With the job market more competitive than ever, job seekers need to use the most effective methods possible to land their dream job. But with so many options like job boards, networking, recruiters, social media, and more, it can be overwhelming to know where to focus your efforts. Based on expert advice and job seeker surveys, the #1 most effective job search method is networking.
Why is networking the most effective job search method?
There are several key reasons why networking is the top job search strategy:
- Access to unposted jobs – Over 80% of jobs are never publicly advertised but rather filled through personal connections.
- Higher response rates – Job seekers who network are up to 3 times more likely to get a response from companies than those who apply cold.
- Referral advantage – Referred candidates are 2-3 times more likely to get interviews and be hired than other applicants.
- Insider information – Network contacts can provide inside scoops on upcoming openings, hiring manager preferences, interview tips, etc.
- Personal connections – Networking allows you to build rapport and make a memorable impression on hiring managers.
In other words, networking opens up hidden opportunities, improves your chances of getting selected, and gives you an advantage over the competition. That’s why it delivers better results than applying blindly online or through job postings.
How does networking work to find jobs?
There are several ways networking helps uncover job opportunities and get your foot in the door with companies:
- Tap into the “hidden job market” – Network contacts at your target employers can alert you to openings that are not publicly advertised yet and give you the scoop before others find out.
- Get internal referrals – Having someone at the company formally recommend and submit your resume for openings greatly improves your chances over cold applications.
- Learn about unposted openings – Even if a job isn’t listed, networking contacts may know about upcoming openings or newly created roles you could be a fit for.
- Ask for informational interviews – Meeting with contacts at your target companies, even if they aren’t hiring yet, can help you make connections and get a foot in the door for when openings arise.
In addition, when you connect with the right people, they can offer insider intel to position you for jobs:
- Get insider intel – Connections may provide tips on hiring manager preferences, desired skills/experiences, company culture, interview techniques, and more unique insights.
- Receive hiring help – Some network contacts may even offer to review your resume, do mock interviews, make introductions, and provide references to aid your search.
- Distinguish yourself – Having a mutual connection at the company can set you apart from other candidates and make you more memorable.
With this “behind the scenes” access and assistance, you have a major advantage over job seekers who just apply through impersonal online job sites.
How to effectively network to find a job
While the idea of networking may sound intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to network strategically and successfully:
Identify your network
First, make a list of all your contacts who could potentially help your job search. This includes:
- Friends and family
- Former colleagues
- Acquaintances
- Alumni from your university
- Connections through professional associations and social groups
Your network is bigger than you think! There are likely hundreds of people you already know who could assist your search in some way.
Reach out directly
Once you’ve identified contacts at your target companies, reach out to them directly via email, LinkedIn, or phone. Explain your job search objectives and interest in their company. Ask if they’d be open to giving you 15-20 minutes of their time to learn more about their role, gain career insights, seek job search advice, or connect you with hiring managers, etc. Make it clear you are not asking them for a job, but rather seeking information and guidance.
Attending networking events
Look for relevant networking events in your industry or city like meetups, association gatherings, alumni events, conferences, and community events. Use these opportunities to meet new contacts at your desired employers face-to-face and start initiating job search conversations.
Follow up effectively
After networking meetings, always send a prompt and thoughtful thank you note. Follow up with any additional information or contacts requested. Maintain these relationships by periodically checking in and sharing relevant articles, insights, or connections that may benefit your new contacts.
Leverage LinkedIn
LinkedIn can expand your networking reach significantly. Connect with relevant professionals, join industry groups, and follow target companies to identify contacts. Reference common groups/connections in outreach messages to establish an immediate connection.
Ask for introductions
Your existing network can open doors by making introductions to contacts at target companies. Don’t hesitate to request introductions from anyone with relevant connections. People are usually happy to help!
