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SMP Solutions Guide to Career / Job Search Networking
The Importance of Career Networking
When it comes to career success it's often about who you know, not what you know.
Networking is now one of the most important, if not the most important, activities that job-seekers need to master to be truly successful in your job-search.
Because the vast majority of job openings are never advertised, job-seekers need to build up a wide network of contacts you can call on for information, help, advice, support, job leads or even a job!
Research suggests that anything from 60% to as much as 80% of appointments come from the 'hidden market' with management vacancies/opportunities being at the top end i.e. only around 20% of management appointments are ever advertised.
Therefore, thousands of jobs are secured through direct and indirect approaches, which highlights why networking is now a critical part of managing a successful career.
And the hidden market
- Potential opportunities in organisations where the need has not yet crystallised
- Poorly performing organisations that would benefit from fresh talent
- Departments lacking leadership or failing to meet targets
- Expanding organisations in need of added resource
What is Career / Job Search Networking?
Networking is a process that connects people to find information and contacts. Depending on whether you have been used to networking as part of your general work or social life, really determines how you would describe the process but here are some views:
- Creating & developing personal contacts for the mutual benefit of both or others'
- 'Developing a personal reputation'
- 'Starting the process of getting to know people'
- 'Increase in personal responsibility to create the life you want'
What is the start point?
All the above statements are true and everybody will be at different start points depending on what stage you are at with your job search and general career development.
For some people it might be that you are just 'starting the process of getting to know people' but for others it could be making a big shift to utilise your contacts to take control of your career and become 'the architect of your own future'.
Career Networking Tips
Who to Include in Your Career Network
- Your career network should include anyone who can assist you with your job search or a career move
- It can include past and present employees, bosses, friends with similar interests (e.g. sport, hobbies) colleagues from business associations, alumni from your university, or acquaintances you have met via online networking services
- Your network can also include family, neighbours, and anyone who might have a connection that will help
What Your Career Network Can Do For You
- Over 80% of job seekers say that their network has helped with their job search
- Networking contacts can help with more than job leads - they can provide referrals to or insider information about companies you might be interested in working for
- They can provide information on career fields you might want to explore or what the job market is like in another part of the country
- Don't just use your networking skills to get job leads - the people you meet can help you and advise you on everything from new computing systems to office politics so the possibilities are endless!
Work Your Network - Keep in Touch
- Networking is not about just contacting people who can help when you are or have faced redundancy, or decide you want to look for a new position
- Keep in touch with your network regularly, even if it's just a brief email to say hello and to ask how they are doing
- People are more willing to help when they know who you are
What You Can Do for Your Career Network
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Networking shouldn't be a one way street it is about mutual benefit and respect
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If you come across an interesting article or a relevant job listing, share it with your network
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The point of having a career network is to have resources that can help, but, you should reciprocate, whenever you can - 'givers gain'!
- If you have seen or heard of someone good on the market, grab them and bring them into your company
- The more talented people you have around you, the better you'll look and the easier your job will be!
Have a System to Keep Track of Your Network
- Keeping track of your network is as important as having one!
- Ideally have an electronic network list, or at worst paper based but make sure you know who everybody is, where they work, areas of common interest and or their area of specialism and how to get in touch
Summary
- Networking should be part of your ongoing career development
- Networking identifies and creates opportunities
- Networking helps to exploit the 'hidden job market'
- Networking avoids competition
- Networking is a 2 way street
- Networking requires a range of skills and discipline
- Networking works!
Copyright SMP Solutions (2007) Career & Personal Development Consultancy
'helping you unlock your potential'
www.smp-solutions.co.uk
