Who you know can get you far in a job search. Adding a new team member into the mix is a huge gamble for hiring managers, so they often feel more comfortable choosing a candidate who has the support of someone they trust.
Results of Jobvite’s 2018 Job Seeker Nation Report revealed 60 percent of job seekers have referred someone from their network to a company they’ve worked for, and 35 percent landed their current or most recent job from a referral.
Clearly, the importance of personal connections cannot be underestimated. If you’re not already focused on growing and nurturing your network, here are three reasons to make it a top priority.
Let People Know You’re on the Market
The more people you have in your corner, the more opportunities you have to spread the word you’re seeking new opportunities. When you let your contacts in on your plans, they’re able to keep their eyes and ears open for jobs you might be interested in. Having a group of people help you search for a new position increases your chances of finding the right fit.
Stay on Your Contacts’ Minds
If you’re networking right, you have a decent number of contacts on your list. This is great, but most of these people also have a long list of connections, so you need to nurture your relationships.
Stay in touch by periodically asking people out for lunch or after-work drinks, reaching out to congratulate them when LinkedIn informs you they’re celebrating a professional accomplishment and offering to help if someone else is looking for a job. If you show interest in your contacts’ professional lives, most will be eager to reciprocate.
Constantly Make New Connections
Your current network is great, but there’s always room for improvement. Never stop making new contacts, because the next person you meet might be your ‘in’ for your dream job. Join a professional association, attend networking events, request informational interviews and ask existing contacts for introductions to keep expanding your reach.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, PrideStaff North Dallas is here to assist! Contact us today to start your search for a fulfilling new opportunity that makes you excited to go to work!
