Landing a good job is quite a tough task these days. There is lots of competition, and positions are being cut and downsized frequently. In addition to this, recruiters usually have a specific type of person in mind for a job before it’s advertised, which means It’s not unusual for jobs to be filled outside of the classifieds. Knowing someone who can give you an inside tip when a job comes available or put in a good word with the right person can be a huge advantage when searching for a job. If you are looking for your dream job or thinking about changing careers, now is the time to focus on your network of contacts.
Networking is an important component of job hunting and, in many cases, even the key to landing your dream job. But even for the most outgoing people, networking can be a challenge because it involves making connections, especially with strangers. With a combination of traditional networking ideas and more creative, modern approaches, it is easy to build a network of contacts that can help lead you to the career that you have always wanted.
Attending professional events like workshops and conferences is a great idea as they are dedicated to enhancing your skills and building your network. Generally, these conferences are filled with others who have similar skills and interests, making it less awkward to strike up a conversation with the person next to you and easier to talk about work-related goals. You can also plan ahead and prepare questions for specific speakers and attendees. Whether it’s committing to make many new connections or meeting just one specific person, it’s important to decide what you want to get out of each event you attend.
Thanks to the omnipresence of social media, with a little bit of searching, it is relatively easy to find Facebook groups dedicated to your industry, your passions, and the upcoming talents within it. Once you have joined a group, make sure to engage regularly with other members to start building connections and strengthening your reputation within the group. If someone posts about a job opening, you can get in touch with that person; being recognised as someone who frequently makes quality contributions or asked thought-provoking questions to the group can help you stand out. At the same time, ensuring your LinkedIn page is updated is also vital. Along with posting about your skills and accomplishments, you can easily make connections with others from your field, your school, or your favourite companies.
Getting in touch with your alma mater can make it easier to build strong connections, and social media makes finding alumni easier than ever. Try reaching out to your school’s alumni, especially those who are working at your dream company or in your ideal position. Another good idea is to reach out to your favorite professors whether you are still in college or not. They will surely have a wealth of information to share with you, including valuable career advice and feedback, sharing job openings they are aware of, and connecting you with their wider network of professionals.
Reaching out to industry professionals is yet another way to develop important contacts. While it may be challenging and many might not even respond, it doesn’t cost anything to let them know how much you respect their work. You can try sending a personalised email to professionals, including their recent work that you admire and a note about how it influenced your career aspirations. Sometimes, you might also be able to include something you’ve recently worked on, and ask for feedback. They might ignore your request, but can also provide you with valuable insight. If the professional you’re emailing happens to live in your city, try inviting them for coffee. This is a great way to make a genuine connection and learn more about that person’s career path and experience.
Keep in mind that some of your best connections could be the ones already close to you. Always let your friends and family know that you are looking to pursue a specific opportunity, and ask if they know anyone who could give you advice or share their experiences. Sharing a mutual connection, even if it isn’t professional, is a great way to break the ice with someone who could provide you advice and new networking opportunities.
