An overwhelming majority of job seekers get hired through networking. Building your professional network is critical to helping you achieve your job search goals.
Research local and national events hosted by professional or alumni organizations, or other groups in your profession or industry. Whether attendance is on-site or virtual, remember that first impressions are lasting ones. Dress professionally, bring your updated resume and digital business cards. Don’t limit your participation to just showing up for events – take an active role by volunteering for a committee or seeking an active position on their board or panel.
You should also reach out to new contacts on LinkedIn and ask trusted colleagues, mentors and friends for their recommendations. Be strategic and genuine when you request to make a connection. And continue to nurture ties with the professional contacts you already have. It’s well worth the effort to build long-lasting relationships that can help you throughout your career. With the constant changes across industries in Canada, you never know when a connection or collaboration could come in handy.
Nearly all potential employers will review your LinkedIn profile to get a better idea of your professional experience and career goals (refer to job search tip #1). Hiring managers and recruiters also look at your social media to find out more about who you are as a person. Consider how you present yourself on social media and online forums.
You may need to do some digital housekeeping to remove anything unprofessional from your posts. Make sure all your information is current and accurate and presents you in the best possible light. If there’s anything you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see — photos from a vacation or your unfiltered thoughts about a politician or a sports team’s poor performance, for example — review your privacy settings. This is especially important for recent graduates or job seekers who are just starting their professional careers.
