How People Really Get Jobs
No matter what age you are, finding a job is hard. For every ten applications you send in you might get one response. Yet, even that is not a certainty. So how can you be more effective when job searching? While the majority of job searchers utilize search engines and other, similar methods of job seeking, the majority of those who find jobs find them via networking. Studies have shown that most people in charge of hiring are more inclined to hire people they’ve either talked to themselves or have heard of through people they trust. So how do you get your foot in the door? The most important thing is to talk to EVERYBODY.
Getting in the Habit
You never know who may have something to offer, so make sure to talk to everyone you possibly can about your job search. If you have a specific job in mind, make it clear that that is what you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to mention your qualifications as well. When looking for a job, bragging about yourself is a must. This can be pretty uncomfortable for a lot of people, but coming up with a brief sentence listing some of the qualities you can provide can make a huge difference when trying to get a job. Employers want to hire people who are confident and trustworthy. Make it clear that you are serious about your job search and want to be useful. Even if they’re not currently hiring, the better your impression, the more likely they are to remember you. At the very least, they may know of someone else who is hiring and can provide you with valuable contact information.
Maintain Your Connections
Once you’ve made a connection with someone, maintain it. Even if you do end up finding another job, some of those connections may be able to provide greater opportunities in the future. Additionally, beyond the job search itself, by networking you are making connections that can enrich your life. Even if they can’t offer you a position, they may be able to offer excellent advice and inspire you to develop further attributes that will increase your efficiency and hireability.
Start Early
Even if you’re not currently looking for a job, begin making connections now. Particularly if you’re looking into a specific career field, interacting with people within that field as soon as possible will prepare you for the future. First of all, you’ll be able to get a feel for what to expect within that field, as well as what you want to specialize in if that’s a necessary consideration for you. Second, once you are in a position to enter the field you’ll already have relationships that may provide employment. Take advantage of networking opportunities as early as you can and be confident about it. Even if you’re a bit shaky at first, developing the habit early on will enable you to develop greater skills in networking, providing for better connections later.