Networking
They say it's not what you know, but who you know that counts when looking for jobs. Here's how to work a crowd, baby.
They don't call them cliches for nothing, as it is most certainly true that networking helps you make the contacts that will prove invaluable when trying to bag the career of your dreams. Sound scary? Put simply, networking is getting the word around that you're looking for a job, and along with a great cover letter and a snappy CV is the undisputed fast-track to the way in.
Gift of the gab
Sarah Hunting from careers guidance website Prospects says the concept of networking isn't as scary as it sounds.
'Networking is basically talking to people that may help you get a job. These can be people in the industry that you are looking for employment in, but friends, relations, in fact anyone you talk to can be useful when it comes to job hunting. If you put the word out there that you're looking for work, you'll be surprised how many people come back to you with information that can be of use. Force yourself to be friendly. By just passing your name along there is great potential for opportunities.
'70 per cent of jobs aren't advertised, which means limiting your job search to answering ads in the paper can get quite disheartening,' adds careers advisor Daniel Carter of CRAC. 'Work experience for example is an excellent way of giving yourself a head start. Not only will it give you a taster of the job and what it entails, but you will be able to make contacts that, although they might not be able to give you a job, can put you in touch with others that might.'
Fight the fear
Networking can seem quite daunting, but it's important to overcome the fear of rejection early on. Remember everyone starts somewhere, and so you shouldn't assume you'll be knocking on doors only to get no response. However, this doesn't mean handing your CV to everyone you meet - the key to successful networking is to save yourself time and energy by refining your job search.
Michael Saunders from Gradunet thinks making a list is the best start. 'Try writing down all the people you know that might be able to help you. Then work your way down the list, calling each contact and arranging informal, short meetings. You don't want to put the pressure on, but you do need to make it clear you require their assistance in your job search. Aim to get three things from each meeting: information, contacts and referrals. You need information about the business you are looking to move into, contact names of people that may help you, and referrals where they make the initial contact for you.'
Still not sure how to begin? Try our top 10 networking tips:
- Choose your path: Firstly, decide the industry you want to work in. Try not to make your selection too broad: the more focused you are, the more likely you'll be able to target the right people.
- Make a list:Write down the names of all the people you know that might help. Remember even if friends are not working in an area you're keen on, they may know people who know people who are.
- Make contact: Work your way down the list, calling each of your contacts, and arrange short, informal meetings. Fifteen minutes over a coffee is perfect.
- Get scribbling: Create snappy but interesting cover letters to send out with your CV to more formal contacts, noting that you will follow up the letter with a telephone call the following week. And make sure you do! Also, try sending out correspondence on Tuesdays so your package arrives later on in the week when things are less hectic.
- Meet!: Try to make meetings informal, but clear that you are trying to find out more about the industry you want work in. Don't take your CV, but do make sure you get business cards and follow up with a thank you email. This is where you should aim to get referrals to others who may help you.
- Explore other opportunities: Find out about trade shows or job fairs and make sure you attend. Never be afraid to ask questions!
- Do it for free!: Never underestimate the power of offering your services for gratis. If others see you are willing to put in the work, they will be more likely to think about you when opportunities arise. You will also be able to hear about internal vacancies, and get an idea what it's really like to work in the industry. You'll quickly get an idea of what suits you and what doesn't.
- Stay alert: Not all networking opportunities are obvious. Even chatting to mates in the pub can be beneficial so don't be afraid to mention your career plans.
- Hassle!: You don't want to annoy potential employers, but chasing up emails / phone calls / applications can be the subtle reminder you need to stay in peoples minds. Remember, it takes an average of three reminders to get a reply to business applications! Just be aware most people do get very busy.
- Givers get: If you can help out others they will be much more likely to assist you when the time arises, so doing the odd favour can certainly pay off on the long run.
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