Network, Network, Network

Not all available jobs are advertised. Some estimate that upwards of 85% of open positions are filled through networking. It is important to realise that Grad programmes are not the only show in town. These programmes get heavily marketed, everybody sees them and as a result there is higher competition. We are not saying to ignore these but you should look at a blend of applications. Many jobs are filled through personal contacts rather than advertisements. This is often referred to as the ‘hidden job market’. In order to find out about these opportunities you must do what is called a ‘proactive’ job search as opposed to a ‘reactive’ one. What is a ‘reactive’ job search? This is where your only job search activity is basically online applications. Typically, you ‘click & pray’ firstly you wait for jobs to appear online and react, once you click you must wait for the organisation to react. This is the space most students occupy and where you can expect the most competition. The ‘hidden’ job market is a less busy pond but requires networking on your part. The good news is the chances of success are higher. Networking should not be daunting, it is not only something for extroverts, it is for everyone. You should start with warm leads by using the people that you DO know, or can get to know, for help and advice. By starting with your own contacts and then asking them about their contacts, and so on, you are likely to find someone who can give you advice and direct you further.

A little bit more on Networking…

Who are your contacts?
The starting point of any networking campaign is to identify your contacts.
Brainstorming is a good way to start identifying your networks and contacts. This exercise will help you set up an initial contact list to start your networking. The following is a list of suggested contacts:

1. Friends/Family
2. Relatives
3. Sport club members
4. Neighbours / Community
5. Current / past part-time job contacts & customers
6. UL Alumni that have done my course last year and the year before etc
7. UL Staff & Careers Office
8. My contacts on LinkedIn

Put a simple plan in place
List every last contact you can think of and beside each name in a spreadsheet gather all their contact details in on place and timeline it, setting a reminder on your phone to ask such a person when I am home or training or in my part-time job. Track the progress, literally write down “x said he would check and let me know” you need to loop back and remind “x” so follow up is key so set a reminder for yourself.

Figure out what to say to potential connections

Decide depending on who you are going to speak to what do you want from it?

To make the most effective approaches:

• Do a little research prior to establishing contact. You will make a good impression if they feel you already know something about their work and their company.
• Prepare a list of relevant questions for your discussions so that you know what you want to get out of the conversation. There are some suggestions below.
• Use the telephone or face to face approaches in the first instance. It is more personal and you are more likely to get a response than if you write a letter or send an email.
• Have some ideas on what target job you want or else no one can help you with your job search
• Have an up to date CV to hand at all times that shows clearly what you have to offer.
• Be ready to tell your story in a minute or two
• Always use someone’s name when you are contacting them and state clearly your connection with them when you introduce yourself.
• Outline at the outset the help that you need. Always ask for help and advice rather than a job, in the first instance.
• Have some ideas on what you want workwise or else no one can help you with your job search
• Record the result of each approach and make a note of any further contacts that they offer you.
• Send them a nice thank you message after

On-campus networking Opportunities
There are weekly on campus events during semester advertised by the UL Careers Service through careersconnect.ul.ie , email, social media, campus screens etc.
Review the campus events announcements and schedule in time to attend. Try not to judge a brands value from a distance, just because you never heard of them, go and check them out and then make up your mind.
Say hello or ask a question to the company contact after employer on-campus presentations or at information stands
Consider asking company contacts you meet on campus would it be okay to connect on LinkedIn? Nearly all will say yes.
Attend the UL Careers Fair held annually, it is the largest graduate fair in Ireland and takes place traditionally on the first Thursday in October every year. To make the very most out of it you need to prepare in advance. See our helpful guide (below at the end of this post) on how to prepare for the UL Careers Fair.

Contacts can assist you in the following areas:

• Finding out what a job is really like by telling you about their work or arranging some work shadowing for you in their area.
• Advising you on the skills and qualifications that you will need for particular jobs, and the recruitment processes used.
• Offering you an insight into a particular company and working culture.
• Reviewing your CV and suggesting changes and improvements.
• Recommending other sources of information that will help with your research, including introducing you to other contacts.
• Informing you when any opportunities for work placements or jobs arise at their company.
• Suggesting employment avenues that you may not have considered exploring or even know about.
• Offering general advice based on their personal experience of work.

Good to remember that companies like their employees to refer in potential candidates as the research shows that referrals have higher successful hiring rates. An employee referral is a structured program that companies and organizations use to find talented people by asking their existing employees to recommend candidates from their existing networks. In return, companies offer their employees different types of employee referral rewards such as cash bonuses or gift tokens depending how far their referred CV gets in the selection process.

Being able to develop and use contacts is an important skill that will help you to be successful not only in your search for job opportunities but in all areas of your life.