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Job Connections. Sometimes It’s WHO You Know

By Perminus Wainaina 

How certain are you that you’ll get the job after you’ve applied? Does knowing someone in an organization help your job search process?

Earlier this week, I received a message on LinkedIn. The message was from Lucy, a customer service professional with two years’ experience. She wrote of how she had been out of the job market for three months.

“I have been applying for jobs, but I never hear back from employers.” Part of the message read.

“What could I be doing wrong when applying for jobs? Or is it all about whom you know? Must I know somebody in a company in order to get hired?” continued the message.

Lucy’s message struck me. And I know it’s not just Lucy, you too might be asking yourself these questions.

On several occasions, I have been asked the question of ‘does who you know matter when you’re looking for a job?’

There’s an old saying that goes, ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know.’

I have found this saying to be true when it comes to the job search process.

Quick Read>>> 6 Signs That Your Career Has Stagnated

There’s a myth that some professionals believe, that when you have the right skills and experience, then you will automatically get the job.

However, remember the job market is highly saturated. According to statistics, there are over 1.7 million people who are actively looking for a job. There are also millions of others who although they are employed, they are also looking for better jobs and will apply for a lucrative position when they get the chance. They are referred to as ‘passive job seekers.’

When interacting with employers, many have admitted that they get thousands of applications when they advertise a position. The case is the same for the latest jobs we advertise at Corporate Staffing Services.

A few months back, an employer approached us to shortlist for positions they had advertised. They had a total of seven positions, but they had received a close to twenty thousand applications. In such a case, your experience alone will not help you since there are thousands of others who are equally qualified or even better fitted.

Simply put, you need to find the right people through networking.

Unfortunately, many professionals go for knowing one particular person e.g. a recruiter or hiring manager.

When I say you need to know someone, I mean you need to network with other professionals and job seekers.

You might overlook the power of networking, but when you investigate further, you’ll notice it accounts for a large part of job seekers who end up being employed.

Also Read>>> 3 Fears Keeping You From Advancing In Your Career

Before most companies advertise their positions on newspapers and other advertising avenues, they first circulate the positions within the company. If an employee knows you or knows you’re looking for a job, they’ll ask you to send your application or they’ll recommend you for the position. Only when this fails do most companies choose to externally advertise the positions.

How then, do you find networking avenues? And how are you supposed to network?

How To Network Effectively.

As we have seen, networking is important, whether you’re looking for a job or seeking to advance in your career. But how do you become a pro at networking? These tips will help.

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1. Know your networking style

When it comes to networking, we all have different styles that work best for us.

For example, Peter, an accountant was looking for networking opportunities. Being an introvert, he preferred small and quiet networking events. This way, he could interact with someone on a one-on-one basis.

For Peter, he would have felt uncomfortable if he went to a large networking event, and the spotlight was on him.

If you’re unsure about what style works for you, you can try a few and find the one that you’re most comfortable with.

2. Network outside the box

Most professions I have interacted with view networking as the traditional cocktail party. However, networking is more extensive and broad.

Ideally, any event that fascinates you or matters to you –in regards to your job search or career advancement, can be turned into a networking opportunity.

When you meet up with other alumni, for example, you can turn this into a networking opportunity.

Volunteering too is an excellent form of networking. You get to show your value, learn about different opportunities, and give back while at it.

3. Set your networking goals

In networking, your ultimate goal should be either to get a job or to advance in your career. While working towards this grand objective, you can break down the goals for each networking opportunity.

For instance, if you’re attending a networking event, you can have a goal to network with three people from your industry, and exchange contact information. When you walk into a networking opportunity with a goal, you’ll be able to assess how effective the process was.

4. Follow up

It’s a simple task, yet, many professionals and job seekers do not follow through with this tip.

The time you invested making new networks will not materialize until you choose to follow up afterward. While you may not send a long, heartfelt message after meeting someone, you should at least reach out to them.

Today, you can connect with them on LinkedIn –which you can then include a personalized message so they easily remember you.

When you follow up, the other person will remember you, and when a position opens up, they’ll let you know about it first.

5. Be proactive

Look for opportunities to provide value in the people you have networked with. The more you invest in a relationship, the easier it will be to ask for help when you need it.

You can be proactive in many ways, some of which will not cost you time or money but will still help strengthen the relationship. For example, you can introduce the new network to a colleague who you think could help the new network in one way or another.

At the end of the day, remember that relationships are very important in the workplace. When you have a great relationship with someone, they’ll be more open to telling you about an opportunity that will help you grow your career or get the job you’ve always desired. As a result, you should always invest in the relationships you gain through networking.

What other networking methods have you found effective? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.

Perminus Wainaina is the C.E.O and Managing Partner at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading HR & Recruitment consultancy firm based in Westlands. Through personalized career coaching he assists mid-level and senior professionals get solutions to complex and challenging career issues that they are facing. Click here for more on career coaching.

