The Value of Networking
Are you looking for a new job? Or are you trying to change positions in your current field? Do you possibly want to help a friend or family member find work? Have you found limited success in filling out applications to companies you aren’t that familiar with? If so, you may try another strategy to finding a job: networking.
You may have heard of the value of networking before, but there is a significant percentage of positions that are filled using this method. Many jobs that are sought after receive lots of applications and resumes, and it is much simpler for the person in charge of hiring for one to try to fill it by finding someone he or she is familiar with, and more easily trust. Networking exists in different ways, including learning about someone from an employee, friend, family member, or someone in his or her industry or social circle, among other areas.
If you are new to networking, it does not need to be intimidating. You already probably have a large number of family members, friends, associates, and acquaintances that you can refer to regarding looking for work in a given field. It is important to remember though, that networking works both ways, and you need to be willing to help others, and not just look for help yourself.
Relationships are at the foremost of importance in networking, and can take a long time to develop. You should not just look for help from someone in finding a job. It is essential that the person knows he or she is not just being used for selfish reasons. That person should be able to trust you from knowing you and your character - after all, besides just not wanting to be used, he or she will likely be held responsible for referring the person for the position, and it could reflect negatively on him or her if that person does a poor job.
There are several popular methods for networking besides just calling up friends, family, and associates:
Join a civic group such as the Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis, or Toastmasters, that can connect you with like-minded people who have already shown a willingness to help people.
Join LinkedIn, a network for professionals, in order to “find a coworker or classmate, find a new job, or find a new course or training.”
Join Facebook, and let your community of family and friends know you are looking for work, as well as offering help for them.
Volunteer: find an organization to volunteer for that can provide you with experience and references to help you find work in your desired field.
Take a class or go to school: get training, a certification, or degree, and you will be able to meet classmates and professors who are familiar with the industry you want to work in.
As you can see, there are many different ways to network, Just remember the importance of relationships - you should not just be reaching out to people when you need help finding a job. These people should be able to trust you, and look for help from you as well.
The other thing to remember is that it is important to not just rely on networking, there is still validity in filling out job applications, and sending resumes for desired positions. You should try to use every helpful avenue to get the position you are looking for. Networking can be a useful, but not sole strategy for finding work. So go ahead and try networking for the job you are looking for, or for trying to find someone else the position that he or she wants. Hopefully, it can benefit each of you, over time.