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Finding a new job can easily become a process akin to rinse, wash, and repeat. It seems proactive at first, but over time you may see it hasn’t made any of the significant results or gains you expected.
If this scenario sounds too familiar to your job hunt, the good news is that you recognize it. However, it’s also a sign to make a change, or at least an improvement, to your job search strategy. But first, let’s look at some job search statistics:
- 27 percent of hires are attributed to referrals – making it the largest source of external hires
- Of candidates who learn about a company’s referral program, 82 percent were informed by a current employee
Looking at those numbers, it’s apparent a good portion of job seekers found employment from their networking connections. While many will flock to job sites, job boards, and social media, networking expands
Each person already in your network has the potential to help you land the job fit for you, but some will be of more help than others. Leverage your network for your job search by engaging with one or all three of these connections you’ve built on your own.
Insiders
These are the connections that are currently employed at your target company. They are great to reach out to because they not only are familiar with the openings available and the hiring process, but they can also offer a referral on your behalf. Referrals are ranked as one of the best sources of external hires by most companies, so having one by the connection that can vouch for you is a significant advantage over other applicants. Even if there are no positions fit for you at the moment, keep in touch with insiders on your job search progress. That way, when they see something opening up for you, you’ll be the first to know.
Social media is a powerful, mandatory tool for the job world, and career expert Miriam Salpeter illustrates its fullest potential with this one-stop resource.
Former Coworkers
Whether you’ve worked alongside others in a full-time position, or even volunteered, former coworkers are the ones that will know your work style, skills, likes, and dislikes the best. Reconnect with them in person over lunch or coffee and let them know of your job search — they’ll be happy to keep an eye out for you.
Industry Professionals
The connections you made from your major’s classes, clubs, and professional associations may be in the same boat as you, or at least can relate to the time when they were looking for employment. Inform them of your current situation and see if they have any helpful advice or possible job leads to offer. They even may refer you to a friend that can help you out if you politely inquire about it.
Friends and Family
Just because they aren’t included in your professional environment doesn’t mean they can’t help you out. It’s likely they are all aware of your job search already, so why not let them know how they can help. If they are able to offer assistance, make it easier for them by informing them of your experience, skills, or a specific job title you’re aiming for.
It’s Not You, It’s Your Job Search distills two decades of career coaching into 43 super-practical, achievable job-search tips that.
You already have the people you need to make your job search successful. All you have to do is be the spark that ignites your network to help you.
