Networking Increases Your Chances of Landing a Job

We’re known for providing articles and content on business management from the HR perspective. But our HR Directors and Recruiters also like to share tips and advice for job seekers.  Helping them land a job of their dreams. The following post discusses the importance of networking and how networking increases your chances of landing a job.

Even though job search networking is one of the most successful ways to find a new job, it can sound intimidating and sometimes seems a little bit scary. It doesn’t have to be.  A friend of mine ended up in a conversation on an airplane with someone who was looking for an aeronautical engineering job.  My friend happened to be in the same field and ended up assisting the person in getting a new job.  Sometimes, that’s all it takes.  I’ve been offered jobs on more than one occasion simply because a friend or acquaintance knew my background and skills.

Try job search networking, it really does work.  This works for both the job seeker and the employer with an open position.  At least 60% – some report even higher statistics – of all jobs are found by networking.   Develop contacts – friends, family, neighbours, college alumni, people in associations – anyone who might help generate information and job leads.  You can take a direct approach and ask for job leads or try a less formal approach and ask for information and advice.  Contact everyone you know. You may be surprised by the people they know.   Make yourself pick up the phone and call.  It helps to assign yourself a quota of calls to be made each day. The more phone calls you make the easier it will become.

Email is a perfectly acceptable way to network as well.  Keep your message brief and to the point and be sure to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

If you are attending a holiday gathering or any other type of party, it is appropriate to mention in casual conversation that you are seeking employment.  Accept all the invitations you receive – you never know where or when you might meet someone who can provide job search assistance!

Formal Job Search Networking

Formal networking works too – try going to a business social or an association meeting or event.  You’ll find that many of the participants have the same goals you do and will be glad to exchange business cards.  If you’re shy, volunteer to work at the registration table where you can greet people as they come in or bring a friend to walk around the room with you – there’s security in numbers.

As well as networking the old fashioned way, use the internet to network. Visit discussion boards with career professionals and other job seekers.

If you belong to a professional association visit its website for career assistance.  Are you a College or University graduate? Contact the Career Services office at your school – many universities have online career networks where you can find alumni who will be thrilled to help you with your job search.