Posted By: Nimish Thakkar In: Networking Ask anyone about their favorite job search strategies and the answer will be almost unanimous: classifieds. Now, ask the same people how they found their last job and most will have a story that involves some form of networking tied into it.
Ask anyone about their favorite job search strategies and the answer will be almost unanimous: classifieds. Now, ask the same people how they found their last job and most will have a story that involves some form of networking tied into it.
Career experts estimate that at least 75% of job openings are never advertised. These unadvertised jobs are often referred to as the hidden job market. Imagine, almost 90% of the labor pool targets less than 25% of available jobs. Is it any surprise, most job seekers never receive a response from potential employers? So how are these 75% jobs filled? The answer is networking.
In order to maximize returns from your job search campaign, it is very important to use a combination of job search strategies. In addition to classifieds and other job search tools you may already be using, consider adding networking to the mix.
Network your way to a job offer
Visualize the following scenario: It is peak January and Ms. Hiring Manager is inundated with deadlines and reporting obligations. Suddenly, Mr. Hurry, a key player on her team, is lured away by the competition. Ms. Manager is at her wits end because in addition to her regular workload she has to work with HR to fill this opening. What a nightmare.
Just then, Mr. Job Seeker forwards his resume to Ms. Manager through a mutual friend. What a delight. Mr. Job Seeker has the very skill sets Ms. Manager needs -- all that without going through the hassles or expenses of a recruitment campaign.
Ms. Manager alerts HR about this promising candidate and asks the HR manager to ensure compliance with legalities and immediately screen Mr. Job Seeker. All goes well and Mr. Job Seeker is hired. The company saved thousands of dollars on a search campaign and Mr. Job Seeker succeeded in eliminating all the competition that he would otherwise have to face had he relied only on the help wanted section of the newspaper. Everyone benefits.
Sound familiar? The foregoing scenario was not a figment of my imagination. During my professional coaching career, I have across hundreds of stories that parallel the fictionalized illustration from the preceding paragraph. Many of my clients networked and found job leads (and work) in subways, at bars, during massage sessions -- you name it. You may think it is serendipity, but I call it the power of networking.
Statistically, each individual knows at least a few hundred contacts (friends or friends of friends) and by networking with one new person every day, you are tapping into a pool of hundreds of potential contacts every day -- possibilities! From recruiters to subway riders to hair dressers, almost everyone is a potential networking contact and by tapping into this pool of contacts, you could easily be a step closer to your next job.
Comments
Posted by: Angela Covington
Great article.
Posted by: David Grantham
I like that idea of networking but what if you are in the military like myself and getting ready to retire and want a new job in a different state where you know nobody?
Posted by: Keith Daniel
I agree totally. Too bad there are not more networking websites.
Posted by: Tulaa Kah
I like networking but how do you know there are hidden jobs when you don't have access to. If one could be informed every day of jobs around his area that will be good.
Posted by: Richard Harter
This is excellent
Posted by: Sharon Solesbee
The best place to find job openings in any area is www.simplyhired.com This will help point the way to organizations that may be worth the effort. Another good resource is www.indeed.com Both sites list the most date of the posting. Hope this helps.
Posted by: Noman Ayub
I really like networking. It is the tool which tell us how to get right job in a right way.
Posted by: Tom Kipp
This is encouraging. Are there any forums or discussion groups where we can exchange our thoughts?
Posted by: Thomas Young
Good to know you are on the right track.
Posted by: john shaw
excellant article!!!glad i took the time to do the research thanx
Posted by: Bill Janulin
Networking is good. However, it also depends on what you are looking for and the job market where one resides. Example, Southwest Florida is not xactly a hotbed for mainframe jobs. So, unless you want to relocate, the other optione are short term contracts or telecommuting.
Posted by: Dan Cain Sr
This is informative but perhaps could be a little more thorough. Websites such as BrightFuse, etc. are good for networking within a job category.
Posted by: Robert Goencz On: 6/3/2009 10:54:05 PM
I can say this. If you are looking for the jobs that are not posted, it would be great if you could get that list BUT they may not be what you are looking for. The BEST and the TRUE way to find the job you are looking for is to go to the web sites of the companies that you would like to work for, then send your resume in to the HR or take the drive and do a cold call on these companies that you want to work at. TRY IT I promise you at least find a job working for a company that YOU WANT TO WORK WITH! Good Luck
Posted by: Amy H On: 6/19/2009 3:00:23 PM
Linked In is a good social networking site on the web for those looking for a job. State that you are looking for a job, and put exactly what you are interested in throughout your profile and join groups that have the same interests as you. Maybe you'll hear about something that way.
Posted by: Donna Mae Mims On: 6/30/2009 8:35:16 AM
Very inspiring and I am going to attack five of them! Thank you.
