Let's Talk About Networking - The Unseen Labor Market

If you are looking for a job, you know that it is just as important to know the right people as it is to excel professionally. According to human resources experts, about a quarter of all vacancies are made public through advertisements or job advertisements.

This means that the rest of the positions are filled following a recommendation. The more important the job, the more likely it is to be advertised. This is where networking comes in, a concept that is often misunderstood.

How the network helps you

Networking means, in short, getting to know people, keeping in touch with them, and being able to use them to your advantage when looking for a job. People in your network can notify you when they find out about a job, or give you details about a specific company or field of activity.

Or I can introduce you to other people, who in turn will help you find a good job. Many times, you can only find out about certain vacancies by talking to as many people as possible and telling them that you are looking for a job.

Any situation or event that allows you to socialize can be a networking opportunity, from an exhibition with a sale to a queue at the supermarket. But the important thing is what you do with the contacts you create. It is almost entirely up to you to get the socialization result as close as possible to your expectations.

Before attending an event, think about what you are going to say and why you are going there. Prepare some questions from home, ask them at the right time and you will more easily convince your partners of your interest.

How do you gain the trust of others?

Remember, in particular, that to develop a strong network, you need locks that are not made in a single meeting. Of course, the first impression matters. What you do after this meeting is essential to convince your partner of your sincere interest in a supportive relationship.

Maintaining a relationship, not just making contact, will give you access to opportunities. There is a big difference between reciting a text to people about your professional value and building a relationship based on common needs and interests.

In the business relationship, you want to establish, credibility and trust are much more solid foundations than self-promotion. Invest time and energy to grow and maintain the relationship, because that's the only way you'll make the people you come in contact with remember you.

If you are content to gather contacts, you will most likely choose only a stack of completely useless business cards.

Give to receive

How do you maintain a relationship? First of all by offering at least as much as you expect to receive. Offer your help whenever you have the opportunity and respond promptly to requests. Don't be afraid to ask for help, most people will feel flattered and happy to help you.

But be careful not to always ask without ever offering something in return, because such an attitude will not recommend you as a good future colleague. As time goes on, the relationship can lead you to your main goal, a new job. In the meantime, you will have already built a good reputation as an involved person who has solutions to the problems of others.

Therefore, ask questions, follow the other person's answer, identify their problems or concerns, and provide helpful solutions and connections. Call or email her immediately after the meeting and generally keep in touch. If you were given a referral to a new contact, mention the referral in all correspondence with that person.

Carefully prepare your questions and consider any information that has been provided to you about the new contact. Ask questions with a free ending, such as "Describe to me, please", "How do you feel", "Tell me more about", etc. Don't ask vague questions, such as "Please tell me more about your domain." Please try to say, "Tell me what you like best about your domain."

Keep in touch with the new contact and show him that you are thinking about him, keeping him up to date with your progress. Most importantly, thank everyone who helped you with any kind of information. You can even send a letter or thank you note to those who have met with you in person.

Successful people do it

Whether or not you are looking for a job, networking offers you a lot of benefits. By meeting an important network of people, you maintain your visibility in your profession, promote your business or services, and maintain your social skills.

You can solve problems, find information, exchange ideas, and get better at your current job. More importantly, you can help others. But first, this is the only way to make hundreds of contacts work for you. So it's no surprise that the people whose careers we all envy are the ones who have the best understanding of how networking works.