One of the most popular ways of finding a job is by searching for them and applying online. Although this seems like a simple and straightforward way of conducting your job search, it is perhaps one of most over-rated. If this is the case, how do you secure a job then?
For many years, a stat has been floating around that between 80 to 90% of jobs are never posted. And you may ask, why do companies do that? There are a host of reasons why but some noted ones are that these companies haven’t had success in finding the right candidates in the past using traditional websites to post their jobs. Instead, they have tried other methods including tapping into their internal networks (their employees) to source and hire new talent. Companies don’t make this known outside their internal process, but you can easily tap into this way of finding a new job opportunity by networking.
So where do you start? The best way to get things going to tapping into your first-degree connections. These are your friends, family and peers. People that you know and trust. These individuals can provide you insight, opportunities and possible ins to jobs that wouldn’t normally be available to you as it wasn’t advertized. Don’t be too pushy and follow-up on every lead you get. Assess all opportunities you get for job leads–ask yourself questions like: does it align with my short/long goals? Could this be a possible career path? Regardless, be present to each lead you get from your first degree. Be open for any opportunity that goes your way.
Another networking opportunity is various events around your local community like job fairs. Even if the job fair isn’t particular to your sector–it is still a great way to meet other job seekers as well as establish lines of communications with new organizations. In respect to meeting new job seekers, they can be invaluable to you because they may have connections outside your sector, expanding the diversity of your network and enabling a chance to explore new career opportunities.
Networking can also work for your benefit online. Be sure to update your social media accounts (i.e., Facebook, Instagram) as well a spending a bit more time refining your LinkedIn Profile (if you haven’t already.) You can quickly grow your network online–sending out invites for connections via LinkedIn, emailing recruiters and joining professional groups on Facebook.
Lastly, it is very important to lend creativity when networking. Think outside the box when reaching out to new connections–and make it worth their while when doing so. It is equally imperative to have fun too during this process. We sometimes get so marred in finding a job (in this case through networking) that we start treating it as an all-consuming job. Have fun with the process. Be innovative. Read and be inspired by other job seekers’ (or professional who are successful) and learn from their mistakes, successes and hardships in order for you to build something that is special.
