We all hear that most jobs (75% to 85%, reportedly) are not advertised in the newspaper or posted on web job boards. These invisible jobs are the infamous "hidden job market," and you gain knowledge of the jobs by networking your way into them. As I thought about the importance of networking; not only to obtain employment but as a natural approach and discipline to developing ones career I did some research on how much “self-help” guides, books, seminars, boot camps, online discussion groups an individual can leverage; in fact I could reference 4,951 web sites with just one search effort! Wow... a little overwhelming yet why so much attention?
Many indicate the economy has change the way employers seek talent; others will reference the excessive supply of candidates and the extreme numbers of resumes that are submitted for each job posting. I personally feel the power of human connections/relationships and the development of one’s personal and professional reputation precedes all other credentials: education, work experience, core competencies. How might one assess ones networking ability? It is simple but also requires discipline to maintain; many individuals who are job seekers pick up their networking activities; while those that are truly effective use networking to pull the next career/ personal development opportunity toward them. Strategically they reach out socially as a business colleague, student, mentor, and or a friend not as a job seeker. Networking is about taking action, being a participant, sincerely seeking new contacts and knowledge. Take a look at a website I have attached to assist you with your networking plan.
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