How can you use your career development network to navigate a complex job market?

The job market is constantly changing and becoming more complex, especially in the wake of the pandemic. How can you adapt to these challenges and find new opportunities for your career growth? One of the most effective ways is to leverage your career development network, which is a group of people who can support you, mentor you, and connect you with potential employers, clients, or collaborators. In this article, we will show you how to use your career development network to navigate a complex job market and achieve your professional goals.

1 Identify your network

Your career development network is not just your LinkedIn contacts or your former colleagues. It is a diverse and dynamic group of people who have different roles and functions in your career journey. Some of them are mentors, who can offer you guidance, feedback, and advice. Some of them are sponsors, who can advocate for you and open doors for you. Some of them are peers, who can share information, resources, and best practices with you. Some of them are connectors, who can introduce you to new people and opportunities. To identify your network, you need to map out the people who fit into these categories and who have relevant expertise, experience, or influence in your field or industry.

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Dr. Katie Ervin

Revolutionizing Leadership with Proven Techniques | HR Veteran + Research-Driven Innovator | Mastering the Shift from “Why” to “How” | Stop trying to motivate employees—identify and eliminate what demotivates them.
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This is such an important step. We recommend people creating an advisory group. This includes: Mentor/coach Sponsor Cheerleader Wellness coach Connector Trusted advisor

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2 Nurture your network

Once you have identified your network, you need to nurture it by building trust, rapport, and value with your contacts. This means that you should reach out to them not just when you need something, but also when you have something to offer. You can nurture your network by sharing relevant content such as articles, podcasts, or webinars; congratulating them on their achievements; asking for their opinions or feedback; offering help or referrals; and inviting them to join online or offline events related to their field or industry. Doing so will help strengthen the relationships in your network and create more opportunities for collaboration.

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3 Activate your network

When you have a career goal or challenge, such as finding a new job, switching careers, or launching a new project, you can activate your network by asking for their assistance, advice, or referrals. It is important to be strategic and respectful when doing this. Be clear and concise about what you are looking for and why, tailoring your request to each contact based on their role, function, and relationship with you. Provide relevant information that can help them understand your value and potential, such as your resume, portfolio, or pitch deck. Following up with gratitude and updates on your progress and outcomes is also essential. Additionally, reciprocate by offering your help, support, or referrals when they need it.

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John Arcario

CEO of Partners International ◈ Lifelong Learner, Career Builder and Coach, Developer of Purpose Driven Teams ◈ Leading with Clarity and Transparency
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Your network contacts are going to want to help you. One of the most important things you can do is to share with them "how" they can when you ask for support. Examples include what type of role you're looking for, in what industry(s), and what is critical for you in terms of the organization you might join. Share your passion and the "why" as well. Also, as you activate your network remember to ask about them and if you can help. Maybe they are working on a big initiative and you, or someone you know, has expertise that can help them. I have found that as I speak with more people and opportunity arises to connect them to resources as well. This comes up with uncanny frequency and is a great amplifier to network expansion.

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4 Expand your network

Nurturing and activating your existing network is essential, but you should also look for opportunities to expand it. Consider attending online or offline events related to your field or industry, joining relevant online or offline groups, or reaching out to people who have similar skills, backgrounds, or aspirations. Additionally, don't forget to ask your existing contacts for introductions or recommendations. Building and maintaining relationships within your career development network can increase your chances of finding new opportunities, learning new skills, and achieving your goals. To navigate a complex job market successfully, you must continuously identify, nurture, activate, and expand your network.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use your career development network to navigate a complex job market?

1

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3

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1 Identify your network

2 Nurture your network

3 Activate your network

4 Expand your network

5 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

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How can you use your career development network to navigate a complex job market?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Identify your network

2 Nurture your network

3 Activate your network

4 Expand your network

5 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

Rate this article

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