Networking opportunities to focus on
While you should cast a wide net when networking, these channels tend to generate the highest number of job leads and opportunities:
Networking Channel | Key Tactics |
---|---|
Industry events and conferences | Meet company recruiters and reps face-to-face, ask insightful questions, share your resume, and request introductions to contacts at the company. |
Join relevant industry groups and follow target companies. Reach out to and connect with key contacts. Get introduced through shared connections. | |
Alumni network of your university | Identify alumni at your desired companies. Attend alumni events and use the alumni directory to connect with fellow graduates. |
Professional/trade associations | Connect with fellow members employed at companies of interest. Attend association panels, events, and conferences to meet contacts. |
Former managers and colleagues | Tap previous co-workers for introductions and referrals. See if they know anyone at companies you’re targeting. |
Friends of friends and extended networks | Ask mutual connections to make introductions to any contacts at companies of interest. |
Local networking events | Attend open networking events in your city/industry. Chat with attendees and look for contacts at your desired employers. |
Prioritize networking channels that can connect you with relevant contacts at your target companies. Remember, it’s not about collecting business cards – it’s about cultivating relationships with the right people who can aid your job search.
Tips for effective networking conversations
When networking, how you communicate with contacts makes a big difference. Apply these best practices:
- Be strategic: Determine what you hope to gain from each interaction and how they may be able to assist your search.
- Listen attentively: Let contacts share about their career journeys, advice, and industry insights. Listen more than you speak.
- Share concisely: When discussing yourself, be clear, concise, and compelling. Tailor your background to their company/role.
- Show genuine interest: Ask thoughtful questions to show your interest in learning from their experiences.
- Request guidance: Ask for specific advice related to your search – e.g. resume tips, mock interviews, job leads etc.
- Express appreciation: Thank them sincerely for their time and any support offered.
- Follow up: Provide any additional requested information promptly, keep them updated on your search progress.
When done right, networking conversations shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch. Focus on mutual benefits, not just what they can do for you. Foster genuine professional relationships.
How to network if you’re introverted
Networking may seem intimidating or draining for introverts. But everyone can learn to network effectively using strategies that align with their personality and communication style:
- Connect one-on-one: Initiate conversations with individuals at events rather than entire groups. You can interact more meaningfully.
- Set a time limit: Commit to networking events for a defined period before needing to recharge. Even 30-60 minutes can be worthwhile.
- Follow up online: Continue conversations through email or LinkedIn instead of expecting to connect extensively face-to-face.
- Listen more: Ask contacts questions about themselves and their work. You can learn a great deal by listening intently.
- Write outreach scripts: Draft emails and texts to prepare for outreach. You’ll feel more confident with a template.
- Practice your pitch: Rehearse how you’ll briefly discuss your background, strengths, and search goals.
- Consider remote options: Look for virtual networking opportunities to connect from the comfort of home.
Remember, networking is simply about starting constructive conversations. With preparation and practice, introverts can excel at connecting meaningfully in a way that’s aligned with their energy.
Common networking mistakes to avoid
While networking is a highly effective job search method, there are some common pitfalls to sidestep:
- Being too aggressive: Don’t directly ask contacts for a job or to hire you. Networking is about relationship building.
- Talking too much: Listen twice as much as you speak. Contacts should learn more about you than vice versa.
- Collecting cards only: It’s about quality connections, not quantity. Follow up and maintain fewer relationships well.
- Forgetting to follow up: Always follow up within 24-48 hours and nurture the new relationships.
- Failing to prepare: Know your background and goals inside out. Practice your personalized pitch.
- Giving up too fast: Networking requires persistence and following leads from multiple sources.
- Asking only about openings: Discuss much more than just job opportunities, offer to help contacts too.
Avoid treating networking as a sales-focused, transactional activity. Foster genuine, mutually beneficial professional relationships and the job search value will follow.
Bottom line
While no job search method guarantees success, networking is without question the #1 most effective strategy. Tapping into the “hidden job market” and making authentic connections significantly increases your chances of landing interviews and job offers. Anyone can learn to network effectively by identifying the right opportunities, strategically approaching contacts, and applying best practices to foster meaningful professional relationships.
To succeed, dedicate time consistently to build and nurture your network. The ultimate job search success comes from the quality of relationships, not the quantity. Start connecting today and unlock the power of networking to land your next great job opportunity!