Recently I read somewhere that you only have 1% chance of securing a job through vacancy adverts (yes, how depressing). However, I also read that you've got more chances of finding a job or at least making it through to the interview stage through networking, i.e. approaching industry insiders and asking for advice about your career area. In my earlier article on career depression, I mentioned networking as an effective tool in the job hunting process. Turns out it is also one of the most crucial tools.
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Why? Because ensuring your CV gets to the right person in an organisation will definitely increase your chances of being considered for a position. But how do we do that? Here are a few tips on how to get started:
- Online networking is the easiest way to start. Clean up all of your social media accounts and boost your professional presence on sites like LinkedIn. Then start following companies and industry leaders, share industry-relevant information and ask questions.
- Family and friends pose another easy option to start off networking. Ask your near and dear if they know anyone in your chosen filed of work and whether they can introduce you to them.
- Use your university's alumni service to find past students who are now working in companies or industries that you are interested in. Contact them asking for some advice or information on what it is like to work in that company/industry.
- Another way to network is through work experience and internships. Make sure you collect business cards and add colleagues on LinkedIn or other social media. Keep in touch by sharing useful information and asking about any job opportunities they may have heard about.
- If possible, join professional associations such as the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, which offer discounted rates for students and can provide access to events and training.
- When attending any career- or industry-focused events and conferences, make sure you have prepared a couple of questions which are not answered on the company or event website. Approach people with these questions and ask if you could take down their email address.
- If you are really eager you may wish to considering finding out where industry leaders meet, both online (LinkedIn groups) and offline (events), and ask existing contacts to invite you.
- When it comes to the actual nitty gritty of holding a conversation break the ice by finding something in common with the person you are trying to approach. You can find out the common 'thing' by asking about the event, whether their company has been put up for an award or if they are the guest of a sponsor.
- Been in a conversation with someone for too long? Introduce the person you are speaking with to another contact at the event. If that is not an option you can politely end the conversation by exchanging contact details/business cards or by a simple firm handshake and a "good to meet you".
- Finally, be proactive. Don't sit and wait for people to approach you either online or off. LinkedIn is perhaps one of the easiest ways to establish contact with key decision-makers.
It's time to wrap up this extra-long post. I hope these tips will be useful, however if you have some more tips of your own or any questions feel free to post them in the comments section below.