When you are job seeking you need to know how to work your network. We all know people. These people are your network. You may have a professional network and a personal one. The average person has a network of about 500 people.
It’s easy to be discouraged during a job search. You send out dozens of resumes and never hear back. But if you’re not getting any responses, it may be because…YOU AREN’T TALKING TO PEOPLE! It can seem daunting to reach out on social media or call someone up, but the payoff is worth it.
Here are some tips for how to work your network:
Make sure you have good online profiles (LinkedIn, Facebook). If they don’t exist, create them!
Your online presence is more than just what appears on your computer screen or phone screen; it also includes any kind of social media account or website where people can find information about you. If you’re not actively searching for a job, it’s important to make sure that your social media accounts are up-to-date and in good standing. This way, when the time comes, you’ll be ready! And don’t forget to check out our LinkedIn profile service!
Ask everyone in your network for introductions that might lead to opportunities with their clients/employers/business partners.
It’s time to get on the phone and ask everyone in your network for introductions. According to a recent study by CareerBuilder, 83 percent of workers believe that networking is important for finding jobs today. In fact, 56 percent of employers surveyed say they always look to referrals when hiring someone new. So if you want an edge over other applicants, be proactive about asking your contacts to introduce you.
Stay engaged with people by following up periodically via email or phone call.
Getting back in touch with potential employers every few months is an excellent way to stay engaged. It can show your continued interest, and it may even lead to a new job opportunity. Here are some tips for following up periodically with people you have had contact with before:
- Send an email or leave a voice mail message that says “I just wanted to stop by and say hello.”
- Keep the tone friendly but professional. – Avoid any mention of how long it has been since they last spoke. That information will come later if there’s enough time on the call or in the email exchange.
- If you’re interested in their business, ask them about what they’ve been doing lately. This will be relevant information when you do get that interview.
How are you going to work your network?
One of the most effective ways to find a new job is by leveraging your network. You may have heard this before, but it’s worth repeating because so many people overlook opportunities that are right in front of them! When you think about networking for jobs, there are two main approaches: direct and indirect. In an indirect approach, you use social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to establish connections with potential employers who can then refer you internally when they need someone with your skills set. This way doesn’t require any work on your part other than maintaining good profiles and staying engaged through occasional emails or phone calls (so make sure these channels exist!). The more active effort requires direct contact – asking everyone in your network if they know someone who they can connect you with.
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