In hope of searching the right job, Jack used different job search sources. He uploaded his resume on job sites. Approached hiring agencies and got his name registered with them. Searched the classified section in newspaper and applied for the relevant jobs. He succeeded in gaining the job through one of the sources. However, within 3 months, he felt the need to switch over to new job. He had to go back to the same sources and start the job search from the beginning. This is when he realized the importance of networking.
Networking has different advantages to the job seekers. It is a cheap, fast and effective process for searching jobs. Networking being a continuous process can come to the job seeker's rescue at any time. The following points will help you understand the importance of networking in job search.
Keeps you Updated
Networking keeps you updated with the current job scenario. It makes you aware of the current trends, requirements, demands, job profiles etc. This knowledge proves handy during your job search. Applicants can include all the key qualities the recruiters are looking out for, within your resume. An updated resume that speaks of the applicant's worth is crucial in job search.
Diverse Networking
Do not restrict your networking to potential employers or business associates. Help can come from any direction. Spread your networking towards friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances and all those you know. This is important to ensure that any information, vital to your job field, should come to your notice.
Continuous Process
Do not start with career networking on the onset of job search. It should be a continuous process. Be in contact with all of your colleagues and friends. Let them know about your improvements in career and upgrades in qualifications as and when it happens. Update them about your achievements to shot the upward rise in your work. This ensures that everybody is informed about the relevant details at the right time in addition to making you a topic of discussion every now and then.
Know the Different Opportunities
Networking helps applicants to know the different upcoming fields and the current opportunities in the job market. Whether it relates to your field or not, being updated with the current job scenario is vital in successful job search. Applicants come to know about the qualities that employers value or disregard. This knowledge is vital in preparing an impressive resume. Moreover, applicants can revise their approach and attitude in accord to employer's expectations.
Two Ways Networking
Networking is never one way. You cannot expect people to assist you in searching jobs all the time. Whenever you learn of a new job opening, update your network with the details. In case, you come across any article that will help job seekers in looking out for better job opportunities (such as resume tips, interview guidelines, effective job search methods, etc), spread the information across your network. This helps to create trust for yourself within your network. Your counterparts are sure to approach you prior to others, incase they find some information relevant to your requirements. This is certainly an advantage in your job search.
Beating the Competition
Job seekers come to know about the level of competition in the job market by way of networking. Networking reveals the magnitude of competition; each candidate has to face for every job. With many applicants eyeing the same job, each would try to prove they are better than the rest. This sense of competition induces the need in every job seeker to improve and sharpen his qualities. An improvement in the career profile helps the applicant in proving his value to his recruiter. Hence, networking plays a role in beating the competition.
Networking is a strong tool in searching right jobs. While being cheap and fast, networking is the most effective in finding the right opportunities. Due to its many advantages, no job seekers can underestimate its importance in job search.