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5 Networking Tactics to Get Your Dream Job
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | 7 Nov 2016
When you start your job search, there’s one thing thing you’ll hear time and time again “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” In the past you’ve probably heard people saying the same thing and not taken much notice, however now is the time to take notice because networking and being well connected can help you get a job.
It’s not just one of those sayings that aren't backed up by any proof; this recent survey reveals 85% of all jobs are filled via networking.
Don’t leave it until the day you start job searching to network with people; you should start immediately in preparation for the future job search.
Let’s look at some ways you could network your way to your dream job:
Meetup
This site is often missed, probably because many of the groups on Meetup are good fun, but who said networking had to be boring?
Working on the law that like attracts like, you’ll find like-minded people gathered together in a Meetup group. For example tech people flock to the tech groups, engineers flock to the engineering groups, marketing people will be chatting in another group and so on. Whatever meetup group or groups you decide to join you will have lots of like minded people to network with and you never know who’ll they’ll go onto introducing you to, it may even be your new employer.
Twitter
It’s not just a newsfeed where you go to check out the latest celebrity gossip; Twitter is awash with prolific networkers. Probably the best place on Twitter to start networking is in the Twitter chats. If you’re a graduate you could join in with #gradshour and chat with employers and recruiters or perhaps you want to work in London or Manchester, then #LondonHour or #ManchesterHour are the chats for you, where you can network with business owners and employers. You’ll also find like-minded people to network with by checking out related hashtags, i.e., #marketing #engineering #technology #blockchain or even television show hashtags like #GBBO #BBCClick
LinkedIn
A business networking site where many employers and recruiters go to connect, it would be a missed opportunity to not use this tactic.
Think strategically and connect with people who work at the places you’d like to work for, these connections could introduce you to the right people when the time comes.
Join groups to get connected with like-minded people, contribute to discussions and allow people to get to know you, people recommend people they know, even when they’ve only met in the virtual world.
Industry Shows
It doesn’t have to be an online networking tactic it can be an offline one too. If you know what industry you want to break into, then look up all the industry related shows and get along to them. Have some profile cards made up ( a small investment). On on side, make sure they have your online profile links, mobile, email and Skype address visible. On the other side have a professional picture of yourself along with a bit of blurb, this could be your skills and a bit about your career journey. Don’t just give your cards out, the aim of the cards is to use them to get chatting to people, make sure you get the card of the person you’re talking to and follow them up with a message a couple of days after the event. Stay in touch with them, network and build a relationship with them.
The same tactic can be used at career shows.
Business Network
Go along to your local business network and meet employers face to face. This is a great opportunity for active and passive job seekers, but one that is being missed. People at the business events are always very welcoming and would appreciate the initiative of a job seeker thinking outside the box. Google local business events to find one near you.
Remember networking is a relationship building activity, it takes time, so always plan well ahead.
Glassdoor Team
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