Change your job with the right Networking

Although networking is one of the most effective routes for finding work, many people are reluctant to use it for a variety of reasons: they might be embarrassed because they don't have a job and are simply in a tight spot; they might find it difficult to speak about themselves with other people or they might simply not believe that networking is the best way for solving their problem.

It might seem easier to respond to ads or send your cv in a non selective manner although in this way you can only expect to very partially breach the market of hidden positions where the greatest number of opportunities is concentrated.

How to change your job with the Network

Some myths about networking

Networking means asking everyone you know for a job …

Networking means transforming people you know into partners in a process. The objective is for them to put us in contact with others, who will in turn become partners in extending our network of contacts. Rather than asking for a job, a network should be used for involving other people in your own search process – people who will keep their eyes and ears open for opportunities that may be of interest to you.

Networking requires a series of cold calls …

There’s certainly more chance of a stranger answering a letter or taking a phone call if a friend/acquaintance has introduced you to them.

I don’t have a network (or it’s very small) …

Almost everyone has a large network and probably knows hundreds of people but some of these contacts are so obvious that we tend to forget about them. Think of neighbours, family, bank staff, hairdresser, mechanic, GP, etc.

Why should they help me?!

For a variety of reasons: