The Importance of Networking for Job Seekers
How to successfully network and make your way to the top of the industry of your dreams.
Photo by Evangeline Shaw on Unsplash
Networking is one of the most important things when it comes to job searching. You can have the best resume in the world, but if recruiters are not interested in reading it, what’s the point of even applying? Here’s when networking comes into play.
By connecting with well-known people in an industry or company, you can get a lot more opportunities and valuable advice, as well as the chance to be considered for jobs that are not even listed.
In this post, we’ll talk about the importance of networking for job searching, as well as some excellent tips to start building connections right away.
Networking Gives You Access To New Information & Opportunities
Job searching can be a long and tiring process, which is why you should stop sending your resume to whatever job listing you see and start focusing on networking.
Networking can give you access to new information about your desired field or role that can later bring a job opportunity that is not listed anywhere. Plus, you get to keep track of all the innovations your preferred industry is developing and even get a chance to be advised by some of their leaders.
Apply For Jobs That Are Not Listed
It is estimated that around 80% of job opportunities are not listed, but rather advertised through connections. Networking is key to getting your name out there and having recruiters think about you before publishing a formal listing. Connect with people relevant to your field and showcase your skills and achievements without bombarding them.
It is not wrong to send an invitation on LinkedIn, or ask for advice sometimes, but bear in mind that not all successful people are willing to make conversation or give out their knowledge for free, which is why it is recommended that you attend events or conferences to meet with them in person.
Find A Mentor Through Networking
You’ve probably heard that one of the best ways to become successful is to find a mentor or guide, but how do you actually get one? Through networking.
As you make your way into your dream field, you’ll get to meet a lot of people who can help you, but to achieve this you have to be genuinely interested in making a connection. Just as you won’t do any favors to people who are not close to you, an experienced person won’t just give you tons of advice and opportunities if they don’t know you.
Take your time to connect with people and be open to helping them too. The key here is to build a strong relationship, the opportunities will come on their own in the future.
Get Valuable Referrals For Job Listings
Your referrals play a huge role when it comes to checking your background, and recruiters pay close attention to who you list. Networking can help you get valuable referrals that you may not get otherwise.
If you have a recommendation by a well-known person in the company or industry, their word can bring in a lot of opportunities and trust, before you’re even hired.
Look for local networking events and connect with people who have the job you’d like to have in the future on platforms like LinkedIn.
Keywords: networking/network job searching job listing/opportunity