3 Networking Secrets to Finding a Job Quickly
Many businesses are starting to pick up again, meaning you may be seeing more job opportunities in the market. We recently experienced this for our own team, hiring a young lady name Suzy.
Let me tell you how she got a job, without having to search online, ask for applications, or drive from business to business looking for “Now Hiring” signs.
Over the past couple of months we had seen more and more business for our coaching, team building, and networking workshops, but our team wasn’t growing to keep up with it. So a few weeks back we discussed hiring an employee to help with the time consuming production work that helps make these workshops a success. We knew the hours it would take, the pay, the job requirements and everything else we would need to make a job opening announcement, but we didn’t do that.
Instead, we brainstormed who in our network would be a perfect candidate. It wasn’t more than a few days later that Sandy, one of our internal team members suggested a name. It was Suzy. She was a college student, tech-savvy and was looking for the type of part time work this would provide. Suzie’s way into the job was through Sandy’s connection to her mom.
Less than two weeks after we first discussed hiring, we had found a qualified and motivated candidate, without ever posting the job for the public to see. Truthfully, this is how most of the jobs in the economy get filled first. If you don’t know a person in the company or industry where you want work, your chances of getting that job are much, much, lower.
Fortunately, there are some networking secrets that will give you the edge you need to finding your next job.
Secret #1 Forget Yourself and Help Others
The fundamental skill we teach in Value Based Networking is giving value to others FIRST. Believe it or not, this also applies to finding a job.
To illustrate, think of the last time someone did something nice for you, bought you lunch, washed your car, cleaned your dishes. How did you feel? What did you want to do for that person? Unless you’re heartless, you probably wanted to do something nice in return. I’m joking, but there is something in human nature that makes us “want” to return a favor or show gratitude for those who do special things for us.
People are interested in who’s serving them and why they are doing it. So for example, while you are helping someone build a home for Habitat for Humanity, the other volunteers will inevitably ask you what you do. So you say something like, “I’m currently in between jobs but wanted to give back to the community in the mean time.” This will help other volunteers will remember you. They’ll know you are a hard worker, you are a good person, and if they know about a job, or hear about one later they are going to think to themselves, “Hmm, I wonder if Bob is still looking for a job?”
That’s just one example, but think about it in a more general sense. I know several people who found clients, jobs and work through their church organization where they serve. Volunteers across all industries often have great connections that get them into full time work or at least a strong referral.
It may be the last thing on your mind to help others when you’re the one in need, but it pays to serve.
Secret #2 Be An Active Member of Your Industry
I’ll share another story (shared here) to help illustrate this point. Mike is a mentor and friend of mine I first started working with when I was at ASU promoting Dell Laptops for him. He knew a lot about careers, networking and overall job skills, and had an impressive background in Marketing and Sales for companies like Intel and Dell. Eventually, he moved to another sales position for a large IT company around the same time the economy began to fall. The timing was unfortunate, business was slow and his job was removed as a result less than a year later.
But that didn’t stop him from working. Like I said earlier, he knew the value of networking to find a job. So, he became the president of Social Media Club of Dallas, co-organized Ignite Dallas, and started his own Marketing Consulting business to help bring in some income. Because Mike was active in the marketing industry, had connections to thousands of professionals and dozens of public recommendations, he was able to land a great position as Director of Marketing for a prominent marketing business.
Most industries these days have clubs and organizations you can attend. These can be a great way to build relationships in a variety of companies with people who share an interest in the line of work you do. Make sure to not just attend but to provide value for the club, write on their blog, be a part of a panel, volunteer for a leadership position. You will become more recognizable and other members will be eager to help you find a job that you can be confident would fit your skills and interest.
Secret #3 Diversify Your Network, or Why to Network With Hairstylists
Say you are an engineer and you fill your network with a bunch of other engineers. Why isn’t this enough to help you get another job? It’s not enough because sometimes, the knowledge workers in an industry don’t have the say or access to jobs that others do.
You’d probably find this odd, but hairstylists and waitresses are some of the first professions to find out about job openings or possible changes that can lead to one. They often see powerful leaders of companies on a regular interval. Business change is one of the first topics to come up in a conversation since that’s what is new in the client’s life.
I’m not saying go out and just build a network of waitresses and hairstylists. The point I’m making is that many times someone outside of your industry and profession can still have powerful connections with decision makers in getting you a job. Learn to network with purpose and recognize those who have access to providing jobs. Don’t let tunnel vision trick you into excluding some helpful people from your network.
Three Things You Should Do Next
1. Share this article. The way the economy is today, you probably have friends, relatives, or acquaintances who could benefit from some tips on networking. Copy a link to this article on Networking to Find a Job to your blog or site. Tweet and share as well.
2. Join an organization. Take the next step and join a club or organization with like interest people. Remember to make a name for yourself by participating and being active.
3. Serve someone. Find a good community service activity you can participate in. You don’t have to dedicate full time hours, but the more consistent you are the more effective this will be for you.
Thanks for the addition. I didn’t really mention software programs, but those are an excellent resource to include as an option.
that’s good and to the point, keep it up
Thanks for the comment
that’s good and to the point, keep it up