JobStreet

Job seekers must take greater initiative to establish human networks in their search for a job. Given an employment market where the supply exceeds the demand for labour, companies tend to pay particular attention to candidates who are recommended by people they know or trust.

Rationally, from companies' point of view, good people often know other good people. It is therefore safer and easier to recruit someone who, by words-of-mouth, is believed to be trustworthy, hardworking and committed to his job.

From job seekers' point of view, good people often know about the good jobs. Hence, it is more likely to find a good job through someone they know. A job seeker who has a better networking skill is more likely to meet his career needs within a shorter period. More importantly, there is expectedly less hassle for him in the entire recruiting process.

A network is a group of social and work acquaintances who know who we are, what we want to do, our personality, potentials, limitations, and even our dreams. In short, a network is anyone who might be in a position to assist us in our job search. Identifying our existing network and establishing contacts with them are effective ways to seek for or maintain a rewarding and meaningful career.

Who are the networks around us? Networks can be found in formal professional organizations as well as informal social groups such as

• immediate family members, e.g. parents, brothers, sisters
• extended family members, e.g. in-laws, cousins, uncles
• parents' friends and associates
• neighbours
• schoolmates/classmates/roommates
• lecturers/teachers/mentors
• co-workers/superiors/subordinates
• people from place of worship
• people having the same hobby
• social club members/friends
• sports team members
• fellow volunteers
• incidental acquaintances, e.g. bus stop companions, car-pool companions, shop attendants

How to approach these network? In order for others to offer a job, or arrange for a job interview, you need to tell them what you wish to achieve and when you are available for the job offer. Here are some simple guidelines:

• Start with people whom you feel comfortable to talk to, someone familiar who is helpful, friendly, resourceful, ready to listen and interested to know about your needs.

• Keep a record of the name, telephone number, e-mail or business address of the people you know who work in your area of interests and talk to them.

• Gradually expand the networking to other related professions to increase the chances of getting a job.

• Spread the news to as many people as possible and let them know you are ready for job interview or willing to start work immediately.

• Do not hesitate to seek help even if you have been retrenched. People understand that you should not be blamed given the current economic situation.

• If you feel uncomfortable to ask for a favour from a person, try asking about the nature of his career, instead of vacancies at his workplace.

• Be tactful when you are asking for relevant job information from someone you have not met. Do not mention about job application during the appointment. Write him a thank you card to remind him of your existence.

• Never mention about salary scale if you have not been offered a job. Let the negotiation take place during job interview, not when you are networking with others.