Making a Connection
Most studies find that 60 to 70 percent of jobs are found via networking and not through the normal job posting and application process. In addition, there are a number of jobs that are never posted on web sites or advertised as they are filled directly via networking. So there is no doubt that networking should be a critical component in a job search. Networking can be done through family members, neighbors, work associates, clubs or even strangers that you strike up a conversation with on a plane or at an event. It can be worked into the conversation whether it is just asking for job search advice or directly asking if they know of any open positions in their industry.
As online social networking is quickly rising in popularity, these types of web sites have become an important networking tool. LinkedIn is viewed as the leading professional oriented social networking web site with over 44 million users, but Plaxo with Simply Hired, Jobster, Facebook, Craig’s List and Ecademy are other popular sites. Many employers are using Twitter to promote their openings to find qualified applicants.
Take full advantage of sites like LinkedIn by completing your entire profile. State that you are a job seeker and list your expertise, experience and education. Build your network by finding people you know or are associated with and obtain recommendations from those who know your work. If you find a job opening, search your network and see if you can find help in getting endorsements from others who might have relationships with the job provider.
Join groups that are related to your industry of interest (for example, Microwave Journal started the RF and Microwave Community on LinkedIn) and contribute ideas, news and discussion topics. Monitor and search the jobs section in each group and exchange information with various recruiters in the group and on the site. Other groups such as industry associations, alumni groups, special interest groups, etc. are also valuable in the same way.
Twitter has quickly become a popular social networking tool that is sometimes difficult to understand when it comes to using it for purposes other than just tweating about what you are doing. Again it is important to have a complete profile with a useful link about job qualifications and it is critical to build up a quality group of followers. Choose to follow the companies that would have job openings of interest as they at times will tweat about them. Participate in discussions and even post what kind of job you are interested in obtaining and ask for help in your search.
Be creative and build your brand online. Start a blog in your area of expertise and establish yourself as an experienced person in that area. Create a video resume on Youtube.com. List links to articles or papers you have published or blogs to which you have contributed. Personal and social networking could provide the inside route to your next job.
Pat Hindle
Editor, Microwave Journal
Useful web sites for jobseekers and companies that need qualified applicants:
