The Online Network
The advances we’ve seen in technology have not only changed the business landscape but how job seekers find work.
If you have been recently laid off, or are a sudden career changer or perhaps a recent college graduate, it’s important to know what the latest job search trends are.
In the past, seekers responded to job ads found in the newspaper, nowadays, online job boards such as Craigslist, Indeed, and Monster have virtually replaced newspaper job ads. The Internet is a key player in the job hunting game and today’s job seekers need to use it to their advantage. However, navigating online job boards and company websites to look for openings is not the most reliable way for seekers to find work.
Many of the jobs posted online have already been filled but some companies are required to publicly post its openings, yet they are just not required to respond to your resume. So, by the time you’re reading the job posting online, there’s a happy person who just landed the position and is sitting at their new desk.
But how did that candidate land the position before it was listed on Monster? The person had the inside track on the opportunity through word of mouth or through referral. And unfortunately for job seekers, most job opportunities are never publicly advertised but rather tucked away in what is called: The Hidden Job Market.
In 2010, it’s important to get creative with the search and to tap into the hidden job market through people you know. Or through people who know people who you know.
The old adage, “It’s not what you know, but it’s who you know,” is timeless advice that is more than ever valuable to adhere today. Job seekers are more likely to find employment through their contacts versus filling out applications online or blindly sending out resumes.
It’s simple; employers prefer to hire people they know or people who have a connection within their networks. By doing so, employers save time by not having to fish through a pool of applications to find the talent they need.
Therefore, networking is vital for job seekers to survive. Networking has radically changed as a result of the creation of social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Forget about relying on handing out business cards as a means getting connected, if you haven’t done so already, join social networking sites, update your profile often and build your contact list.
LinkedIn is somewhat like Facebook but it’s for professionals to showcase their accomplishments and expertise, maintain communications with contacts, and get found by potential employers.
Once you’ve created your profile, get in touch with everyone you know via the site or by inviting them to join your network. Great sources of people who could help you discover opportunities include: your friends, friends of friends, former colleagues, classmates, school alumni, and family.
Inform your contacts that you are seeking opportunities and to keep a lookout for openings. If your immediate contacts do not know of any openings, ask them if they can refer you to someone else who may be able to help you. This is especially important, if none of your contacts work in the field that you desire to work in.
Additionally, social networking sites are not only used by job seekers, but also, recruiters and hiring managers scour the sites to research background information on potential candidates. These sites make it virtually easier for employers to find you and if they see that you have a contact in common, you are more likely to receive an invite for an interview.
Happy job hunting!
By-Andrea Richard