How to Network for a Job in 5 Steps

How to Network for a Job in 5 Steps How to Network for a Job in 5 Steps As you seek new job opportunities and apply to job postings you find online, you will find yourself clicking and submitting your resume into a variety of online application systems. And, there are definitelygreat sites to check for online opportunities. But did you also know that during that time many people found new jobs through simply networking? Thats right- job seekers find their next career move by talking to people, attending events, and making connections. Remember the old adage, Its not what you know, its who you know? Well- to a certain extent- Its still true.You will have a unique opportunity when applying for a job (and during an interview) if you have a personal connection, inside information, or knowledge about the company that you get from an in-person or ongoing conversation. Clients often ask where to start seeking ansicht connections and how to build a network. Read further for five ways to incr ease your visibility and potential chances for a new role in the future.1. Attend a networking group in your areaThere are all kindsof networking organizations. Some meet weekly, others meet monthly. Most networking groups have a guest day or an ability to check out the organization one time prior to committing as a member. Take advantage of this opportunity. Many of these groups also have an ability to sub for regular members. Make an effort to be a sub- that way you can gain the connections of the members while sharing your expertise and building your network. 2. Check out your local chamber of commerceMost cities (even small towns) have some sort of chamber of commerce, commercial organization, or business-building network. ansicht organizations typically have a business after hours, morning business connection event, or other events throughout each month. These events are designedto build connections. Make a goal to attend one of these each month and expand your circle of influe nce. Polka Dot Powerhouse is one of my personal favorites- its a connecting organization for women that has allowed me to make new friends, collaborate with business professionals, and discover opportunities for my clients. 3. Schedule one lunch or coffee date each weekIf you are completely out-of-work and havent been able to find a new job, scheduling a lunch or coffee date with a past colleague or a new connection is a great way to network, enjoy time with a fellow professional, and discuss what you could potentially bring to a new employer. By setting a goal of doing this once per week, you hold yourself accountable for expanding your network.4. Build a relationship with a staffing agencyDuring the past, many people viewed temp or staffing agencies as a place to call when they needed assemblers for a week or a way to fill labor-intensive positions. While these agencies do perform these services, they often have professional divisions or employees that are seeking to fill higher-l evel roles in companies. The inside information is this these companies often dont advertise jobs because they are strictly working with the staffing agency to fill the roles. Rather than paying one of their employees to review resumes, conduct interviews, and go through the hiring process, they simply contract with the staffing agency. Its a great idea to let these agencies know that you are available for a new position- they may know of a job opportunity that isnt even out there yet.5. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-dateWhile this isnt necessarily an in-person networking event, reaching out to a goal of five people per week on LinkedIn will cultivate additional connections. If you are activelyseeking a new job (i.e. you lost your job, have been laid off, and are ready nowfor a new career move), then put that directly into your LinkedIn headline. There is no need to be secretive about it. Send five messages to connections each week and let them know you are ready to make a m ove, ask if their company has any openings, and tell them your most recent significant accomplishment.Heres the thing- these tips only work if you workat them. Set goals for yourself, track your progress, and change what isnt working. The point is this- if you dont work at your job search, then none of it matters. Be positive about your skill-set, understand that you have strengths to bring to a new employer, and dont be afraid to be assertive in your job search. No follow-up (clickhere to discover amazing ways to follow-up) and zero networking simply doesnt equal success in todays job market. Network, connect, and communicate to land your next job opportunityDr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, owner of Feather Communications, has been working with job seekers since 2008 to develop forward-thinking, eye-catching, and dynamic resumes for todays marketplace. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and has written thousands of resume for clients in a variety of fields. Dr. Rothbauer-Wa nish has a BBA in Management, an MBA, and a PhD in Organization and Management