Network your way to a Job

Looking at job adverts is quick, easy, and a useful way to learn what jobs are available, but presents a few problems as a starting point for a job search.
Firstly, adverts are not designed to help you understand what different kinds of jobs involve - they are for people who are sure of exactly the job they want. Many are vague and others can swamp you with detail.
Secondly, many jobs are not even advertised, leaving you to miss out on a wide variety of options. Todays thoughts consider how you can network your way to a job by making yourself known to potential employers.
Every day, someone, somewhere, is offered a job that was never advertised, possibly without even making an application. How does this happen?
It is a myth that all jobs must be advertised by law. Open recruitment is considered best practice, but is not a legal obligation. Advertising is expensive and employers may prefer to recruit internally by promoting or seconding a member of staff or may take personal recommendations from staff as the best option.
They may also draw on personal contacts to find suitably qualified candidates. This is particularly true in small businesses, and for popular types of work where there is a permanent supply of keen applicants.
To unlock these hidden jobs you need to make yourself known to potential employers.
A direct, carefully planned approach can be effective. Your CV and covering letter should be specifically tailored to the Business and the job role you are seeking so research and preparation are essential. Recruiters easily spot generic CVs, which are likely to go straight in the recycling bin just like any other unsolicited, impersonal junk mail.
To improve your chances:
• Prepare a general CV and covering letter geared towards a particular industry sector, and then adapt it to target individual Businesses.
• Do your research e.g. market position, key stakeholders, suppliers, customers and business development. You need to gather as much information as possible about the responsibilities of the role you are aiming for and the team you would join.
• Get the name of the contact in your chosen business function or human resources/personnel before approaching - this may take some perseverance, but is worthwhile.
• Ensure that your letter starts by clearly stating what you are looking for - a job, contract or project work, work experience, work shadowing - and include details of your availability.
• Focus on explaining what skills and experience you have to offer and what you could contribute to the organisation, rather than simply what you hope to gain for yourself.
• Follow up your letter with a phone call to show your genuine interest and try to arrange a meeting to discuss job possibilities, review your application or gain further contacts.
People often find jobs through their own contacts. Contacts might be friends, relatives, or people you have met through leisure interests, voluntary work or part-time jobs, previous employers and even casual acquaintances. Combine contacts from all sources into your personal professional network.
Even if these people do not directly help you, they might put you in touch with others who do. They may help you find an opportunity or even get you an interview.
Remember to pursue networking opportunities yourself. Networking opportunities include:
• Temporary or part-time work to enhance your marketability and industry knowledge and to meet people in your target sector.
• Voluntary work to build experience and show your commitment - be clear what you are offering to do and for how long.
• Professional associations, which may run networking events or useful training and conferences where you can forge new links.
• Careers events where you can speak with representatives from many organisations in one place.
Further study, training and work experience also gives you an edge in the job market.
Activate your network by letting everyone know your ambitions and plans, so your contacts pass on any information they hear as soon as possible. When you approach a new potential employer, mention who suggested contacting them, as it will increase the chances of your application being read.
Job Prospector is a computer program which has been designed to enable you to search for a job your way and organise all your employer, vacancy, personal and contact information in one place, on your own computer, right at your fingertips! Download it today from www.codepro.co.uk and get an advantage.
We wish you success!