Networking is an important strategy that can help in your job search efforts. It allows you to make connections with individuals and groups who could either help pass on potential opportunities or even recommend you for posts. Networking does take time to develop and cultivate into something but it is something that can help you even when you are employed.
Networking can take place anywhere and can happen at any time but we do stress that it be socially acceptable e.g. trying to network with someone in toilets is not acceptable (yes that has happened). When you’re doing a job search, there are specific places/occasions that are ideal for you to do some networking, to connect with people who could potentially help you. Below are a list of places/events that are ideal to do some networking for your job search:
Industry Events
You can meet compatible people who speak your language and understand what you’re selling. You may even be able to impress several employers and recruiters.
Trade or Professional Associations
They offer a giant office grapevine where, as a member, you can find out from fellow members which companies are hiring and which are firing, and who inside the hiring companies will pitch for you and who won’t.
Online networking websites
Know-everybody groups like LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook can help establish contacts in various ways. For instance, check out LinkedIn’s group membership rosters for individual employment affiliations that may become helpful inside connections.
Visit discussion boards like the job search forums on About.com, Monster, and Indeed etc to network with professionals and other job seekers.
Check out Twitter’s feature that allows you to see a list of who the target is following, and a list of who is following the target, which collectively may suggest others whom you’ll want to contact for job leads.
Many colleges and universities maintain online career networks where you can spot alumni you may convince to help with your job search.
Job/Career fairs
You’ll have a varied collection of employers, recruiters, job seekers etc all in one place. This is an ideal setting to make new contacts and introduce yourself to make a favourable impression. Be smart and use the time well to make good connections.
Training/Courses
If you’ve decided to new a new trade or new skills then you could be in a class with someone who may already have a foot in the door somewhere. Be smart and make connections as they could be the individual who can help you.
Volunteer work
This can help in a two-fold way. Firstly, contributing your time to causes and events is likely to cement strong support for your job-finding efforts among like-minded, empathetic people. Secondly, if you volunteering in the company or industry you wish to work then get to know people & show them your true value so that they will want to help you.
Associations
We all join sports clubs, gyms, hobby groups etc and while these places are to help us relax and de-stress, they are also ideal settings to make connections. They will consist of all varied types of individuals from many different backgrounds so don’t be afraid to connect & develop the relationships as you never know how or when they may be helpful to you.
Networking can take place anywhere and can happen at any time but we do stress that it be socially acceptable e.g. trying to network with someone in toilets is not acceptable (yes that has happened). When you’re doing a job search, there are specific places/occasions that are ideal for you to do some networking, to connect with people who could potentially help you. Below are a list of places/events that are ideal to do some networking for your job search:
Industry Events
You can meet compatible people who speak your language and understand what you’re selling. You may even be able to impress several employers and recruiters.
Trade or Professional Associations
They offer a giant office grapevine where, as a member, you can find out from fellow members which companies are hiring and which are firing, and who inside the hiring companies will pitch for you and who won’t.
Online networking websites
Know-everybody groups like LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook can help establish contacts in various ways. For instance, check out LinkedIn’s group membership rosters for individual employment affiliations that may become helpful inside connections.
Visit discussion boards like the job search forums on About.com, Monster, and Indeed etc to network with professionals and other job seekers.
Check out Twitter’s feature that allows you to see a list of who the target is following, and a list of who is following the target, which collectively may suggest others whom you’ll want to contact for job leads.
Many colleges and universities maintain online career networks where you can spot alumni you may convince to help with your job search.
Job/Career fairs
You’ll have a varied collection of employers, recruiters, job seekers etc all in one place. This is an ideal setting to make new contacts and introduce yourself to make a favourable impression. Be smart and use the time well to make good connections.
Training/Courses
If you’ve decided to new a new trade or new skills then you could be in a class with someone who may already have a foot in the door somewhere. Be smart and make connections as they could be the individual who can help you.
Volunteer work
This can help in a two-fold way. Firstly, contributing your time to causes and events is likely to cement strong support for your job-finding efforts among like-minded, empathetic people. Secondly, if you volunteering in the company or industry you wish to work then get to know people & show them your true value so that they will want to help you.
Associations
We all join sports clubs, gyms, hobby groups etc and while these places are to help us relax and de-stress, they are also ideal settings to make connections. They will consist of all varied types of individuals from many different backgrounds so don’t be afraid to connect & develop the relationships as you never know how or when they may be helpful to you.