When you need to find a new job, turning to your network for help is a smart move. Many professionals learn about new opportunities from their connections, including unadvertised positions that they might not learn about otherwise.
Additionally, your network may be able to offer you guidance during your job search. They could provide you with insight about an employer, help you practice for an interview, or even provide a direct referral.
To put it simply, networking can be the key to career success. If you want to network to find a new job, here are some tips that can get you started.
How to Network for a New Job
When you are looking for a new opportunity, you need to approach your network in the right way. First, understand that asking for help is okay, and most people will be happy to land a hand if they have the ability to do so.
As you reach out, don’t limit yourself to professionals who have more experience than you do. Also, connect with your peers and those who are in earlier stages of their career. Even if they aren’t hiring managers, they may be aware of open positions that aren’t on your radar. Plus, if you have a good relationship, they might be willing to refer you directly to the hiring manager.
Additionally, be honest about what you are requesting. There’s no need to bury your request in a lengthy message if you are reaching out to people you know. Instead, make it clear in your message subject line and early in the message that you are looking for a new job. Then, create a short bullet point list showcasing some of what you bring to the table, a brief description of what you want to find, and even a list of potential employers that pique your interest if you have specific ones in mind.
Once you send the message, don’t follow up too quickly. It may take time for your message to be read and for your contacts to come up with potential ideas. Now that they are aware of what you’re looking for, they will typically reply when something of interest ends up on their radar.
If you do receive a response, always thank your contact for replying. This lets them know that their efforts are appreciated and helps keep the relationship strong.
5 More Job Search Tips
- Always target your resume and cover letter to the position and company
- Present achievements (and not just job duties) to highlight your skills and experience on your resume
- Quantify details whenever possible to give the hiring manager valuable context about your accomplishments
- Only apply to positions where you feel confident you could excel in the role
- Make sure to consider a company’s culture, both when you target a resume and when you try to determine if it is a good fit
Looking for a new job?
Ultimately, networking can be a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. If you would like to learn more or are interesting in finding out about more job search tips, the team at TRC Staffing Services can help. Contact us with your questions today and see how our career advancement expertise can benefit you.
