Gather Your Courage – The Time for Networking Is Now!

At the start of your job search, it’s natural to update your résumé and apply for positions that interest you. However, one activity that can significantly strengthen these efforts is meeting a wide variety of people. Friends, acquaintances, and others who know the job market are often the best sources for uncovering hidden opportunities.

Remember, many jobs on the market are never advertised—and you can often access them through your personal connections. Recent research shows that 60% of jobs are found not through traditional job search methods, but through networking.

The truth is, the more you network, the more—and faster—your chances of finding a job increase.

Human nature can make networking challenging. Many people see it as bothering others to ask for something. In reality, networking is not about asking for a job.

Networking is about using connections in your professional, social, and family circles to share resources, information, and ideas—giving you access to job opportunities you would not otherwise find.

Lee Hecht Harrison’s latest research confirms that networking is the most effective way to secure your next role. The study shows that more than 50% of new hires landed their jobs through networking. For senior-level positions, this figure rises to 70%.

The research also found that one-third of job seekers engage very little in networking. The most successful candidates, by contrast, participate in two to four networking meetings per week.

These meetings can take many forms—one-on-one conversations, informational interviews, attendance at career fairs, participation in professional association events, or Chamber of Commerce luncheons.

Attending various events expands your network, provides access to new sources of information, and keeps you open to new opportunities.

Failing to network enough can lengthen your job search and lead to greater discouragement. Many people are hesitant to network simply because they don’t fully understand what they stand to gain.

Instead of saying, “I’ve left my job, do you know of any openings?” consider approaching someone with, “I’d like to meet with you because you know me well, and your perspective and suggestions on my skills and experience would be very valuable to me.”

You can begin networking by making a list of 25 people who could potentially help you in your search—former colleagues, clients, neighbors, and those you’ve volunteered with.

It’s often easier to reconnect with people you already know rather than starting new relationships.

Next, share your list with a trusted contact who knows you are looking for new opportunities. They may be able to add names to your list or provide up-to-date information on the people you are targeting. Finally, reach out to the individuals on your list and set up short meetings with them.

While we live in an age of messages and emails, face-to-face meetings remain crucial for capturing someone’s full attention. If you rely solely on digital communication, you’ll be competing with the hundreds of messages your contact receives every day.

A phone call may be better, but chances are the person is multitasking while you speak. (Do I hear typing in the background?)

What you need is not just any time, but quality time. Before you step out the door, take time to research the person you’ll be meeting. Look at their LinkedIn profile and recent Twitter posts. These can provide great conversation starters instead of jumping straight into talking about yourself.

For many of us, networking can feel intimidating. But know this—there is no faster strategy for finding a new job. So gather your courage.

Dean Waggenspack