Remember your dream job? As children we pretended to be astronauts moon walking through our hallways. As young adults we took classes toward our career paths and practiced being international journalists in front of our mirrors. What if at that age we could have communicated directly with the people in our desired field? With social media making conversation endlessly accessible job seekers can connect with almost anyone.
Social media can be used to meet face to face. Follow industry influencers you admire; connect on LinkedIn with people who have job titles you want. Ultimately, networking is more intimate than viewing job board postings, applying online, and conducting phone interviews. Networking is important for a number of reasons. The people you meet can be instrumental in your job search and future.
Here are 3 reasons why it is important to connect with people who have the job you want.
- They have experience. You may think you want to be a UX designer, but do you really know what goes into it? Connecting with someone with experience gives you an inside look into the profession. People will be flattered you are looking at them as an expert and most will be excited to pass on their knowledge. Asking professionals questions related to experience promises responses no textbook can answer.
- They have a network of their own. People will always tell you, “It’s not what you know, it is who you know.” In my opinion that is only half true. But knowing the right people can never hurt. The best jobs are often not posted or filled by someone who turned in an online application. Making a personal connection is key. If you make a great impression on someone it is not unlikely they will pass on your name if your dream job opens up. Making introductions is one of the most powerful and effective ways to get your foot in the door.
- They want to help, usually. We all remember what getting out first job was like. It would have been nice to have a mentor or some insider tricks. Who doesn’t want a daily dose of altruism? On Give Labor Day at SmartRecruiters, the employed commit to helping a job seeking friend. The actions are simple and can be repeated every day. You might receive resume tips or cover letter tips, mock interview practice, or an introduction to the right person. The possibilities are endless. And if they say no, learn from how they said it before moving on to the next person.
Networking is key. And it’s easier than ever now for the job seeker. Aside from solely attending events you can engage in conversation on Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Join chats and communities relevant to the job position you want. Find thought leaders and seek their wisdom. Connecting to someone who has the job you want is an invaluable step in the job search. Taking the initiative to dig deeper than filling out an online application speaks volumes about your commitment and work ethic; it’s something people will remember. Find someone who wants to Give Labor - by that I mean – find someone who is excited about chance to pay it forward and help a jobseeker.
About the Guest Author:
Lexie Forman-Ortiz is the Community Manager at SmartRecruiters, a hiring platform combines awesome free recruiting software with the best on-demand services to make hiring social, collaborative, enjoyable. Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her @LexieFO.