Building Up Your Contacts List

It is true that who you know could help you when it comes to finding your next role. People often hear about job openings, whether it’s a position at the company where they work or an advertisement they have seen, and pass on the information to family and friends. If you are thinking about your next move, a good starting point therefore would be to consider the contacts you have made over the years.

Your first most obvious contact is your current employer. Depending on the kind of relationship you have, it might be worth sitting down with them to discuss your career plan and future opportunities you would like to explore. They may be able to help steer you in the right direction. You could also talk to any close current or former colleagues about your decision to seek out a different role. They could assist in keeping their ear to the ground for news of any possible vacancies.

Reaching out to a recruitment agency is another good place to start your job search journey. Recruiters and head hunters are often the first to know about any openings in their specific field, so don’t be afraid to drop any local agencies a line. You can then touch base with them on a weekly basis to show your commitment to making your next job move a reality.

Word of mouth is a very powerful tool, and just as your work colleagues might be able to ask around for you, you could also try talking to neighbours, old school friends or members of your sports club. You never know who could be listening or with whom they may be acquainted. The Managing Director of the dream company where you would like to work, perhaps? Just be careful that you mention your work situation in the best possible way i.e. you are looking for new opportunities in the health and beauty sector, or you are itching to move up the career ladder from your entry level role in administration. Try to shed a positive light on your job search, as people will be more inclined to offer you a helping hand if you appear professional, dedicated and enthusiastic.

The type of person that companies want to employ is likely to be sociable, friendly and able to work as part of a team. If you are invited to a job interview, you may be asked to give examples of how you are a team player. At this stage in your job search, it might therefore be worth considering the interests you have that could enhance your CV. If you could benefit from boosting your social life – and, in turn, your job prospects – why not become a member of a tennis club, choral society or drama group? In this way, you will get the opportunity to meet new people, make yourself more interesting to prospective employers, as well as build your confidence. What’s more, you might just happen to meet someone who could become a valuable contact.

Last but by no means least, you cannot underestimate how important it is to have an effective online profile. Do your social media accounts reflect positively on you personally? If not, now would be the time to censor anything unsavoury, as this is the first place any prospective employer will look in order to find out more details about you.

You can network extensively online using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. You could put out a post to say you are looking for your next role in your chosen field and for any of your contacts to get in touch if they know about any openings. Just think how many contacts you already have on your existing social media platforms. It only takes one person to get back to you, and perhaps they hold the key? Plus, be inspired to join groups associated with the industry in which you wish to work, and connect with businesses where you could see yourself working. There is no harm in sending a message to the HR department of one of these businesses (make sure you have the right contact and you are able to address them by name). You can then list your credentials and explain why you would be a suitable candidate for a certain role at that company. If there is no current role available, they will then be able to keep your details on file and contact you should a vacancy arise. Even if they fail to do so, you have lost absolutely nothing!

Networking is definitely the way forward, using your new and existing contacts to help you in your job search, so don’t be shy in talking to people you know or sending a speculative email. You should also make sure you check job sites regularly to ensure you hear about any vacancies before anyone else. Persevere and try not to lose faith. Job searching can often be a soul-destroying task, but if you are serious in securing your next role, you are certain to be successful.