Jobhop Jobhop's blog : Networking To Get A Job

I’m on Future radio talking about networking to get a job so I thought I’d also write a Blog post about it.

I’ve mentioned networking many times but I still get people saying to me they don’t get it, or they do get it and there’s no way they can do it! Then the lovely Neil from Future Radio said could I please talk about it in more depth, I realised then that there’s a need to know how to network effortlessly to get a job, or an interview.

What is a network and how do we network to get a job?

A network is just a group of people and by human nature we like to be included in groups, we are social characters, that means you are most probably already networking!

Lets have a look at where you may be already networking:

Parties, School gates, Gym, Dog walking, Evening class, PTA, Volunteer groups, Swimming, Book club, Weight watchers etc etc..

See it doesn’t just have to be Business networking, a lot of people think that to be able to called a networker you need to be attending Business networking groups, wrong. However I’d recommend that you do try business networking to get a job, business networking can get you in front of many potential employers. I’d say try a business network and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Now just take 10 minutes and go through all the people that you know, you will surprise yourself how many contacts you have, then you’ll start to see that networking to get a job isn’t so hard after all.

Do all of these people know that you’re looking for a job? Have you told them exactly what you’re looking to do..ie “ I’m looking to be an events organisor for a relatively new company that’s really wanting to get it’s product noticed by it’s market” rather than “I need a job”

If all your contacts know exactly what you want to do then they become your sales force, the minute they hear of something that matches the information you’ve given them then they’ll be back to you in a shot if they think there’s a chance.

The thing is you must tell people or how do you expect them to help?

Just think of all the people you know and then think of all the people they know, now are you getting how powerful networks and networking can be.

If you think you can’t possibly do that because it’s being pushy, think of it as asking for help that isn’t being pushy and do you know what? People like helping people so make the most of that!

Ask advice seeking questions ie “ what would I need to do to get a job in a company like yours” “who do you think I should send my c.v to?” Hopefully your contact will say he/she will take it in for you!

Remember a lot of jobs just don’t get advertised that should give you the incentive to find the “hidden job market”

If you find that “hidden job market” via your contacts then hey presto you’re one step ahead of any competitor. If you have a good relationship with your contact they will recommend you via the best way ..word of mouth and one of the oldest sayings is just so true “people do business with people they like” … Recommendations usually get you the job.

Once you have compiled your database of contacts then keep on top of it, regularly keep in touch with them and keep information up to date.

Always follow up new contacts, target yourself to getting 5 new contacts a week (5 is just a guide) make notes about Birthdays and any notes that you feel are relevant to the relationship. Remember that networking is two way so if you can do something for them then they are much more inclined to want to do something for you.

A few tips I will give you is try and network at trade fairs in the field that you are looking to get into.

Have a shorter networking C.V that you can freely give out..a real punchy edition with “read more @ www.jobhop.co.uk for example.

Or if you want to be really super whizz get some business cards made up with your full CV into a QR code on the front…so all someone needs to do is scan the code to find out more about you.

Keep all your contacts on www.jibberjobber.com A nifty tool that allows you to organise contacts, network events, what jobs you’ve heard about, maps interviews and an expense tracker…I like very much!

Try and make it 2nd nature to network, make it a habit…Become your own agent!!

Happy networking

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Julie Bishop Jobhop.co.uk

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