Leveraging Your Network to Land Your Dream Job

While on a job search, it can be frustrating to repeatedly send resumes and also repeatedly not get any response from potential employers. But this has been the ‘route’ plied by many job-seekers for so long, yet receiving little or no response. However, the easy way is to grow relationships that can give you leads to open positions, many of which are not advertised. Sometimes, it’s not what you know that matters; it is who you know.

“Employees hired through referral are hired 55% faster than those who come from a career site” – Jobvite Research.

Networking can be a great way to build valuable relationships that can give you leads, referrals and ideas. If you have not considered networking as a tool for landing a great job, this may well be your opportunity.

While nothing can replace face-to-face networking, using digital tools can open up a whole new vista of opportunities. It is important to ensure you have your resume and LinkedIn profile updated. An unprofessional LinkedIn profile picture will hurt your chances for views. Use a nicely taken picture under good lighting. Watch out for typos on your resume – they cut for you the impressions of someone who is untidy.

You can join your alumni group on LinkedIn to leverage the network for your job search. A recent survey shows that 58% of professionals under 40 are part of a professional community and 77% of who hadn’t joined intend to do so. Introduce yourself to your institution’s alumni and develop relationships that can lead to referrals. When you identify a target alumnus, get to know them first in person. Ask for their advice instead of a job like everyone else. 

You will have no second chance to make a good impression. Begin with a great first impression. Create an engaging introduction message. Good communication skills can take you far – both in person and in writing. Invest in your communication skill.

Send your pitch email to members in your alumni group who are working in an industry of interest.

You can also send to those who work for companies where you would like to work. As replies roll in, set up informational interviews through phone meetings, Skype calls or face-to-face meetings. An informational interviews help you connect with your target and gives you a chance to demonstrate your passion to an influencer in the company or industry of your choice.

Even if you are an introvert, you must intentionally cultivate your networking skill. See the next event you’ll attend as a training ground. Learn never to compare or benchmark your networking behaviour with anyone else. If occasion permits, find a “wing-man” who will improve your comfort level at the event. However, ensure you do not excessively glue yourself to him or her.

Focus on trying just one new thing to improve your networking skill per event. Plan ahead that you’re going to stay for a sufficient amount of time; that way the event won’t seem an unending activity. Set a goal on how many people with whom you want to have meaningful conversations. Focus on the other person during conversations; it can also help you overcome self-consciousness. The truth is that people like to talk about themselves, and they like people who give them the opportunity.

Be genuinely interested in people. It will quickly erase whatever skepticism your new contact may have. Choose to be a blessing – ALWAYS. Find ways to be of value. This makes the connection more equitable and un-parasitic. They will be much more interested in helping you too.

“You can get everything out of life that you want if you help enough other people get what they want”

– Zig Ziglar

Never for once think you have nothing to offer. Even some old contacts you have may become life-saving resources for your new contacts. Asking a variety of questions about your contact can lead to some ideas of how you can be of value to them.

·         Set a reconnect-and-follow up plan for all the existing people you want to network with.

·         Identify people who will recommend and endorse you on LinkedIn; then, how to approach them. Vet your references or have them vetted for you by a trusted third party.

·         Research potential employers and how you can get on their radars.

·         Make a list of company websites you will check constantly for new job postings, as well as people in the company that you can network for inside information.

You can increase your chances by marketing your personal brand and growing your following on digital channels. I have seen people who got great jobs through their quality engagement on digital channels. Be sure that communication reflects your brand and expertise. Connect with professionals on Twitter as well. Some of them tweet links to great articles and opportunities. Engage with other influencers in your field with tweets – and don’t forget to use hashtags.

You can also share your content with your circles on Google+. It’s a great way to improve your search engine results.

Tweeting Professionally

There’s nothing wrong with using Twitter for other social purposes, but it can be helpful in building professional connects as well. Post meaningful content and share inspiring stories with your followers. Though short, your Bio should be a good representation of you.

Use the search bar to find the brands you want to work with. Follow the company and their recruitment teams. Check for their recruitment teams and follow or look at their twitter lists. This can be a good place to find employees or recruiters you could connect with. Follow, interact and retweet their content if you believe in what they’re saying. You can get their attention.

Too many requests from casual contacts can be draining, how can one decline networking requests professionally? #VentureCareer 

Being able to graciously say “No” can help you stay focused on your own priorities.

The real deal here is the need to protect your time & productivity. 

Trying to honor dozens of requests daily will definitely handicap your efficiency.