You’ve heard the old adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” This observation has never been more true than in today’s job market. Building a list of “who you know” is crucial to advancing or enhancing your career. Thanks to the information age, it has never been easier, either.
Read any career advice column and chances are networking will be a recommended tool for finding your next job. However, many people quickly exhaust their list of resources or leads. These tips will help you add some volume to your network.
Go online.
The latest trend in networking offers the ability to connect—through Web sites like LinkedIn and Friendster—with people you may not know directly, but who know one of your friends or colleagues. The concept of these sites is based on the “six degrees of separation” theory that everyone is somehow connected to everyone else by just a few people.
Connect with your alma mater.
Many educational institutions offer alumni Web sites or online communities where you can connect with former classmates. They’re also a great place to search for fellow alumni who may be employed at certain companies or in certain professions that you are interested in. Also, think about reaching out to favorite teachers, guidance counselors or mentors.
Scour the local newspapers.
They can be extremely valuable in building your network. Watch for stories about members of the community who may work in a certain profession or for a particular employer of interest to you. Then, send an e-mail requesting a short phone call or informational interview to learn more about their company or profession. Also, many papers list local networking events or groups that may be helpful to attend.
Leverage job fairs and community events.
Whether you’re attending a local concert, craft or job fair, you should view these opportunities as networking events—because they are. Talk to as many people as you can, from attendees to those hosting or working the event. Always have business cards or pen and paper on hand to jot down names and contact information. Make sure to follow-up later with a phone call or quick e-mail.
Try part-time, temporary or volunteer work.
Taking a temporary assignment within your desired profession or with a top area employer can expose you to a host of new contacts and colleagues. Volunteering also provides an excellent opportunity to meet involved community members while offering a valuable service.
There is no question that networking is one of the most powerful means of learning about and landing a job. According to Spherion® research, nearly 35% of job seekers used networking as a way of identifying their next career opportunity. The study also found that networking is the second most effective method for actually landing a job—with 32% of candidates reporting it worked for them. So what are you waiting for?