You may have heard that when it comes to finding a job, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” Well, even though some would dismiss that saying as overly cynical, there’s actually a lot of truth to it. Matt Youngquist, the president of Career Horizons, points out that “At least 70 percent, if not 80 percent, of jobs are not published.” Moreover, Julia Freeland Fisher, director of education research at the Clayton Christensen Institute, cites research that as much as 80% of jobs are filled through personal and professional connections.
It would be easy to view this as a sign you’ll never get the job you want. But the truth is you have the power to make this trend work in your favor if you’re not afraid of networking – the process of building relationships and connecting with others, including friends, acquaintances, and even people you haven’t even met yet. Read on for four tips for making your connections work for you.
1. Realize that You DO Have a Network – Then List Who’s in It
You may think that you have to come up with a list of brand-new professional connections. But think about people you already know. Your family members, friends, neighbors, current and former co-workers, and even people you’ve only met once or twice are all part of your network. So, list them all – from your innermost circle to the most casual acquaintances – and start connecting the dots with places you’d like to work.
2. Reach Out to People in Your Network and Let Them Know You’re Looking for Work
To get those connections working for you, start by reaching out to them and telling them you’re in job-seeking mode. Important: This is not the same thing as directly asking someone for a job, so don’t worry that you’re being pushy or needy.
3. Build Your Network Through Online Network Platforms
One of the most powerful ways you can let your connections know you’re looking is through platforms like LinkedIn. But don’t stop there. Forbes suggests connecting with the 50 people who’ve had the most impact on you in your career. If you can’t think of that many, expand the list criteria to people who’ve had a big influence on you, period. Then, Forbes adds, endorse these people through the platform’s tools. (LinkedIn makes it easy to recommend your contacts to others.) This will strengthen your relationships.
4. Attend In-Person Networking Events
Online tools are valuable, but nothing compares to physically putting yourself out there. Make a point of going to job fairs, and try attending a networking meetup or other events where people who have the same interests and skills as you meet, greet, and catch up.
Looking for More Job Seeking Resources?
Arrow Staffing can help you find job opportunities throughout Michigan. We also offer resume assistance to help you highlight marketable skills like the ones discussed above. Start your job search here.