41 Comments

  1. Hello Samuel,

    Yes, you’re right. Companies do advertise their positions digitally, but before that, they usually circulate the positions internally.

    In regards to job search, kindly have a look at the following;
    1. Are you applying for jobs you’re qualified at? Sometimes we miss out on opportunities for applying to the wrong jobs.
    2. Does your CV do you justice? Your CV should be professional, and outrightly show your skills, experience, and qualifications.
    3. When do you apply for jobs? Always be the early bird, don’t wait until the last minute to apply for a job.

  2. Thank you, Levis.
    Getting a job can be difficult today.
    However, there are a couple of factors to consider.
    1. Does your CV do you justice? Your CV should be professional, and outrightly show your skills, experience, and qualifications.
    2. When do you apply for jobs? Always be the early bird, don’t wait until the last minute to apply for a job.

  5. Hello Moses,
    Sorry about the harassment. Have you tried to see if there’s an underlying cause for the harassment? For instance, some managers can get insecure if they feel threatened.
    Looking at the underlying cause does often offer a solution.
    That being said, also remember your mental health and overall wellbeing are important for you to be productive and successful in your career.
    Yes, you can register your CV details with us and we’ll be sending you regular job alerts and career advice.

  7. I liked the idea of networking, could you really assist me secure an opportunity that best suit my qualifications. Currently I am a Diploma holder in Business (Human Resource option) I have applied for positions that suits my qualifications but no feedback is received With over three years experience currently volunteering at an institution. Kindly assist me.

  8. lot of thanks to you corporate staffing it has always been apleasure to read your posts.actually,i am growing daily stronger on tips regarding job hunt and more skills.
    congrats

  9. Please help me get a job or consultancy or clients for my accounting and auditing firm.

  12. Hello Gereson,
    Your story paints the picture on the actual situation. Thank you for sharing the practical story.

  13. You’re right Vivian.
    However, remember what the article says “any event that fascinates you or matters to you –in regards to your job search or career advancement, can be turned into a networking opportunity.”

  15. Hello Kevin,
    Getting a job can be difficult today. However, there are a few factors to consider.
    1. Are you applying for jobs you’re qualified at? Sometimes we miss out on opportunities for applying to the wrong jobs.
    2. Does your CV do you justice? Your CV should be professional, and outrightly show your skills, experience, and qualifications.
    3. When do you apply for jobs? Always be the early bird, don’t wait until the last minute to apply for a job.

  22. Hello Leonard, thanks a lot.
    I can understand your frustration. Looking for a job can get frustrating.
    Kindly register your CV details on the website to receive regular job alerts. Also, keep checking the website for updated job advertisements.

  25. Am a professional accountant with five years experience, currently am facing harresement from my newly manager to an extend even abusive words,i want to register with you for job opportunity in future cause this unnecessary pressure is affecting me.
    I will be grateful for any advice and assistance.

  27. Hello.Am a key followers of corporate staffing and I continually apply various jobs posted on your site but unfortunately neither have I been shortlisted nor get a feedback.Is corporate staffing one of the network I need toliaise with for me secure a position?In addition due to the growth in technology,many companies opt to do digital marketing for their job.

  28. Networking can also be done by subscribing to professional,social or religious organizations that hold regular members meetings to deliberate on diverse issues e.g Institute of certified public accountants,Institute of human resource management, Kenya red cross society, Bible society of Kenya among others. In addition, one’s patience and consistency in job search is paramount. Thank you.

  29. True knowing someone adds an edge…
    Two years ago I was shortlisted for a CEO job,we went through a rigorous interview process ; ten became three then three became two. By any standards I felt that I was the stronger candidate, but my worthy competitor had a backing of someone who knew someone. I lost …He is the CEO.
    Nevertheless; to get an opportunity one has to cast the net wider-networking holds the key to not only getting a chance at the table but securing a Job.

  30. They say:we need human connection to step out in life.Networking is part of this .Unfortunatly networking works best in the city than upcountry.

  31. Thank you continued education on career knowledge.I Must say it has been of great help.Am requesting an article on how to deal with burnout and lack of respect between the managers and employees as an hr professional.

  32. Hello Mr. Perminus,
    I am a job seeker and i am finding it increasingly hard to get a job.
    can you help please.

  34. What a way to start the Month.Nutritious and delicious piece ,Perminus.

    Improving and introducing a new or existing business idea,worked for me.Being a resource if you may.

  35. Many thanks for the advice.From this I believe I’ll sharpen up my job search skills

  36. True: Networking with the right group of people and regularly investing some time in them will boost your network capacity.

  39. I really like the idea of networking. Could you please assist me to get a job that suits my qualifications. Currently I have a diploma in businesses management and I’ve been applying for jobs for a period of 4 months now. And so far I’ve not got a job. Kindly assist me.

  41. Great insights.Thank you for the tips.I believe alit of people appreciate and resonate with this.Kudos!

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