You've heard it before: at least 80% of all the jobs are
found through the "hidden" job market, also known as the
"unpublished" job market. These are jobs typically landed
through word of mouth and referrals as opposed to the
hit-or-miss method of answering ads, posting your resume to
internet databases, or other techniques meant to target the
remaining 20% of all jobs in the published market.
It stands to reason that if the vast majority of the jobs
are to be found in this hidden market, that you should
spend the majority of your job search time working to crack
it. But, as you may have reasoned already, accessing the
hidden job market requires that you take charge of your
search, reaching out and building strategic relationships,
taking proactive initiative, and making yourself visible in
the right circles.
That's right. It requires that you use networking
strategies. And, the thought of networking leaves many
people feeling nervous and unsure. For an introverted or
shy person, the idea of networking can even cause serious
anxiety and fear.
What is networking exactly? If you believe, like many
people, that networking is simply approaching everyone you
know to ask for a job, it is no wonder you feel
uncomfortable! That isn't what networking is. True
networking is about building strategic relationships that
involve a win-win, reciprocal exchange of information,
support, and/or referrals.
When defined in this way, networking ceases to be so scary.
But, it also requires that you expand your view of
networking. No longer is networking just something you do
every now and then when you are conducting a job search;
building and strengthening your network is something that
you should be working at all the time. But, if you find
yourself facing an immediate job search, and your
networking skills are rusty, don't fret. Here are some tips
to get you moving.
1) When you first start out to build your network, it will
be helpful for you to think of networking as a research
project. Networking isn't just about the quantity of
contacts; it is about the quality. Don't be afraid to reach
out to decision-makers and people "in the know" within
companies and industries of interest to you. These are
quality contacts. Explain your career plans and ask them if
they would spend 15 minutes talking to you and answering
some questions. Most people will be flattered and say yes.
When you do get in front of them, NEVER ask for a job, but
DO ask for advice and referrals. These meetings are
traditionally known as informational interviews.
2) As mentioned above, your networking efforts should
emphasize building quality relationships. But, don't
discount the importance of quantity. As much as possible,
you should also expand your network. Friends, relatives,
people you went to college with, contacts you have made in
your community, doctors, the salespeople you come into
contact with...they are all part of your network. You won't
want to spend a large amount of time on this, but at least
make a comprehensive list and call or send a letter
reestablishing a connection, informing people of your
search, and asking for advice or referrals. Again, notice
that it isn't about asking for a job. Just ask for advice
and referrals.
3) Prepare, prepare, prepare for your networking
meetings—especially those that take the format of an
informational interview. Prepare lists of questions about
the company or the industry. Do your research so that you
know something about the person you are meeting with and
the company they work for (you might be amazed at what a
simple Google search will turn up). For some people, role
playing is helpful. If you are working with a career coach,
this is something they may be able to help with. But a
friend or close family member could also help you. There is
no better antidote for nervousness than being prepared. 4)
Getting out from behind your desk and making yourself
visible is crucial. Join and then take part in events held
by professional associations and other groups. Attend
workshops and trainings in your field or industry. Attend
job fairs to meet directly with hiring decision-makers.
Volunteer your career-related skills in your community. If
you are an expert at something, offer to speak on the topic
to various groups. Job searching can be a time of anxiety
and diminished self-confidence for many people, but don't
hide at home behind your computer. Get out and meet people.
5) Yes, I just told you not to hide behind your computer,
but the internet will play a role in any comprehensive
networking campaign. Creating and maintaining a blog on
your area of career expertise is an extraordinary way to
build your credibility and visibility. Social networking
sites like LinkedIn, MySpace, and FaceBook are increasingly
popular ways to expand your network. Consider writing
articles on industry and profession-related topics and then
offering them as free content to webmasters (make sure the
article is credited to you and includes a way to contact
you). You can also participate in online discussions on
topics related to your career focus. Just remember that you
shouldn't "hide" behind a fake name like many people do.
Your purpose is to expand your visibility and credibility,
so you must use your real name.
6) Finally, show your appreciation and follow up on every
single contact with a thank you note. True networking is
based on cultivating and nurturing long-term relationships,
so you should always be thinking of nice things you can do
to show your appreciation, or ways that you could return a
favor. Besides being common courtesy, your efforts in this
regard will pay you back by further strengthening your
relationships and helping to keep you visible.
Happy networking! Even if it feels a little uncomfortable
at first, just get out there and do it. Make networking a
part of your daily routine and plan to spend the majority
of your job search time on networking activities
(approximately three-fourths of your time is a good
estimate). The more you network, the faster your current
job search will come to a successful conclusion and the
faster and more successful any future job searches will be.
----------------------------------------------------
Nationally certified resume writer and career coach,
Michelle Dumas is the director of Distinctive Career
Services LLC. Through Distinctive Documents
http://www.distinctiveweb.com and her Executive VIP
Services http://www.100kcareermarketing.com
Michelle has
empowered thousands of professionals all across the U.S.
and worldwide. Michelle is also the author of Secrets of a
Successful Job Search http://www.job-search-secrets.com
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