In a job market where 80% or more of professional hires are made through recommendations, it's crucial for everyone to have a network of contacts, especially if you are looking for a new job.
This doesn't mean you should stop updating your profiles on job board websites or exploring techniques and tools to plan your next steps, but you should consider that "contact networks are designed to boost job searches, opening doors to new job positions," as stated by Oscar La Torre, Partner at PwC Peru's business consultancy.*
Because a good portion of vacancies are not advertised, or "the first thing many supervisors do when they need a new staff member is to ask their own employees and acquaintances if they know of anyone reliable and prepared," adds Catalina Reyes, head of the Alumni Unit at Universidad del Pacífico, emphasizing that "you can increase your chances by discussing your job search with friends, relatives, and colleagues, and asking them to introduce you to people at other companies."**
In other words, many of the best offers, and perhaps those you dream of, will first reach the ears of company bosses and employees. Well, that's how far your contact network needs to reach, and you should manage and update it permanently to always be aware of the people and opportunities that can help you find a better job or re-enter the workforce if you are unemployed.
- Talk to everyone who can help you: family, friends, and former colleagues from previous jobs. Ideally, they should be connected to the field of work you are interested in, and make sure to explain your aspirations very clearly to them.
- They will help you build your search strategy thanks to the information they provide, so don't forget to ask for data, advice, and references.
- LinkedIn is a great resource for expanding your network, staying informed, and accessing job offers, so consider it in your strategy.
- Join professional institutions and associations related to your interests, as many organize events and training opportunities, sometimes with discounts.
- Keep detailed records of all the contacts you make.
- Use your resume as a business card and make sure all your contacts have an updated copy.
- Be very grateful to people and send them messages expressing how much you value their help. And never use them solely for your own goals; respect the time they spend with you or invest in supporting you. For this reason, you should also be willing to share information with them.
- Maintain good relationships. Invite your contacts for coffee and a chat. Care about their personal situations; don't just contact them when you're looking for a job.
Your potential contacts are everywhere, and all your acquaintances can guide you to more people. In the Professional Career Planner, you'll find many more tips for finding your contacts and a specially designed framework for mapping your network, with instructions to help you do it in the best way. It also includes examples for creating introduction and thank-you notes that will help you cultivate and grow relationships with your contact network over time.
(*) Info Capital Humano,
¿Es importante la red de contactos para encontrar trabajo? Page consulted on September 30, 2019.
(**) MBA América Economía, Aprende a utilizar la red de contactos para encontrar trabajo. Page consulted on September 30, 2019.
Unsplash (Helena Lopes) and FREED.
