This month I’ve been thinking a lot about networking and the power of your network. As a young professional who has held five professional jobs over the last six years, I understand the power of networking. Saying you’ve held five jobs over the course of six years doesn’t sound too great, does it? Well, maybe not in the past but in today’s society, this is not uncommon. We’re living in a time where precarious employment is on the rise – contract jobs are everywhere, and permanent jobs are hard to come by. We also have job layoffs, changes in funding, seasonal employment, internships, filling in for a leave, etc.
As frustrating as it can be to not have a permanent place of employment, think of the positives and the range of experience you are getting – this can be powerful for marketing yourself in the future and for expanding your network. Think of all the coworkers, managers, clients, and peers you are meeting!
What I’ve learned more than anything is that networking is a necessity today. Here are four key tips I have for you about your network:
1. Don’t burn your bridges – You never know how someone can help you, who they know, or if you’ll need a reference one day. Always leave a job on a professional note and express gratitude for the opportunity.
2. Keep in touch with your network – It’s important to always let your network know what you are up to now. Maintain that network as best as you can and remember to always check in and keep them in the loop when you are undergoing any changes. You don’t want to be that person that runs back to their old colleagues and managers only when they need a reference. I have had old clients list me as a reference without keeping in touch with me - it has resulted in me getting phone calls from employers asking to provide a reference for a client I had years ago. I was not able to provide a good reference because a) I didn't even know what job they were applying for, b) I had no idea what relevant experience they gained since I last worked with them, and c) I was not able to make them sound like the right fit for the position because I simply didn't know. I was not impressed. Do not list people as references without asking them beforehand and providing them with a copy of your resume, cover letter, and the job posting. Consistent communication is key.
3. Get LinkedIn and actually utilize it – LinkedIn is the professional social networking tool and if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, you should get one now. LinkedIn allows you to showcase your previous experience, skills, certifications, education, and professional development. It is also a great way to add credibility to what you are stating because your connections can endorse your skills and write you recommendations that will be on your profile. Make sure you add any new people you meet to your LinkedIn profile. Regularly post on LinkedIn, share noteworthy articles, and let your network know if you are looking for a certain opportunity. You truly never know where the next opportunity will arise. A large professional network is power!
Recruiters hang out here (amongst other social media platforms so be careful what you post) and employers are increasingly posting jobs here. You can follow companies you are interested in and see when new opportunities arise. You can also turn on your profile to let recruiters know you are open to opportunities – you never know who may send you a message and what new job is around the corner!
4. Believe in the power of the hidden job market. It is real. – Have you heard the saying that 80% of jobs are found in the hidden job market (AKA jobs that are not posted)? Well, there is truth to that saying. Of those five jobs I’ve held in the past six years, only one was secured the "typical way" – two were in the hidden job market, and the other two were secured because of a professional connection who recommended me. I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to have a strong professional network and to maintain it because chances are, your next job could be from the hidden job market. Many employers would rather hire someone recommended to them by a trusted colleague than hire someone they don’t know at all.
Think of your network as a web - you are weaving your web together and making it stronger with the more people you meet, the people you connect with, and the good relationships you are building. You want to build a strong, durable, and large web of powerful connections so you have a big pool of contacts that you can reach out to whenever you are in need. It is simply so important for your future career growth.
If you want to learn more about networking, need help creating your LinkedIn, or would like a detailed LinkedIn critique, then reach out today! Let’s start expanding your network and making it powerful!
With support and positivity,
Sabrina
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