"How To Network Your Way To A Better Career"
Thirty years ago, Tom Jackson, the noted career expert, advocated vigorous networking as a key element in conducting an effective job search. That axiom, so true in the 1970’s, is even more appropriate today.
However, our experience shows that many, if not most, job hunters focus on the old “tried and true” methods of searching want ads, contacting recruiters and sending out unsolicited direct mail. The idea of networking probably seems too vague and indirect to many people and, not truly understanding its value, they tend to neglect this search method.
We would identify this as a major mistake. Studies show that many positions, higher-level and well-paying jobs especially, are often filled by individuals already known to hiring decision-makers. I think we have all run across this in our careers. The question is, is it just plain luck or is there a method involved?
Some luck yes, but more method than we can see or know. These instances are often the result of active networking and result in people being perceived as good candidates to hire with virtually no search time or cost. What could be more advantageous for a company? Also, most managers feel more comfortable hiring someone they are familiar with or has been referred to them by a trusted contact.
How then to expand or, if need be, begin to build your networking base?
Start with your business card file. How many of these people are you still in contact with? How many could you re-establish relations with? Look at professional groups, trade associations or regular networking lunches/dinners often sponsored by chambers of commerce or industrial development associations. Alumni directories can be helpful as well as community groups and activities.
Many individuals we’ve worked with have utilized church, civic, fraternal, youth sports and charitable activities as a way of expanding their contacts.
Once a group of people is identified, a positive method is to indicate you are in a career search, ask for a critique of your resume and for any advice they may have on who you could talk to for more information on local business conditions. The idea is to keep expanding the number of contacts on the premise that you will eventually reach people who may know of opportunities and, ideally, may refer you as a candidate.
Now, this is hard work and, because you never know when it is going to work, can be discouraging. However, highly successful job seekers and, for that matter, leaders in business, government, academia and non-profit utilize networking daily to help solve their problems.
Maybe, it can even help you solve your career issue...
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