Be it in real life or via social media, networking is often named as a major success factor in business. Studies also show that it is the most successful means of finding a job. The main reason for this is that not all vacancies are published. Once a vacancy becomes available many companies will first see whether a suitable candidate is available in their own network, before they go through the costly and time consuming process of publishing it. If you are found fit for the job and you apply on time, the job may be yours even before the vacancy is published.
To use your network to find a job, you first need to have a network. Building a network takes time, so make sure you start before you actually need a job. So how do you actually build a network?
Step 1: Meet new people
Wherever you go, always be sure you meet new people. This may be at a reunion, your sports club, side job or internship. Of course career fairs and networking drinks are also ideal. Don’t think it’s just the managers you need to get to know to build your network. A receptionist or cleaner hears a lot about the goings on in a company and can tell you a lot.
When getting to know new people, a first impression is very important. People both have to like you and they have to remember you. Make sure to always tell people something unique about yourself and try to find out something special about the other person. This will help you remember each other. If you refer to this unique feature when you meet again later, they will like you better for it. Remembering names is also very much appreciated, so always introduce yourself even though it may seem awkward at the time. Repeating a name once you hear it really helps you remember it.
In this first step of networking your goal is always to meet new people and have a good time with them. Don’t expect anyone to offer you a job the first time you meet them. Just taking a look inside their world should be your reward. You never know how this person can help you in the future, or vice versa.
Step 2: Exchanging information
The most important part in networking is exchanging information. Most people like talking about themselves and their experiences and will be glad to share their knowledge and thus help others. So don’t ask someone for a job directly, but ask advice on finding a job with the expertise you have to offer. Also ask yourself how you can help the other person. Networking only works if it’s a two-way street.
Try to have a good view of what you have to offer and where you want to apply your expertise. By talking to the people in your network about this, you will get an increasingly better idea of this. If you share this with the people in your network, they will think of you if the demand for that expertise pops up somewhere.
Your most interesting contacts for networking purposes are actually the people in your second layer: the friends of your friends. Your own friends probably know you pretty well and know what you have to offer. For the friends of your friends this is not the case, so that is where you can win most. Try to contact them to exchange information
Step 3: Maintaining you network
Of course you have to maintain your network. So, look up old acquaintances every now and then, or have a chat if you run in to them. Something as simple as liking something on Linkedin can already help. Remember that networking is a two-way street, so if you hear something that can be of interest to someone in your network, contact them. They will remember you for it and be more willing to help you out in return.
And now for finding a job ...
So how do you use your network to find a job? The most obvious way of course is that someone in your network has heard of a vacancy that fits your profile and simply tells you. But you also need to keep an eye on your network yourself. If someone changes jobs, chances are a vacancy will open up at the employer this person is leaving. If you would want that person’s job, contact that person or send an (open) application immediately. Another possibility is that someone in your network thinks a type of job would suit you, which you never even considered.
Finding a vacancy is one thing, actually getting the job another. Again your network can help. Do you know someone who works for your potential employer? Contact them and try to get inside information on the employer and the vacancy. This can help you in writing your cover letter as well as during your job interview.
Everybody needs to find their own way in finding a job, but networking can be a powerful tool. So make sure to use the elements in networking that suite you and your chances of finding a job (quickly) will definitely increase
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