Is networking really useful?

 

 

 

The short answer is ‘YES’.

However, most people are averse to networking because they feel embarrassed talking about their job situation to others or feeling that they are asking people to find them a job.

You need to understand that you are not asking other people to find you a job.  What you are doing is asking them to give you any information that they may hear about a job….which is quite different!

Did you know that approximately 25% of all job vacancies are filled as a result of personal recommendation or word of mouth? This percentage increases (up to 75%) as you get older.

Make your Net  Work!!

1) Identify who is in your network e.g. friends, family, ex-colleagues (every individual in your network has their own network!!).

2) Explain your position and the type of work you are seeking.

3) Explain why you have contacted them.

4) Provide them with information about your skills, experience and knowledge (they may currently only have a vague idea of what your previous jobs entailed).

5) Give them a copy of your CV (it’s a good idea to put it in a plastic wallet or envelope so it doesn’t become dog-eared or stained).

6) Arrange to contact them on a specific date to obtain an update (make sure you stick to the date to show how serious you are about your job search).

7) Maintain a record of who you have contacted.

What are some of the benefits?

1) People in your network may alert you to job opportunities.

2) You will pick up information about other companies where you may be able to enquire about unadvertised vacancies.

3) You can learn from other people’s experience.

4) You will gain confidence in talking about yourself.