Perhaps you’ve been applying for many jobs lately, but to no avail. In today’s competitive job market, as many as 250 other people could be applying for the same job as you. While this may seem discouraging, there is an easy way to improve your chances by 20-50x: A referral by an employee at the company you’re applying for. How can you get referred by an employee? The answer is by networking.
According to a HubSpot survey, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. Research has shown that 70% of people were hired by a company where they already had a connection. There are many different types of connections, and different people will be helpful at different points in your career. Let’s explore who will be most helpful when.
Entry- level
When you first start your career, you won’t have any past co-workers or bosses. This is why personal connections are the most important at this stage. People such as your family, friends, or alums at your school can help immensely. Since these people already know you on a personal level, they can vouch for your personality and work ethic.
Mid-Career
At this point, you have some co-workers and a boss or two that you know well. These people can all testify to your abilities, skills, and experience. You probably now have more of a sense of what job you want and who you want to be in the future. The people at your current company can all help with that. Furthermore, you still have your previous connections. If you want to switch job fields, for example, you can find an alum from your school who also works in that job field.
Leadership position
You now know a plethora of people, either from the same company or many different companies. Additionally, you’ve led a team or managed many different people at this point in your career. The people you’ve led can vouch for your leadership skills, strengths, and responsibility.
As you can see, there are many different types of connections that can be useful throughout your career. However, there is one type of connection that is actually the most beneficial, no matter what point of your career you’re at. This type of connection is called a “weak tie.”
What is a weak tie?
A weak tie is someone who you don’t know too well. You may be acquaintances and have a couple of mutual connections. While many assume that close friends, who know your personality well, are the best person to put in a good word for you, a 1973 study conducted by Mark S. Grandovetter found that many people actually get jobs through someone they hadn’t known before they started looking for a new position.
Why are weak ties so helpful?
Often, your close friends are in similar job fields or have similar interests to you. You all have the same connections and opportunities. However, your weak ties have a whole different circle and know people in many different industries. This means they can provide access to opportunities and information that you and your close friends might not be aware of.
What does this mean?
The weak tie that secures you a job can be anyone. Maybe it’s the mutual friend you have to make awkward small talk with when you’re out with friends, or maybe it’s the person behind you in line at the grocery store. Strike up a conversation and see where it leads you. Even if that person can’t offer you a new job opportunity, you may find that they have wise advice or industry knowledge up their sleeve. And who knows, you just may be their weak tie who secures them a job.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!