You may have heard that networking is a good idea when looking for a job. But maybe you have doubts about how to do it? Here you get 4 concrete advice on how to network in your job search.
4 concrete advice on how to use networks in your job search
For many, networking can be quite cross-border. But it should not deter you from getting started. It believes job adviser in AS3 Transition.
You will quickly find that the vast majority are positive about your inquiry and help you further. So you should not be afraid to throw yourself into it.
If you are unsure of how you network in your search for a job or new challenges, you will get 4 concrete advice you can use:
1. Find out who is your network
Ask yourself the questions: Who do I know who I can contact to get knowledge about a particular industry, business or perhaps a particular job? Or do I know someone who might know someone I can contact?
To get answers to the questions, you can simply try to draw your network to find out how big it really is.
For example, it may be:
- Friends
- family
- Friends’ family and friends
- Neighbors and their families
- People from hobbies
- Study Buddies
In your work life it can be:
Colleagues and managers
Former colleagues and managers
customers
Supplier
2. What would you like to know about?
How you best use your network depends on what you are seeking knowledge about.
For example, if you are a nurse and you are seeking a job in a hospital which is in a state other than that which you live in, you can check for Travel nurse jobs and identify the best one for you. You can also check reviews of the hospital on various forums.
It may be that you lack specific knowledge about an area, an industry or a job, or maybe lack information, inspiration or sparring. It may also be that you need feedback on whether your competences suit a particular job.
Often, your challenge can be within one of the following three areas:
What job is it really you want?
- You have doubts about what you would like to work with in the future
- You want to know what tasks you can handle within a specific area
Are there job openings in the area you want to work within?
- You know what type of job you want and want to know more about the situation in the industry
- You are considering whether you know someone who can give you knowledge about a particular job
Is there anyone who can help with sparring on your new idea?
- You want to establish your own business or have an idea for a project and lack sparring
- You are looking for ideas for business partners
The networking meetings can of course deal with much else. However, it is important that you have a specific topic to focus on so that you do not waste anyone’s time. Write down what you would like to know more about, so you know what the meeting is about – and what questions you would like to answer.
3. Who can help you further?
When you know what the meeting is about, you can begin to examine who in your network it might be relevant to talk to. Choose the people who can immediately help you or know someone who can.
It may be people who know you right away. But it can also be people you think that might be interesting, but who do not know you.
4. What is your goal with the network meeting?
When you find out what the meeting is about and who you can contact, you are ready to arrange network meetings.
Good networking meetings require you to prepare well from home – it is clear. Consider how to contact the person and prepare questions before the meeting or phone call.
It is also a good idea to prepare a brief introduction by yourself from home. It can make it easier for you to tell about your background and skills.
You can ask your contact person if he or she can suggest other people you can contact. Also offer the contact person your help if there is anything you can contribute. After the meeting, it is important that you follow up and that you maintain contact with the person.
For example, you can link up with the person on LinkedIn for the meeting and then write to him or her in there. In this way, you can keep in touch with each other.
You can also check nonprofit jobs at Execsearches.