Network Your Way to a New Job

The people you know are one of your best sources for locating new employment. Numerous studies suggest that the “tried and true” path of networking is still the most successful way to secure work.

Networking is an important job search tool — anywhere from 40% to 80% of job placements are attributed to networking. A post by Payscale shares that: “Some experts say that 70 percent of people ended up in their current position thanks to networking. Others say it’s more like 80 percent or even 85 percent.”

A recent study reveals that “more people found jobs through networking or knowing the right person than they did through job board websites, headhunters, job events, LinkedIn, or any other method.”

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 folks with their requirements… and increase the chances that they will be there when you need them!

The more people who know you are looking for a job – the more eyes and ears are 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.

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, and your community contacts.

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.

Finally, here are some additional pointers on how to develop your network:

• Attend networking events (for example, those hosted by your professional organization or Chamber of Commerce). Participate in association meetings and take advantage of educational opportunities.

• Work as a volunteer. Consider opportunities within your industry or local community associations. Connect with non-profit groups to offer support and expertise. Volunteering is one of the best ways to network your way to new contacts.

• Participate in an online community. This can be a social networking site like Facebook or LinkedIn, an alumni site (like Classmates.com), or your professional association’s website (which might have an elist or message board to connect members).

• Contact your alumni groups. Your college or university should have an alumni association (often with a directory of members) that can be useful. You can mine the directory for contacts in your field, even if they didn’t graduate in the same year as you.

• Read your local business journal to find out about growing companies. Pay particular attention to the “People” section (the section that highlights promotions and new hires at companies) and see if there are any contacts you can make.

Ultimately, you need to heed the advice of author and networking pro Harvey Mackey: “If I had to name the single characteristic shared by all the truly successful people I’ve met over a lifetime, I’d say it is the ability to create and nurture a network of contacts”.

Build your network with care and then leverage it during a job search to secure your next role!

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Adrienne Tom

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Adrienne Tom

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