Networking Strategies to Land Your Dream Job

Networking is and has always been at the core of the job search. Many times, professionals get job offers based on who they know versus what they know, which is why it's crucial to develop a networking strategy. Take your networking to a new level with innovative practices to tap into the hidden job market and seek out prospective employers to land your dream job.

Make a List of Contacts

Begin your networking efforts by making a list of professionals in the industry you already know. Add former and current colleagues, supervisors and administrators, scour through your address book for friends and family members who work in your field, and pinpoint college professors or instructors who are well-connected within your field. Expand your list by creating a spreadsheet of phone numbers, email addresses, social media profiles and websites for your network so you can easily initiate contact.

Compile a separate list of professionals you would like to meet. For example, you may follow an executive on LinkedIn or Twitter, yet you haven't met in person. Brainstorm people associated with professional organizations who you would like to get to know and who may ultimately be able to help you secure job opportunities.

Broadcast Your Goals

Utilize your existing network to share your career goals. Avoid sending out a mass email to everyone in your contact list, though. Instead, make personal connections with a phone call, a message on social media or an email to reconnect with people in your network. Touch base with these professionals by including information about your job search, your career goals and your eagerness to make an impact in a position you desire. Casually ask your network to let you know of any job opportunities that fit your qualifications. Try to keep the tone light yet professional when initiating contact with your network.

Get Out and About

You can only do so much networking while sitting behind a computer. Ramp up your networking strategy by showing your face in the community. Seek out opportunities to attend job fairs so you can meet potential employers and recruiters. Sign up to attend networking meet and greets sponsored by local businesses and professional organizations. You can also attend chamber of commerce meetings to network with local employers, sign up for workshops and seminars related to your field, and volunteer for nonprofit organizations to make connections.

Job seekers who are sedentary or hide behind a computer lose out on opportunities to share their knowledge and market their skills face-to-face with people who can advance their careers. A chance meeting with a former colleague in the grocery store can turn into a conversation about your career search that may result in a job lead.

Utilize Social Media

Social media platforms shouldn't replace face-to-face interactions with your professional network, but establishing a profile on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook can expand your opportunities. Don't just create a profile and sit back and wait for people to connect with you, though. Manage your social media accounts daily by posting informative articles, linking to your professional website or blog and actively following or friending people you would like to add to your network.

Keep your posts and status updates professional to brand yourself as an expert in the field. Pose questions for your connections and engage in forums and Twitter chats to make a positive impression. As a professional, you have the ability to share insight with others. This practice also opens up the door to ask for advice from your followers while noting that you're searching for your dream job.

Although it can be intimidating to introduce yourself to strangers online or in person, it's necessary during the job search and throughout your career. Create a networking strategy to keep your efforts on course and take advantage of local events and online opportunities to connect with people who may lead you to that job offer.

Photo Courtesy of Naseba Events at Flickr.com

Nancy Anderson • Mar 31, 2016

Thanks for the great comments. @Jacob the goal here is to always be searching - reaching for that next great position to climb higher on the ladder. Everyone does the same thing - including those you are currently working with. Of course, if you are doing your job search and don't want that network of people to know, then it does get a bit more complicated but not impossible. You can still network on places like LinkedIn. Just do a quick check to make sure that those you are networking with are not connected back to a coworker or supervisor if you don't want them to know. In today's job world, most people don't stay for more than 3 years at any one place so it's expected to see you networking for your next gig.

Jacob T. • Mar 31, 2016

Is there a tactful way to seek career growth if you are currently employed through networking? Working with colleagues and supervisors is a great way to network, but if you currently work with them, won't that hinder your ability to put out feelers and broadcast your intentions?

Katharine M. • Mar 30, 2016

My latest networking resolution is never to go anywhere- not even church or the gym- without business cards. I try to remember that networking isn't limited to designated events - it can happen anytime, anywhere, so I'd better be prepared!

Delaney O'Neil • Mar 30, 2016

I have to agree with Catherine regarding social media usage. It's not at all unusual for individuals to embark upon multiple job searches during their careers these days, and networking is an absolutely valid and acceptable way to broaden those searches. As long as you keep your posts professional in tone and content, I don't see any real reason to hamstring yourself by avoiding such an excellent networking resource.

CATHERINE S. • Mar 29, 2016

@Jane I disagree with your comment how not putting your job search on social media. I think the benefits (being offered a job or learning about opportunities) outweigh the potential risks. The key is to always be professional whenever you post anything on the internet, whether it is related to a job search or not. Like you said, everything says on the internet forever.

Duncan Maranga • Mar 29, 2016

@William you can just start off by saying hi, introducing yourself and making it clear that you would really be excited to know more about where they work. If you know their work place, It would still be appropriate to, candidly, let them know that you have great admiration for the company and that you intend to get more information. I thing the whole thing is about being sincere; of course with professional demeanor.

Jacqueline Parks • Mar 28, 2016

I like to add networking tasks to my daily agenda. I am not usually a social person so this helps me stay on track. Sometimes the tasks are small to encourage me to follow through. For example, I might list things like commenting on a former colleague's social media account or looking up a trade organization with events in my area. I also put on larger tasks, such as chatting with a former co-worker online or arranging lunch with an acquaintance in my industry.

Abbey Boyd • Mar 28, 2016

Networking is a tricky task sometimes. Having a large network of well-respected people can do wonders in helping you find a job. I have found that the key to networking is to simply not be shy. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself to someone. Always take advantage of every opportunity you get to meet others in your industry. Get yourself out there. Don't underestimate the importance of knowing the right people!

Shannon Philpott • Mar 27, 2016

Social media has connected me to people in other parts of the country who I never would have met otherwise. In addition, creating a website/portfolio and establishing yourself as a network can often connect you with people in the industry who can aid in your job search.

Jay Bowyer • Mar 27, 2016

I fully agree that broadcasting your goals is the way to go when you want to find a great job. I'd go further still: why not adopt a subtle "broadcasting strategy," so that each time you make a new contact, you leave them with a clear sense of who you are and what you'd like to accomplish?

Jane H. • Mar 26, 2016

I disagree about posting one's job search on social media. Unless one goes to great lengths to take down all mention of the job search later, chasing down all reposts and so on, those messages will live online for years, possibly outliving one's next job. Considering how employers are using social media to find out about applicants and new hires, that kind of post could cause a person to look needlessly vulnerable and possibly reveal personal details that an employer shouldn't know.

Nancy Anderson • Mar 26, 2016

@William there is always something that you and the other person could have in common. Maybe you could open up with something like "this is a really nice place. I have never been here before, have you?" Or even talking about the weather would be an opener. Who knows? The person that you are speaking with could be just as much of an introvert as you.

William Browning • Mar 26, 2016

What are some practical tips for approaching complete strangers? I would say most business professionals already recognize networking as an essential part of going up the career ladder. However, how do I start the conversation without sounding awkward? It's easy to do that when you have something in common with the person (i.e. same university or worked for the same company). How do you "cold call" someone when you have nothing in common except you want to work where he works?

Networking Strategies to Land Your Dream Job

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