You’ve heard people tell you to network your way to a new job. But that seems easier said than done. You need a plan to grow your network. Maybe you don’t have a network or you don’t like to network or perhaps you don’t know how to network. Before you worry about any of this, […]
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You’ve heard people tell you to network your way to a new job. But that seems easier said than done. You need a plan to grow your network.
Maybe you don’t have a network or you don’t like to network or perhaps you don’t know how to network. Before you worry about any of this, let’s start by developing a plan to grow your network.
The chances of your securing your next job solely because you post your resume online are slim. Can it happen? Sure. But, when was the last time you were struck by lightning? Those are the kinds of odds I’m talking about.
Why Networking Matters for Your Job Search
Companies use a variety of sources to promote their job openings and attract candidates. Your goal is to discover jobs through as many of these sources as possible. To do this, you need a networking strategy.
Here are some popular ways recruiters find talent:
- Employee referrals
- Recruiter (internal)
- Job Boards (Indeed, Glassdoor, etc)
- Company career website
- Recruiter/Agency (3rd party)
- Campus recruiting
- Talent communities
One of the best ways to get referred for a job is to meet people who can refer you. That would mean you have to meet employees (or former employees).
Your networking strategy starts by purposefully growing your network. What I’m talking about is purposefully and genuinely expanding the people you interact with and share information with.
It’s always better to grow your network before you need it!
Identifying Key Connections for Your Network
Think about who you need to know. Who are the people who are well-connected or influential in your target industry or occupation? (This can be difficult if you haven’t thought about it before.)
Employees – Current and Past
Look for employees (current and past) of the company you are interested in working for.
People In Your Industry or Occupation
Meeting people in your desired industry or occupa