85% of jobs are discovered through job networking. Finding a new career path can become rather frustrating when you’ve submitted resume after resume, and feel like you’re not finding the job opportunity that you’re looking for.
The good news is that by leveraging your professional and personal network, you can find opportunities. It may be that you find something with a contact you’ve already made, or you may have to make new connections, but with the world of social media and other things like career fairs, you’ll be able to build up a network quickly.
Let’s explore 3 ways to further your career through networking.
Social Media
Today’s society has grown especially committed to utilizing social media to further goals. Companies use social media to grow their brands, recruiters use it to find job seekers, and hiring managers rely on social sites to learn more about potential interviewees.
It’s important to remember that your brand is YOU. Social media connects people from across the street to across the globe. Use it to grow the brand of YOU.
Aside from the usual suspects, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, there are two other social media platforms that are integral to networking for job seekers–LinkedIn and TikTok.
LinkedIn is the largest, direct social media platform primarily used in networking for careers. From your LinkedIn profile to the connections you make, this website offers you multiple avenues for leveraging your network all within one online global, one-stop shop.
Keep up the momentum and stay active on the site. Activity equals profile views. More profile views can increase your connections and your job possibilities. Connect with alumni or previous coworkers, and grow your LinkedIn following.
Make sure to offer recommendations and endorsements to others in your network and ask that they endorse or recommend you, as well. Again, you are using social media to advertise yourself. So, it’s critical to show that you are just as capable of giving as you are of receiving when it comes to those connections.
TikTok
TikTok has over 1 billion users worldwide. It is a huge resource for networking. While making random videos on an online platform may seem overwhelming, it is extremely rewarding for your potential networking pool. Knowledge and creativity can attract multiple resources, which will increase your employment connections.
Influencers are a major part of social media platforms. Think of yourself as an influencer, and influence your audience to invest in you. That audience includes companies and headhunters looking for their next employable asset. Be the asset. Utilize your TikTok as a resume, and make it work for you.
Personal Network
Your personal network is an avenue to a possible new career opportunity. There are simple ways you can manage that avenue.
Communicate
Keep in touch. No, this doesn’t have to be daily communication. But do reach out, especially when someone in your circle may hold a lead to your future career. If you’re introverted or not a huge people person, that’s okay; use digital communication.
Be genuine. When communicating with your personal network, make sure to do something thoughtful, like sharing an article they may enjoy or a meme on occasion. So that when you inquire about information at a later date, it doesn’t seem intrusive.
Community Service
There is a reason why colleges and employers want to know about what types of community service you have provided. It shows initiative and it shows selflessness. If you’re willing to give freely, you are likely just as willing to work hard to earn that paycheck.
Volunteering with the people in your personal network shows that you are willing to work to help others without expectation. Giving is important. Volunteer opportunities also help to forge connections with new people to add to your existing personal network.
Show gratitude
Sometimes, the smallest things can mean the most, and impressions matter. People are more likely to refer to somebody in their personal network if they value them as a kind individual. Aside from it just being good manners, saying “Thank you” can go a long way.
Gratitude can be shown with acts of kindness. When it comes to your personal network, impressions are, in fact, personal.
Career Fairs & Events
Career Fairs help connect employers to potential employees, and are a great way to leverage potential contacts. Make sure to have your resume on hand and dress to impress. Consider also noting employers that are hiring which may interest someone in your personal network.
Career events such as conferences that specialize in your skills are a great place to forge new connections. It’s always beneficial to keep some copies of your resume on hand when attending any of these types of events. One of your new connections may be looking for someone just like you!
Network with your resume in hand
As you’re on the path to growing your job networking skills, it’s imperative that your resume is ready and properly targeted to your career goals! If you’re not sure whether your resume will attract the job offers you really want, don’t worry; we are here to help. We will look over your resume for you–for free.
