifies networking as an important job search tool — anywhere from 40-80% of job placements are attributed to networking. Networking can also be a way to identify unadvertised job opportunities — accessing the “hidden job market.” (The “hidden job market” refers to jobs that are not advertised publicly. These positions may be filled through employee referrals, recruiters, or direct contact with hiring managers through networking.)
It happens all the time. Someone in your network says, “You know what? You should talk to John Jones at the XYZ Company. They’re hiring.”
This overview will help you identify who is in your network and how to use these connections to find your next job.
Build Your Network Before You Need It
The single biggest mistake most job searchers make is not asking for help from their network. People want to help you — so let them! But don’t wait until you’re out of work to start developing relationships with your network.
As author Harvey Mackey says, “Dig your well before you’re thirsty.” Develop your contacts, be willing to help these folks with their needs, and they will be there when you need them!
The more people who know you are looking for a job, the more eyes and ears that will be available to help. Networking is about getting the people you already know to help connect you to the people who will help you land your next career opportunity.
You can also tap into your network for specific assistance. For example, if you want to work at a particular company, ask people in your network if they know anyone who currently works for — or used to work for — “Company X.” Then contact that person and ask about the company, culture, and hiring practices.
Who Is Your Network?
The first step is to identify who is in your network. This can include: friends, relatives, parents of children’s friends, parents and relatives of your friends, club members, cousins, neighbors, current and previous co-workers and managers, suppliers, professional association contacts, your community contacts (civic leaders, clergy, etc.), and your doctor, financial advisor, or attorney. Your holiday card list, if you have one, can be a good starting point for identifying who is already in your network.
If you don’t already have a list, start one! Make a list of all of your contacts — past employers, vendors, customers, colleagues, competitors, bankers, and others. You never know who may have a great lead or know of an unadvertised opportunity.
Then, expand that list. Here are some ideas for other people to add to your network.
Personal Contacts:
• Friends
• Relatives
• Parents of children’s friends
• Parents of your friends
• Relatives of friends
• Club members (country club, swim club, sports club)
• Associations
• Military service personnel
• Sorority/fraternity
• Cousins
• Neighbors
• Sports team members
Business Contacts:
• Current co-workers
• Previous co-workers
• Previous managers
• Consultants
• Vendors and suppliers
• Retirees
• Seminar, conference, and workshop attendees
• Business owners
• Competitors
• Clients/customers
• Venture capitalists
• Members of industry associations
• Contacts you make at conventions and job fairs
Third-Party Contacts:
• Accountants
• Doctors
• Real estate brokers
• Financial advisors and bankers
• Attorneys
• Dentists
• Mortgage bankers/brokers
• Insurance agents
• Travel agents
Educational Contacts:
• Elementary, middle, and high school friends and teachers
• College classmates and friends
• Alumni association contacts
• Graduate school classmates
• Other alumni of your schools
• University career-placement office staff
• Former professors and advisors
Community Contacts:
• Civic and political leaders
• Librarians
• Clergy/ministers
• Chambers of Commerce
• Community groups (Kiwanis, Rotary, Scouts)
• People you meet while volunteering
• Health club members
We are here to help - schedule a complementary discovery session with one of our certified career development practitioners or transition specialists. You may also visit the Help Center, call 866.827.7302, email us, or use the "Feedback & Support" link located on bottom right side of the page. We also invite you to continue the conversation by sharing your suggestions for advancing in the selection process by adding a comment below.
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