Finding a new job can be overwhelming. Sometimes just considering change can be scary and frankly, exhausting. Whether you are currently unemployed, employed but unhappy in your present position or simply ready for a change, it’s difficult to know where to start. The days of relying on classified ads are over. Even as an Executive Recruiter, my practice is limited to hiring people with specific qualifications for specific roles. So, what is my advice to people looking for a new job opportunity? Network. But what does that really mean?
Networking is something you are already doing every day. It just means interacting. You are networking when you chat with a stranger in line at Starbucks, or when you go out to dinner with friends. When you are networking with a focus on finding a new job, the name of the game is to expose yourself to as many connections as possible. Cast a wide net, but start with the people you know. Every single one of those people represents a possible opportunity. You never know what it might be until you ask.
Before you ask, visualize the perfect opportunity for you. What do you want to do and who do you want to be? It is important when you network to be clear about your goals. You should also be able to clearly articulate your skills and experience, and your qualifications for your dream job. However, it is also important to be open-minded. You may hear about opportunities you never previously considered, but should.
In recent years, technology has provided seemingly endless new ways for us to expand our networks. Every time you open your Facebook page is an opportunity for you to network. Who out there is doing what? If you identify someone doing something you find interesting, let them know! LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for business networking. Open an account, post your resume and a picture reflecting the image you want to project. And this is only the beginning! There are hundreds of on-line job sites out there.
Still overwhelmed? I have included my top 8 networking suggestions below.
- Tell the people you already know that you are looking for a new job. You will be surprised at how willing they will be to help. If they do not have specific suggestions, they may have ideas about people they know who can help.
- Follow up on calling those people. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there with people you don’t know, but you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. In the end, you might even make some new friends.
- Accept those invitations for coffee, happy hour or dinner. It can be challenging to be social when you are tired and perhaps somewhat apprehensive, but it is important to increase your exposure. Not a lot of invitations coming your way? Then extend them!
- Take advantage of social media to develop new connections. Create your brand and share it with as many appropriate job boards and networking sites as possible. Believe me, people are looking.
- Research relevant conferences in your area and attend. Just chatting with other professionals in the market place can lead to important business introductions. Carry business cards with you and hand them out as often as possible.
- Volunteer. Volunteering with organizations that interest you is a great way to meet new people and gain experience doing something that is meaningful to you. If a full time position becomes available, you are already a known entity with proven dedication to the mission.
- Respond to recruiters. Some of my best hires have been with candidates who were interested in previous positions, but were not hired. However, these candidates were the first people I contacted for subsequent positions because I already knew them. You should also reach out to recruiters. Let them know about who you are and what you can do. Don’t be afraid to send your resume to multiple hiring professionals for maximum exposure.
- Don’t be afraid to sell yourself. You are your own best advocate!
What other networking strategies have worked for you? We want to hear your stories!
Julianne Schoepp is a Principal & Executive Recruiter at Morgan Consulting Resources, a healthcare executive search firm celebrating 20 successful years in business.
