4 Networking Tips for a More Efficient Job Search

Networking is a crucial part of your job search. The Internet has created more ways to find employment, which also means more competition. Leveraging the power of networking will increase your chances of standing out. Here are four tips to expand your network and make your job search more efficient.

1. Hone Your Elevator Pitch

One of the most important networking strategies you can develop is the elevator pitch. Think of it as a 15 to 30-second opportunity to sell yourself. According to an article on Forbes, your pitch “should be so vivid and concise it could be delivered in the space of an elevator ride.”

Discuss your attributes as actions, not skills. Remember, you have a very short time to make a valuable contact so use it well.

2. Establish a Presence On LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a known platform for establishing a professional presence on the Internet. In an article titled “How to Use LinkedIn Search to Find Sales Leads, Hire Top Candidates and Hunt Dream Jobs”, Joe Stych refers to LinkedIn as an “under-valued social network,” pointing out how easy it is to search for and access information on its members.

LinkedIn also has advanced search features that influence career networking with industry professionals, which increases your chances of getting noticed. If you haven’t already set up your LinkedIn page, you’ll want to place doing so high on your priority list.

3. Attend Job Fairs

Job fairs provide many great networking opportunities by bringing employers and job seekers together in one place. This is a great way to make contacts in-person, share your resume, and learn about possible opportunities. Visit United Career Fairs to learn about events in your area.

4. Follow-Up

Networking is all about building relationships so following up is essential to your employment success. Keep in touch with your contacts by offering assistance when possible. This will go a long way toward establishing your reliability, and may even get you that much coveted interview.

While using social media or the phone can work in many situations, be sure to also network in-person. According to an article in The Guardian, “for the majority who are networking, face-to-face rather than virtual networking still comes out on top.” This helps establish trust and shows your willingness to go the extra mile.

Finding a job isn’t easy, but follow these four tips to build a stronger network and landing your dream job will get a whole lot easier.