If you’re looking for the fastest way to get a job, this article will walk you through everything you need to know.
I’ll show you three reasons why networking is the best approach to getting hired quickly, as well as how to employ tried-and-true networking techniques to secure a wonderful job (even if you have almost NO current network).
Let’s get this party started…
3 Reasons Why Networking Is the Fastest Way to Find a job
You may have a large network now, or you may be thinking, “I don’t actually have any network at all.”
Don’t be concerned… I’ll show how anyone can utilize networking to be hired and why it’s critical if you want to find a job quickly and without months of busy work and stress.
Let’s start with three reasons why this is worth your time at the start of your job hunt if you want to get recruited quickly.
1. Leverage Your Time and Get People Working to Help You
In a regular job search, time is the most limited resource.
You are the only one. And the day is only 24 hours long.
As a result, the most significant limiting element in your job hunt is usually your time and energy.
When you leverage your network and have others suggest you to organizations, think about who they know in THEIR network who may benefit you, or think about prior colleagues they can put you in touch with… You are removing this impediment.
Several people are now devoting time, effort, and thinking to get YOU employed.
2. More interviews with less effort
Fact: Companies and hiring managers are more likely to trust someone who has been referred to them by someone they already know and trust.
Consider it… If a friend or coworker praises someone you’ve just met and says, “This person is fantastic,” you immediately trust them more, right?
Employers are similar.
It’s the same thing if you’re recommended or introduced to a company rather than applying for a job through their website or a job board. They’ll be significantly more inclined to conduct an interview with you.
What is the significance of this?
Job searching and interviewing eventually becomes a numbers game. You might receive one interview and one job offer, but it’s unlikely.
Why? There is some chance involved, and not every job is a perfect fit for you (even if you have the best interview skills and preparation).
So it will most likely take a few job interviews to discover the proper fit.
3. Skip the Line
You may even bypass a conversation with a recruiter or HR representative and proceed directly to an interview with the hiring manager.
That’s the value of getting introduced to a company by a friend.
Even if not, the hiring manager is likely to advance you through the interview process faster if they know someone in their network who recommended you. They will be more ready to converse with you.
They might even overlook a few blunders if a portion of your interview goes poorly. You must still impress them in order to be hired, but if someone speaks highly of you, they may overlook one or two blunders early in the interview.
Let’s look at how to find a job by networking now that you’re hopefully convinced it’s worthwhile…
How to Use Networking to Find a Job
You might not have a large network if you don’t have one, or if you just graduated and are looking for your first job after college.
That’s OK. I’ll lead you through the steps. If you have a large, well-developed network, you can also employ these procedures.
The fundamental idea is to make the best of what you have. It’s acceptable if you have to utilize other ways after that, such as applying directly to organizations, applying on LinkedIn, or job boards.
However, you should begin with whatever network you have.
Including:
- Friends/classmates from school
- Family members
- Family members of good friends
- Former college professors and academic advisors
- Former managers/bosses from any internships or part-time jobs you’ve held
Step 1: Tell People You’re Job Searching
This is a really crucial phase. Inform everyone!
They can’t help you if they don’t know you’re looking for work.
Your network is the easiest way to acquire a job if you talk to a lot of people and spread the news!
You never know who in your network has links to various organizations and industries, so always mention that you’re looking for work whenever you can fit it into a discussion.
Here’s what else you can do after that…
Step 2: Approach Specific People to Get Help Finding a Job
If you’re close to someone (a brother, closest friend, parent, etc.), you can be extremely clear in your request for assistance.
However, the less you know about someone, the less direct and “aggressive” you should be.
Don’t approach someone you haven’t spoken to in two years and ask for immediate assistance. This is NOT a good appearance.
So, what are your options?
Tell them you’re looking for work and ask for assistance or a query. I’ve also seen this work for cold-calling strangers on LinkedIn at companies you’d like to work for.
Example first message:
Hello, Biron.
I noticed you previously worked at Microsoft. Would you suggest their Marketing department? I recently finished with a marketing degree, and Microsoft is one of the top companies on my list, but I usually prefer to ask someone who has real experience with a company what they think of the environment.
Biron would now answer and share his thoughts with you.
After that, you can let the discussion flow for a while before asking for help finding a job or getting an interview.
For example, John may tell you that the marketing group is fantastic and would be ideal for a recent graduate like yourself.
After a few texts back and forth, you could send this:
Thank you very much for your response. I intend to apply. I know a prominent firm like Microsoft must receive a large number of online applications, so I thought I’d ask before sending anything – do you happen to be in touch with any of the recruiting managers or HR folks over there who you might be able to make a casual introduction to?
You’re now asking or implying that you’d prefer an introduction if feasible.
That’s how to naturally transition into a chat with someone you messaged out of the blue, or someone you know but aren’t close to or haven’t talked to in a long time.
Step 3: Repeat the Process
Go through your network and let folks know you’re looking for jobs.
Approach people and ask if they can put you in touch with certain companies. Do your investigation and find out the companies they’ve worked with, etc. Instead of simply asking, “Can you assist me to get a job?”
That’s not nearly as effective as stating, “I noticed you worked at XYZ Company… I was curious if…”
And just keep doing it. If your network is small and you’ve exhausted your contacts, use the scripts I provided above to cold-approach people on LinkedIn. Increase the size of your network!
Will this earn you a job every time? No, I cannot guarantee that. But that’s where I’d begin! Because of the three major reasons outlined at the beginning of the post, it is undoubtedly the quickest approach to finding work.
3 Rules to Follow when Networking to Find a Job:
1. In general, avoid asking for a significant favor from a total stranger or a distant acquaintance right away.
This includes asking for an introduction immediately away, requesting that they look at your resume or curriculum vitae, or emailing them with the attachment. Avoid doing it!
2. Ask questions and make it a real conversation.
Don’t come off as a ‘taker’ who is solely interested in using them.
3. Express gratitude.
As they provide information or responses to your questions, thank them. Show them you value their time by being considerate of it. They have no obligation to you. Gratitude is key.
You are more likely to transgress these rules with someone you are close to.
You may definitely just ask, “Is there someone at Microsoft you could get my résumé in front of to land me an interview,” if it’s a parent or family member?
The same holds true for a former university professor or academic advisor. They ought to be eager to aid in your employment search.
But with other users in your network, that won’t work. So, exercise caution.
Following the aforementioned procedures and concentrating on them at the start of your job hunt can increase your chances of finding a job considerably more quickly and with less fuss.