Career Networking How-To

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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".
10. 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.

How to Fight Against Career Depression

As the time for graduation approaches, many university students are starting to feel anxiety, panic and desperation engulf them. It's not the loss of friends, carelessness and ridiculous dress up parties that is the cause of these feelings. No, it's the bleak prospect of finding a job that torments them.

We've all been told how hard it can be to find a well-paid job we love. Yet, this does not make the job hunting process any easier. In fact, more often than not many begin to feel discouraged, if not depressed, after sending tens of CVs and attending as many interviews without securing a job.

But if we want to live 'the good life' (a.k.a. independence and money), we've got no choice but to keep on trying. So here are some tips and ideas how to avoid 'career depression' and keep yourself motivated until you get that dream job.

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• First of all make sure you know who you are and what you want to achieve in life. As spiritual as it may sound to you, it is often the case that many graduates leave university not quite sure what they are passionate about and what path they want to take in life. Investing some time in developing your 'identity capital' will pay off in the future. To make this search more career-oriented begin by asking yourself these questions: What am I good at and how can I use my natural abilities to their greatest effect? What do I really want from a job and what field of work genuinely fires me up? What sort of work environment would work best for me? Would I be happier starting up my own venture, or would I work best connected to an existing organisation? Reading, watching and listening to inspirational stories, such as the Ted Talk I mentioned in another post, can be of great help.

• Once that is out of the way try to set specific goals in your job search process. Figure out the best way to break into your industry of choice, be it (paid) internships, speculative job applications or additional training. Decide when and how often you will apply for jobs. Sometimes quality is better than quantity. Surprise your prospective employer with a hand written cover letter or a short video attached to your email application. Be realistic - applying for jobs takes time, especially if you want to impress, so start with smaller goals, such as applying to two companies this weekend, and increase them gradually.

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• Of course, sending your CV and cover letter is only half the work. It's easier to secure a job if you have contacts within your preferred sector or company, because they will speed up the selection process by referring you to the right people. Making contacts can be done through networking. We've heard that many times but how do you network exactly? The Guardian says that "It is possible for graduates to find connections everywhere, from university alumni to your cousin's friend's mother." Find out where key people from your industry meet to network - both online and offline (LinkedIn groups are a good place to start). Attend career and industry related events and bring with you basic, but professional-looking business cards. It's the best way to make sure people remember your name and contact details. Browse through your existing contacts and your university's alumni list to see if anyone has connections to your preferred industry or organisation. If you are a shy bird, you can use Twitter to connect with potential employers. A little goes a long way.

• If all else fails, do not despair. Don't underestimate and undervalue yourself. You spent time and money on education and you deserve a decent job. As the job hunting process stretches over time, be creative and look for other ways to fill in your time. If you don't have the luxury to sit in your mama's house and wait for that dream job, try taking up a part time job or looking for work in companies within your chosen industry but not in your preferred department. Rumour has it that starting in admin/reception positions could lead to promotions and opportunities to move to other departments within the company. If you have the time and resources you can also try to come up with a small scale enterprise idea which will bring you some quick cash and loads of business skills.

So there you go. These tips are just a starting point. Each person will have a different approach to things based on their situation and preferences. Remember to keep your head up and keep on trying.

*This blog post was inspired by Grads.co.uk, a brand new, cool and exciting jobs site dedicated solely to graduate and student recruitment.