Career Corner: Job networking tips
No doubt you have heard stories
about people who have landed
great jobs without ever applying
for work and never had the need
for a resume, either. Or maybe it
truly was a case of being in the
right place at the right time. Even if
the stars are properly lined up, no
doubt you will need more than a
little good luck to get to where you
want to be. Much like any
overnight success, it may take
years. So how can you get started
on that road to success?
It has been stated that the hidden job market represents approximately 80 per cent of the jobs that never get advertised, and that 100 per cent of job seekers are applying for only 20 per cent of the jobs out there. So, how do you get to that 80 per cent? Well, you talk to people you know who can help you out: family, friends, friends of friends, current or past employers, etc. You chat with people at parties and cold call people you've heard about in the news. You conduct informational interviews with professionals in your chosen occupational field. You cultivate an arsenal of contacts… in short, you network.
If you are introverted, you really may not be enthralled with networking, so make it more of a personal challenge. Here are some strategies for successful networking, whether it is online or in person:
1. Brainstorm for contacts: Think possibly of everyone who could serve as a contact. Don't limit yourself to people who could clearly help as they have similar occupations, include people in unrelated fields as well. Remember people you may have met through volunteer activities or work. Include family friends, relatives, neighbours, professors, alumni, former employers, co-workers and so on.
2. Go to where your contacts are: Tried and true places to network include the local alumni association, Career Centre, class reunions, cocktail parties, fundraisers, conferences, professional association meetings, social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook, volunteer activities, career and job fairs.
3. Get organized, be prepared: You need to approach these networking opportunities with a game plan. Do your homework and try to find out who will be there, or do your best to think about who might be there and make a list of those people who you really want to meet. Once you've made your list, find out what you can about the companies they work for, their backgrounds, etc. and make up some questions or conversation starters that reflect your research. Above all, be professional. Try not to just generalize with questions like "Do you know of any jobs that I might apply to?" as this may put your contact into an overwhelming situation. Make it easy for your contacts to help you.
4. Networking is limitless: You never know when you will meet someone who could influence your career path. Always be ready to network, and don't avoid people who have no obvious connection to your ambitions as they may be able to give you names and contacts of someone who might.
5. Follow up and stay organized: After you meet a contact, it is absolutely essential that you follow up with them. Thank them for the advice they may have given you and keep in touch with them, stay on their radar. This way they may think of you if an opportunity comes up and develop a system of some sort to keep organized.
6. It's all about respect: Just like your mother said, if you want to be treated with respect, then you have to give respect. If you want your calls and emails returned, then you need to call and write back to the people who contact you. Don't forget to return the favour if you are able to help someone out. Start building your professional reputation as someone who is polite, respectful, kind and genuine. And, when you do get that new job, be sure to keep them informed about that too, as we all like to hear good news.
Need assistance? Drop by the Career Services office in Room D1063. The Career Services staff are available to assist you on an individual basis. Visit the office to arrange an appointment or call 519-452-4294. Check out www.fanshawec.ca/careerservices for student and graduate job listings. Join the Career Services Facebook group at tinyurl.com/fanshawecareerservices.
It has been stated that the hidden job market represents approximately 80 per cent of the jobs that never get advertised, and that 100 per cent of job seekers are applying for only 20 per cent of the jobs out there. So, how do you get to that 80 per cent? Well, you talk to people you know who can help you out: family, friends, friends of friends, current or past employers, etc. You chat with people at parties and cold call people you've heard about in the news. You conduct informational interviews with professionals in your chosen occupational field. You cultivate an arsenal of contacts… in short, you network.
If you are introverted, you really may not be enthralled with networking, so make it more of a personal challenge. Here are some strategies for successful networking, whether it is online or in person:
1. Brainstorm for contacts: Think possibly of everyone who could serve as a contact. Don't limit yourself to people who could clearly help as they have similar occupations, include people in unrelated fields as well. Remember people you may have met through volunteer activities or work. Include family friends, relatives, neighbours, professors, alumni, former employers, co-workers and so on.
2. Go to where your contacts are: Tried and true places to network include the local alumni association, Career Centre, class reunions, cocktail parties, fundraisers, conferences, professional association meetings, social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook, volunteer activities, career and job fairs.
3. Get organized, be prepared: You need to approach these networking opportunities with a game plan. Do your homework and try to find out who will be there, or do your best to think about who might be there and make a list of those people who you really want to meet. Once you've made your list, find out what you can about the companies they work for, their backgrounds, etc. and make up some questions or conversation starters that reflect your research. Above all, be professional. Try not to just generalize with questions like "Do you know of any jobs that I might apply to?" as this may put your contact into an overwhelming situation. Make it easy for your contacts to help you.
4. Networking is limitless: You never know when you will meet someone who could influence your career path. Always be ready to network, and don't avoid people who have no obvious connection to your ambitions as they may be able to give you names and contacts of someone who might.
5. Follow up and stay organized: After you meet a contact, it is absolutely essential that you follow up with them. Thank them for the advice they may have given you and keep in touch with them, stay on their radar. This way they may think of you if an opportunity comes up and develop a system of some sort to keep organized.
6. It's all about respect: Just like your mother said, if you want to be treated with respect, then you have to give respect. If you want your calls and emails returned, then you need to call and write back to the people who contact you. Don't forget to return the favour if you are able to help someone out. Start building your professional reputation as someone who is polite, respectful, kind and genuine. And, when you do get that new job, be sure to keep them informed about that too, as we all like to hear good news.
Need assistance? Drop by the Career Services office in Room D1063. The Career Services staff are available to assist you on an individual basis. Visit the office to arrange an appointment or call 519-452-4294. Check out www.fanshawec.ca/careerservices for student and graduate job listings. Join the Career Services Facebook group at tinyurl.com/fanshawecareerservices.
