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Why Networking Can Improve Your Odds of Finding a Job

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Finding a job can sometimes be a job in itself. In a candidate-flooded market, how do you find the ‘in’ you need to land yourself an interview? Networking is one of the most underutilised and effective job seeking tools in a jobseekers’ arsenal as it can provide you with support, information and job leads.

 

 

What Is Networking?

Networking is the simple act of reaching out and having a conversation with someone professionally. It is nothing more than getting to know people and building a lasting relationship with them. It can be done at a corporate event, dinner or even when out socialising with friends – you can network wherever you go.

 

A lot of roles are never advertised so networking therefore allows you to hear of these jobs. You are also more likely to be asked for an interview if you have established with the employer as companies like to hire people they know. If you are being recommended by a current high performing employee then the natural assumption is that you are of a similar nature and will ‘fit’ with the company.

 

Networking does not necessarily have to be with someone new, it can be with someone you already have a relationship with. Existing relationships are in fact the best place to start.

 

 

Make a List of People in Your Network

Your network is a lot bigger than you think. It can include family, friends, acquaintances, neighbours and co-workers. Think about people your connections are connected to, maybe your sister’s husband’s brother is a manager in a large tech company or your football coach’s wife is in HR with a biopharma company. Now let these people know you are looking for a job and ask them would they recommend you to people they know who are connected to companies or industries of interest to you.

 

 

Work Backwards from Job Advertisements

For any role you’ve applied for, see if you know anyone that works in that company. LinkedIn is a great tool for such a task. See if any of your connections are connected to people within that company and ask if they can refer you. Even if they say no to this, they can provide you with insight into the company which can be invaluable if you do secure an interview.

 

 

Meet New Connections

Now that you’ve been introduced to these people, meet them.

 

Remember, before walking up to this person, what the aim of the meeting is – securing a job recommendation. Do your research on them and their company. Have a CV imprinted into your memory so you can accurately summarise your skills and abilities but also do not forget that this person knows you personally so talk about normal things at the start – a friend you have in common, your local GAA team, some news about the area.

 

 

Don’t Worry – Its Human Nature to Want To Help Others

Jobseekers can be a bit doubtful about networking; it is only natural to be apprehensive reaching out to someone you wouldn’t usually speak to however this stumbling block is all in your imagination.

 

Most people will gladly help you. Everyone has looked for a job at some point in their lives, they can relate to the situation you are in.