Part 1 - Understand the Importance of Career Networking
How many times do we hear that the best ways to find new jobs is to network?
It sounds pretty easy and straight forward. Then why is it so hard?
First, let’s start at why networking is so important.
A number of studies over the years have sought to understand how professionals secure new jobs. While the exact numbers are always being debated, the general consensus shows:
- 15 to 25 % of jobs are secured via online postings
- 5 to 10 % of jobs are secured through executive recruiters
- 65 to 80% of jobs are secured through either direct contact or referrals
Everyone understands how to search for jobs thru online postings and recruiters. The gray area is how does direct contact and referrals really work.
The vast majority of jobs are landed without a job posting or recruiter assignment.
Positions are filled in following ways:
- Referrals
- Direct contact
- Internal hiring (if you are employed)
This then leads us to ask – how do I become a referral or successfully make direct contact with an organization for a new opportunity.
This is where networking enters the picture.
No one can refer you if they do not know who you are.
No one will answer your e-mails or phone calls if they think you may be a spammer, salesman/solicitor or worse.
The referrals and call backs come from being known, having relationships, and establishing a reputation amongst a meaningful enough group of people so that you will be part of the consideration set when and opportunity surfaces within an organization.
This then leads us back to – you guessed it – networking.
Next blog – Now what do I do?
Pat
