If you’re new looking for a job (or just have not done it in a while), you’ve probably spent most of your time searching job boards and submitting your resume to online websites. While that’s a critical part of the process, one of the most effective job search strategies is often overlooked. What I am referring to is professional networking.
Networking simply means building and maintaining professional relationships with people who may be able to provide information, advice, introductions, job leads, or actual opportunities. It is about connecting with people, learning from their experiences, and creating a broader awareness of your career interests and job availability.
Networking is one of the most valuable ways to spend your job search time. Various studies have shown that up to half of all jobs are assisted by personal and professional connections. Networking is an important way to access the hiring decision makers that may otherwise be hidden to you.
There are many reasons that a job seeker should commit time each day/week to networking. Let’s take a brief look at some of the many reasons that you should be networking.
Provides Valuable Career Advice: By networking, you can gain valuable guidance about employers, workplace culture, skill requirements, and industry trends. All of these can help you make better career decisions and prepare more effectively for each step in the hiring process.
Builds Confidence: Networking helps reduce doubt and uncertainty and therefore can reduce stress and build confidence. Conversations with experienced professionals can provide encouragement, practical advice, and a better understanding of employers (either in general, or for a specific one).
Separates You From Competition: When someone refers you to a hiring manager, your resume will often receive more attention than if it was submitted “cold” via a website. Employers frequently view referrals (even if 2nd or 3rd level referrals) as lower risk because they come recommended by someone.
Uncovers “Hidden” Job Opportunities: While it may seem that every possible open position is on wnyjobs.com, the reality is that not every opportunity is on a job board. Employers will often ask employees, colleagues, and professional contacts for candidates before posting a vacancy publicly. By networking, you may learn about these positions before others do.
It is recommended that you work your networking both online and off. Online networking allows you to connect with others regardless of location and can typically be the easiest starting point for beginners. Offline networking can require more effort and be less convenient, but the connections tend to be stronger.
Networking Online:
• Create a Professional Profile – The most widely used professional networking website is LinkedIn. A professional profile should have a nice facial photo, note that you are “open to work,” and summarize your education and experience.
• Start Smart with Existing Offline Network – You may think that you don’t know anyone and couldn’t possibly get started with this initiative. The reality is that between friends, classmates, former co-workers, professors, and family members you have numerous people that you can connect with to start building your connections.
• Personalize Connection Requests – Don’t just send out generic blind connection requests to those who you don’t know. Instead, write a personalized message about why you want to connect. Start with something of mutual interest…industry, alma matter, etc. and build your introductory message request from there. If you are successful with making a connection, then consider requesting an informational conversation.
• Add Professional Content – This is where many completely miss the mark. Professional content is not what you did last weekend or where you bought coffee this morning. It is also not “complaining” about this company or perceived injustices. Rather, you should be sharing articles you have read, congratulating people on work achievements, and participating in legitimate professional discussions.
Networking Offline:
• Attend Professional Events – Seek out opportunities to network at career fairs, industry or professional conferences, and community events. Be sure to prepare a brief introduction of yourself that you can use.
• Rekindle Your Existing Network – You know all those people that you have meant to call or have lunch with…now is the time to do it! Reach out to your friends, former co-workers, etc. Have a phone conversation or meet up to catch up with each other. I am sure, in the process of having a conversation, that your job search will naturally come up.
• Join Professional Associations – Most industries have professional organizations that offer opportunities to network via social events or educational programs. Joining will not only help your networking but also be a nice resume addition.
• Volunteer – Community involvement is a great way to meet people while also naturally presenting you in a positive light. Plus, you will be helping a good cause! Similar to professional associations, your volunteer work can also be a nice look on your resume.
Networking can seem very scary and make you feel uncomfortable. However, the more that you do it, the more comfortable you will feel continuing with it. There is no doubt that it remains one of the most important aspects of a job search. Finally, focus on building relationships and knowledge. If you do that, then the job opportunities will follow.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
