Networking techniques?? (To find Job)

[simonvee]

Hi everyone,

I heard that the majority of the job market is hidden, thus networking, apparently is the best way to search for jobs.
Aside from the commonsensical methodology of asking friends and relatives....'Do you know of any jobs available? If so, can you introduce me to one?', is there other ways to network? Does anybody have any ideas? E.g. internet, social fairs etc

Thanks in advance,

 

[Canadian Career Coach]

You're correct about networking. In North America approx. 80% of jobs are unadvertised (or hidden). They are not posted online, or recruiters. This percentage varies slightly with the industry, but almost all job search books will give you this approx number.

What has become increasingly popular is the way recruiters are using sites like LinkedIn.com. The best professional networking site used in North America (Xing is used alot in Europe) recruiters are using this site to both post opportunities and to search for candidates.

You must have a professional on-line presence these days, and many company HR people and recruiters/agencies will search on LinkedIn. They also use this tool to do quiet reference checks on people that have been recommended to see 'what's out there' on you.

CareerFairs often have poor-moderate results, but you should still go to one to experience the pro's and con's. Many often have more agencies there vs companies.

Be specific with your personal network, if your network doesn't live in your target job market, never assume they don't know people in other countries. A huge mistake most people make.

Send out specific updates to certain groups of contacts asking for specific things eg) Does anyone know any contacts in the IT field in Toronto.

check out this for more information: http://careego.com/CareerResources/ImmigrationJobSearch/JobSearchStrategies/tabid/325/language/en-CA/Default.aspx