Networking can bring you money

Hello all job hunters! 

If you want success, you should make friends. 

In a recent survey on linkedin, it was revealed that almost 85% of all jobs are filled through references and networking. 

The growing importance of networking in the job market can not be overstated. With the increase in use of online job boards, ATS-aided recruitment and remote work, the value of word-of-mouth has increased significantly. Good references and contacts can open doors that just applications and qualifications can not. Having a trustworthy reference on your side significantly multiples how many jobs will accept you. 

Now, networking doesn't just mean collecting business cards and texting on linkedin. Networking is about building valuable relationships and connections where you can exchange ideas and advice, giving you access to industry insights that might not be available anywhere else. So here is how you go about leveraging the power of networking to its fullest. 

Start small

The first step is always to begin with your immediate preexisting connections. Friends, family and acquaintances that you might already have from school or college will have a good idea of your capabilities and will be able to vouch for your skills. You might find that some of them are part of, or are aiming for the same industry as you. They can be your foot in the door for some job opportunities. However, you should always keep in mind the specific role and position you wish to fill, and act on ideas that enable your strengths. 

Attend Events and Join Groups

If you are only starting out in an industry and want to expand your circle, the best way to go about it is to attend events. Industry conferences and professional events are a great way to bring up your skills and talk about your goals with industry veterans to establish valuable connections. Remember to be proactive. Engage with people, ask questions and show genuine interest in the field and other’s work. Consider joining organizations and forums based around your field where people might share job opportunities and other news. 

Leverage LinkedIn

While linkedin alone is not going to get you very far, it is still a useful tool. Ensure that your profile is complete and optimized for the roles you are looking for. Having a personal brand centered around your expertise, experience and achievements within the field is a good way to appeal to future employers as well as connect with people who share your goals and values within the industry. Always be proactive, and engage with posts and comments that are relevant to your skills in order to make yourself visible and available for discussion. 

Always Follow Up

Networking is an ongoing process. It requires you to continuously keep in touch, engage and nurture your connections. Even when not actively job hunting, sending periodic updates on your job’s progress, discussing relevant articles and topics on social media and even some thoughtful messages here and there go a long way towards maintaining long-term professional relationships. 

Provide Value

The most important thing to remember about networking is that you are building relationships, not using a shortcut. Networking can not be a one-way street. You need to give value as well and not just take advice and opportunities. Remember to give others advice and point out opportunities whenever you can. As part of a network you need to add your voice for those who will connect with you in the future and it is your duty to open doors for them, just as the network has opened doors for you. 

With networking taking up such an important part of the job hunt, these pointers are absolutely invaluable to keep in mind when job hunting, and maintaining professional relationships. But now that you know, you will be fully prepared to create your own valuable networking of professional contacts, and face the job hunt with confidence. 

Now, it is not unlikely that at least a few of these factors are a little confusing and difficult to implement. But we have good news ! ACE Resumes can help you out. Whether you are trying to maintain a personal brand, or optimize your linkedin for a specific role, ACE Resumes can take the workload off your hands, while working closely with you to align with your values and personality. 

Happy networking! 

Best Regards, 

Apoorva Choudhary, founder 

Ace Resumes