Most plans tend to cover the following areas:
Stage 1: Doing the groundworkResearching, networking, creating a plan, deciding what you want, clarifying your skills and strengths (see Steps 1, 2 and 3 of this book)
Stage 2: Getting ready to applyCreating a CV template, building a portfolio of evidence of competencies (see Step 4)
Stage 3: Preparing for interviewing and other assessmentsPresenting yourself, preparing for typical interview questions and understanding what assessments are likely to be used (see Steps 5 and 6)
Stage 4: Reviewing progress and keeping up to dateReviewing your job search process: what went well, what you could do differently next time, what development is needed
By following a process like this, you’ll put yourself in the best possible position to get that job.
Networking in your job search
It should now be clear that to be successful in job hunting, as in anything, it’s best to seize the initiative, to take control of the job hunting process – and to treat it like a process. Later steps in this book will take this a stage further, when we look at what you want to achieve and why you are the ideal candidate for specific jobs. Identifying the actions required during Step 1 will be easier if you’re aware of how you might find a job to apply for in the first place.
Of course, you may hear about a job through a relative, friend or someone you know. There’s nothing wrong with this – far from it – and your chances of this happening are greatly increased if you widen your circle of contacts. Most of us do this naturally and spontaneously, but we can (and should) also be more targeted and strategic about it. This is called ‘networking’. Think about your reactions to that word. As soon as we make it sound formal, a ‘thing’ we should be doing, it suddenly becomes scary. It’s worth practising and persevering though; a great many people become aware of a potential opportunity through someone they know.
Remember that this is not about getting an unfair advantage over others or being neatly slotted into a vacancy. When we have a good network we simply hear about more opportunities than we would otherwise – and there are more people potentially looking out for us.
Why it works
So, networking is, to put it simply, building our networks. Everybody is at the centre of their own network, a bit like a spider is in the middle of its web, and the further you can spin your web, the more chances you will have of hearing of opportunities that might have otherwise passed you by.
The principle is exactly the same as in selling: a ‘warm’ lead is far more likely to result in success than a ‘cold’ call. The fact that there’s an initial contact or relationship, no matter how small, is what seems to make the difference between a sale and no sale – and when you’re job hunting, you are in effect selling yourself. If we are recommended by someone else, that has a very powerful impact indeed. It’s probably the best possible strategy you can have for standing out from the crowd.
Don’t forget, however, that your network doesn’t end simply with the name on the list. Each name in your network will have their own network, so by implication you are in their network too, if at a stage removed. There are many instances of people hearing about a job through a contact of a contact, so the more people who know who you are, what you’re good at and what you’re looking for, the better your chances.
The good news is that networking is simple. Once you’ve made a list of everyone you know, it’s simply a matter of contacting them. The trick is to be strategic, and to have a plan. Don’t just send out a generic email to everyone on your list and hope for the best. Think about how you would feel if your friends did that. It’s far better to target your communication – to tailor the message to the recipient. Let’s look at this in more detail.
Building your network
The starting point for creating your network is simple, as we said earlier: to list everyone you know. Set yourself a target. If you can get to between 150 and 200 people in your first draft, then you’re well on your way! Don’t worry if it feels like a bit of a ‘stretch’ to include some of the names in your network; you can always prune it later. You may find the following list helpful to get you started:
Family
Friends
Friends of friends
People you have worked with in the past
People you work with now
People your partner knows
Neighbours
People you know from your hobbies or sporting activities
Customers you have had a good experience with
People you know through voluntary work
People who have supplied services to you or your workplace
Old school or university friends
Making contact
When you’ve made your list, the next stage is to contact each person to let them know that you’re looking for the next opportunity to further your career. Some people find it helpful to write out a script in advance of a telephone call; in any event, whatever means of communication you choose, be clear about the following:
How you come to be contacting this person; in other words, how you got their name (unless this is obvious).
A very brief summary of why and how this person may be able to help you. Note, asking them directly for a job is not a good idea; it’s too blunt and may make them feel they have been put on the spot. It’s far better to ask if they know of one, or to ask for any advice they can give as to how to find one, or if they know of someone else who could help.
Your current situation and what, precisely, you’re looking for.
It’s important to bear in mind that if they have no advice to give or haven’t heard of a specific opportunity, this is far from a wasted effort! By contacting them, you have planted a seed that may come to fruition many months down the line, and you have also reminded them of who you are, which makes it more likely that they’ll think of you should a suitable opportunity arise.
Using social media
Many people find using some form of social media helpful in developing and maintaining contacts and networks and becoming alert to job opportunities. In fact, nowadays it’s fair to say that it’s become essential. Like any system, however, it’s only as good as the data you put into it and the particular methods or sites that you use. And remember – it’s only a tool and is only part of the process. Many people fall into the trap of thinking that having a LinkedIn® page (a great idea), and connecting with people on it, is the same thing as networking. Having a presence on sites such as LinkedIn® has several benefits:
They help you keep track of your contacts and of their contact details.
They help you keep up to date with what your contacts are doing.
They