There are many ways to begin looking for work, but maybe one of the most prominent nowadays is networking. In fact, though there are many different methods, it is considered the best option, and the numbers are there to back it up.
It is said that 85% of open positions are filled utilizing this hiring method. That means if you’re someone that is looking for work, it might behoove you to begin building a network instead of combing through job posting platforms for hours.
In this article, we’ll look at the statistics behind job placement via networking and other key information that can help you build your network and make the chance of finding your ideal job even better.
Best Way to Find a Job
Because of the ever-expanding popularity of networking, many studies have looked into its effectiveness. Every one of the reports crafted from these studies has varying results, but all of them state that networking is one of the best ways to find a job. These results show that anywhere from 70% to 85% of individuals that utilize networking as their main form of finding a job are successful.
Some of the results are even broken down into specific categories. No matter how the studies are executed, job seekers are more likely to find a job by attending networking events or utilizing network platforms like LinkedIn to find a job.
Ways to Network
Since networking is such a wonderful way and has such a high percentage of success when it comes to finding a job, it’s not surprising that there are many different ways to network. Though there is typically one idea that comes to mind to most people when they hear the word networking- that of walking up to a table and trying to talk to someone at an event- that isn’t the only form of networking out there.
In essence, networking is really just building a connection with people in the industries and areas you’re interested in. Once you’ve made this connection, you can begin building a stronger connection to open up avenues of opportunity for you in the future. This is especially helpful if you’re looking to elevate yourself within the profession you’re already in or looking to change professions altogether.
There are a couple of ideas and tips when it comes to ways of networking that might be helpful:
- Though there are online professional networking sites and events, it’s still good to interact with the community face to face. So seek out in-person events via Facebook groups and such.
- When you’re at these events, you have to ensure you’re not talking about yourself. You want to seem engaged and build a relationship in order to solidify your connection so that your network is strong.
- For those a little shy, networking events can be quite stressful. Instead of just jumping into it, sit down and think of some questions and topics you can discuss and practice before going so that you can prepare and have a more successful networking event.
- Networking is not a one-and-done situation. This process takes time to build a strong connection, so you’ll need to ensure that you continually follow up with the people you’re interested in keeping in your network.
Some Challenges of Networking
Networking is something you definitely need to invest time in if you’re looking to find a new job, but some challenges come with it. Almost everybody agrees that networking is valuable when it comes to the progression of one’s career, but very few maintain connections with the network they’ve crafted. Partially because it’s hard to stay in touch.
Maybe the biggest is the amount of time it takes to network. For those who are working while trying to network and find another job, you may feel like there’s not enough time in the day. So if you’re planning on utilizing this tactic (and it’s clear you should), you want to ensure that you schedule a time to maintain your networks.
Dos & Don’ts of Networking: Tips to Help You Network
It seems that if you’re out there searching for a job, the best option you have is networking. But if you’re unfamiliar with it, there are, much like everything else in the world, dos and don’ts that can play a part in how successful your networking activity is. We’ve crafted a couple of dos and don’ts that might be able to help you out a little:
- Reaching out to a stranger and asking for a favor is not the way to start networking. Instead, you need to build a connection before you ask for anything.
- Meeting someone is the beginning of networking, but you don’t want to jump straight into pitching yourself or a project. This can be very off-putting, so make sure you take the time to cultivate the relationship before you try to pitch anything.
- You want to be yourself and authentic but still be creative. That means not using catchphrases and language that is trendy at the moment.
- It’s not great to ask for recommendations from someone you just began networking with.
- Networking’s first interaction should be about getting to know each other and building trust. That means that you shouldn’t automatically be drilling the person for information on anything. Take time to get to know each other and build a genuine connection.
- Do some research and find a list of people that are in the field you’re looking to go into that you can connect with. Then offer to be of service to them in order to build that connection.
- Take the time to look at organizations and online groups in the field to find a good built-in network with which you can build relationships.
- Though you want to dive deep into the profession you’re looking to elevate yourself, you need to connect with more than just them. This will expand your network and allow you to have contacts with people you may never have had in the first place.
- Make sure to make time to write recommendations for people that have really helped you on your journey.
- If utilizing LinkedIn as a networking tool (which you definitely should), make sure that your headline is not just your job title. You want to be more authentic and personable to build a network you can be proud of.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, networking offers a high percentage of return on your investment. Anywhere from 70 to 85% of people are placed in jobs via networking. It is a vital part of the world today, and it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in. That means if you’re looking for a job, it is critical for you to include networking in your process.
