Networking for a Job |
By Charles Park on July 2, 2010
.jpg.aspx?width=75&height=75) With unemployment at North Carolina edging closer to a historical high, job networking or the “hidden job market” is becoming a vital tool for any job hunter. By networking, you are simply establishing a broad list of contacts that can either introduce you to more people which will further broaden your network, provide you information regarding a particular company or field, or find you a job. According to some statistics at least 60% of jobs are found through networking. Contacts such as friends, friends of friends, family, neighbors, college alumni, members of various associations are all potential leads to valuable information.
A good way to expand your acquaintances is to actively seek them out. Accept all invitations to social gatherings or parties. These events are perfect places to get to know many people in a relatively short period of time. Plan ahead, find out who will be present, and decide who you want to meet. If possible, research their backgrounds and come up with effective ways to engage in conversation. Always keep your networking goals in mind. After gathering contacts, emailing and/or calling regularly are good ways to stay in touch. They may think of you when an opportunity comes around and can be more forthcoming with new information and advice. It is important to stay on their radar screens but not be invasive.
With the advent of the internet and mobile technology, networking has become both easier and more accessible. Business networking sites such as LinkedIn are popular places to engage in job networking online. Before joining a network explore it a bit. Some social networking sites like Facebook focuses mostly on a rather “horizontal” approach of getting acquainted; the focus is with friends and peers rather than bosses and colleagues. Find a network that best suits your goals.
Monitoring your progress by establishing a regular contact quota (five new contacts a week) is helpful. With a broader list, your chances of finding a job lead broadens as well.
Source:
Doyle, Alison. "Successful Networking: Using Job Search Networking to Find a Job". About.com. 8/5/09 <http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/networking/a/networking.htm>.
Hansen, Randall. "Networking Your Way to a New Job". Quintessential Careers. 8/5/09 <http://www.quintcareers.com/networking_guide.html>.
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